Willow Falls and Nelson Farm Trail Loop is a 6.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hudson, Wisconsin that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
camping
cross country skiing
fishing
hiking
paddle sports
rock climbing
trail running
walking
beach
forest
lake
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
Nelson Farm trail is a point to point trail in Willow River State Park. This trail is demanding in some parts with hills that are fairly steep. It is on the North side of Willow River and goes from near the waterfalls to the Bridge on the West side of the park. A wide graveled trail that is well maintained.
First off, $13 parking fee. The park was under-construction so there were areas of the trail that were inaccessible. The landscape was gorgeous. Didn’t make it to the falls but it seemed busy coming from that direction.
Felt like more of a walk than a hike. Either super sunny or all shade and bugs. Some steep hills which is a good challenge but since it’s all graded felt more like a walk than a hike. The falls were great to see though but PACKED with people swimming and lounging. I’d suggest a weekday.
There are a few steep hills but nothing crazy. Mostly out in the open, not a lot of shade and no water sources. Also the drawdown of the lake doesn’t leave you with great water views. But still a good hike.
Great year round!
If you go early in the morning on a weekday, it's very empty and peaceful. The later you go in the day, the more heavy traffic you will see. The waterfall is worth the walk. Beware of snakes, especially if you have little ones walking with you.
LOVE the waterfall and the scenic view points are great, especially the one at the top of the staircase. Easily a favorite and have visited many times.
5.8 mile hike. Well maintained trails. Excellent waterfall.
Took the clockwise 6 mile route from the nature center with our 9 year old and our dog. The route had nice undulations with a couple of steeper ups and downs (with some loose gravel so we had to be careful going down). The falls were a real treat towards the end of the hike. The nature center area has a play area, picnic pavilion and bathrooms. .
Around this time of year (August) the weather gets kinda muggy and the weather is suitable for swimming. Lots and lots of people flood the waterfall and enjoy it's cool flowing water. Not very many people hike the trails so if you're into exploring it's the perfect time. The trails are well maintained. Definitely bring bug repellent while hiking little to no traffic hiking trails during low light periods.
Beautiful views. Wide trail, water fall views worth the trip.
Wonder day hike. Beautiful falls. Many trails at different levels.
Did the entire loop. Well marked nicely maintained trails, waterfall was filled with waders on this 90 degree Sunday. Didn't see anyone on the west trails. Short steep inclines gives you a bit of a workout. Overall easy (walk) hike.
Overall the trails were kept up and nice to walk on. Lots of small steep hills that are challenging. Not a ton of variety in terms of views on the trails, but it was a nice long hike. It's too bad the lake is no longer there. Pretty populated area with lots of great energy.
The Nelson Farm trail starts off very flat through beautiful plains. The hills are what I would call severe, not moderate, so be careful on that. The falls are beautiful but FULL of kids so it's not a relaxing experience. We saw many snakes and even a rattler so watch the ground
Fun hike with the family.
well kept..beautiful waterfall
Nice long walk out to cool refreshing falls, the day we went was a time crunch and we only walked to the falls and back. Definitely want to go back and do more! It can be crowded in the summer months when lots of people are camping but the trails are wide and spacious for everyone to walk.
It was very crowded in the summer time, however the trails that lead above the falls are much more private and calm. Overall beautiful park, definitely will come back!
good trail run. steep hills. great vistas
Worth the trip from the twin cities. Great area for picnicking. Tons of space. The falls area had a lot of people but it didn't feel crowded. Even on a perfect Saturday afternoon. The trail itself did have a lot of people on it so if you're looking for peace and quiet, this may not be a guest pick for that. The falls were awesome. We'd definitely go back!
For what's around this area, this is a nice trail and the falls are nice but I wish the trail was a bit more natural and rugged instead of feeling like a city trail due to the paved sections and overly manicured trail.
Flat and wide most of the way. My mom and I parked at the nature center and walked clockwise. I'd recommend walking this way, only because it was so nice to have a cold waterfall to swim in towards the end of your hike. Bring your bathing suit! Wild flowers are great and lots of wildlife! We loved this walk!
Loved the trails here! Can't wait to come back and try more!
Super fun!! Kids had a blast playing behind the falls.
pretty amazing sight!
Gorgeous falls and stroller friendly paths. Camping sites were rustic and pretty.
This is a good trail if you're looking for the exercise, and it does complete the loop with the other willow falls trails, but there's not much for scenery besides one overlook of the river flood plains. The trail itself has several steep hills and is mostly gravel and dirt.
Mostly paved path on the east side of the trail, but on the west side you see more dirt and gravel. The falls are gorgeous, but I recommend going early in the morning before its swarming with people. There's also a few small caves along the river if you dare to climb along the banks. It's a nice trail, but the falls are really the only point of interest.
Anne B.
Love the breathtaking peacefulness of the falls...