Whitewater State Park Dakota Trails Loop is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Altura, Minnesota that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The blufflands of southeastern Minnesota are are well represented by Whitewater State Park with its dolomite cliffs, trout streams, and hardwood forests.
April 11, 2021One of our favs. Lots of up and down along with great views.
April 3, 20214/2/21 Trail was almost completely dry. no snow or ice. Awesome loop. Strenuous with tons of incline, lots of stairs. Proper footwear is a must. Narrow trail for 90% of it. Not a trail I'd personally bring a dog on. no cell service. Download the map ahead of time or stop at the visitor center and use their wifi/grab a paper map.
April 2, 2021Beautiful vistas and a really good workout. As of April 2, 2021, trail was dry without any obstructions I still do recommend hiking boots or excellent trail shoes only. You'll need good traction on some of the steep descents. This trail entails a significant amount of climbing compared to most hiking trails in MN. If you are interested in a leisurely stroll, this isn't your hike. There are other nice hikes in the park however, so check out the visitors center first to see what other options there are. Whitewater State Park is really pretty and has a lot of other hiking opportunities.
March 29, 2021Did this trail on March 28th, minimal mud and definitely doable. Beautiful views, definitely a rigorous hike up and down the bluffs, not for the faint of heart!
March 13, 2021This is a great trail later in spring and summer. It’s really muddy and torn up in lots of places in mid March 2021.
February 25, 2021Beautiful trails. Lots of elevation gains, so you’ll definitely get a workout. Would highly recommend yaktrax or some type of traction cleats in the winter, as there are a lot of slick spots up and down the bluffs. Favorite parts: Inspiration Point and the Trout Run Creek Self-Guided Trail.
February 25, 2021Conditions were packed and slippery snow, especially on the ascent to inspiration point at the south part of our loop. Yaktrax and poles were helpful. Saw a trout fisherman at the bridge near the swimming pond. FYI Hwy 74 south of the picnic parking lot is closed and only the north entrance was open.
February 25, 2021Best hike in the whitewater valley.
January 18, 2021January 9, 2021Fantastic views, but you certainly have to work for it. From the valley floor to the bluffs four times. Fairly icy out there. Be careful.
January 3, 2021I love a hike on a clear, crisp winter morning! Sugar-frosted trees made the park a winter wonderland in early January 2021.
January 1, 2021December 20, 2020Trail is in great condition near the end of December. Get out there while you can!
December 13, 2020December 2, 2020November 28, 2020It’s a little slick out there. Be careful!
November 15, 2020November 13, 2020November 8, 2020November 8, 2020Great hiking with beautiful views! A great variety from steep climbs to easier meadows and plenty of river views.
October 31, 2020Gorgeous fall day for a hike! Get out there while you can. This may be our last hike of 2020. We’ve hiked this trail a dozen times this season and have seen so many new faces out there. I hope people continue to enjoy the great outdoors this winter and beyond. Happy trails!
October 27, 2020October 27, 2020October 16, 2020Awesome Fall hike!
