Hike North and South Overlooks at Great River Bluffs State Park

Rating	★★★★☆(4/5)
Overall Difficulty	Easy
Navigation Difficulty	Easy
Distance	0.75 miles roundtrip
Time	30 minutes
Terrain	A few hills
Best Seasons	All
Family Friendly	Yes
Dog Friendly	Yes
Accessible	No

Highlights

Stunning views from two overlooks
Easy hike with big rewards

Hike Summary

Possibly the easiest hike in the park, this quick walk on two short trails to the North and South Overlooks of the Mississippi River bluffs rewards you with the best views in southern Minnesota. Though the hike won't occupy much of your time, it's a memorable spot to visit adjacent to picnic grounds, making this a great place to spend a nice afternoon.

The Y-shaped trail starts by passing the picnic area. At the intersection ahead, you can choose to go left towards the North Overlook or right towards the South Overlook. You'll walk by a more secluded picnic spot, then you'll soon reach the overlook with the grand view pictured below. The spectacular bluff-lined river scene in front of you is typical of the southeastern edge of Minnesota and the Driftless Area, an area of the Midwest that escaped the flattening effects of glaciers in the last ice age.

The view from the North Overlook

From the North Overlook, head back the way you came, then veer left to continue to the South Overlook -- you don't have to go all the way back to the first intersection since there's a trail connecting the two overlooks to save you a few steps. After a minimal amount of downhill, you'll end at the South Overlook with two unique views. On the southern end of the platform, you can see the densely forested bluffs lining the valley, as pictured below, making this an ideal place to visit for fall colors. On the eastern edge, you'll have another view of the Mississippi River, as shown in the second picture below.

Looking into the valley from the South Overlook

The river view from the South Overlook

This fast hike certainly packs a scenic punch! Connect with me using the social media links below and share your adventures!

Important Information

Dogs are allowed on leash. With a short distance, beautiful views, and picnic facilities at the trailhead, this is a great hike for families. You can hike this trail in any season, including winter; fall colors here are particularly amazing thanks to the topography and overlooks here and throughout the park. I visited on a Monday and saw a few people, so I would expect to see many more especially because the park is only an hour from Rochester and 2 and a half hours from the Twin Cities.

Directions

From the Twin Cities, take U.S. Highway 52 south towards Rochester. Take the exit for Interstate 90 heading east towards La Crosse. Take the exit for County Highway 12, turn left, then turn right on County Highway 3. Turn right on Kipp Drive and continue into the park. Pay the entrance fee, then continue straight. Drive until there is a fork in the road, then turn left, following the signs for the picnic grounds.

Google Maps Directions