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A loop hike to Chimney Rock; a unique geological feature, with views out over the valley.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.2

KM

Lollipop

1,037' 316 m

High

820' 250 m

Low

220' 67 m

Up

221' 67 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

The park is open daily from 8 AM until 10 PM. A daily ($7/day) or annual ($35/year) vehicle permit is required to park anywhere within the park. Do not attempt this hike in the winter months unless you are properly equipped for travel on snow and ice.

Need to Know

This hike is shown starting along Highway 74 and going to Intersection T (see park map). This interaction can also be reached from the main campground, the group campgrounds, or the Nature Center parking lot.

Description

If done counter-clockwise from Intersection T (see park map), this loop immediately starts by going steeply up 100+ stairs before the trail becomes a rocky, dirt singletrack following the ridge crest. Fortunately, this only lasts for 0.3 mi before you arrive at Chimney Rock, a free-standing pillar of St. Peter sandstone with a weather resistant cap and a keyhole through its base. There are also points along the trail that allow for decent views out over the valley.

The clockwise return on the loop is similarly steep with stairs - so either way you go, you're going to gain 300 ft in 0.3 mi.

Contacts

Shared By:

BK Hope

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  4.0 from 1 vote

#20284

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#215

in Minnesota

#20,284

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Photos

Chimney Rock.
Aug 28, 2022 near Saint C…, MN
The keyhole in the base of Chimney Rock.
Aug 28, 2022 near Saint C…, MN
Starting up the stairs from the Y.
Aug 28, 2022 near Saint C…, MN

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Aug 23, 2022
BK Hope
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