Seven Mile Creek Hike

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Seven Mile Creek Count Park is a popular day-use area in Nicollet County. The trails are lovely in the fall as there are many different kinds of deciduous trees in this park, but also in the spring when everything is green and the woodland flowers start to bloom. In winter, many areas can be snowshoed, but consideration should always be taken. Generally, the trails on either side of the creek would be good snowshoeing, but the trails on the hillsides might be tricky.

This hike features sections of several of the woodland trails, many of which wind along both sides of Seven Mile Creek. The trail takes you along the creek, up into the hillsides, through ravine areas, across bridges and along the edge of some open field areas. This trail includes a loop where there is a lookout area with a bench for resting. There are some very steep ravine areas this trail also crosses.

When it has been raining or if the ground is very wet or icy in the winter, parts of this trail can become extremely difficult. Some of these trails also allow horse riding and some spots can sometimes get very muddy and rutted. Good, waterproof or resistant boots are highly recommended for using these trails in wet conditions. As always, it is a good idea to check recent weather conditions before hiking in this park.

Trilliums, dutchman's breeches, black-eyed susans, milweeds, trout lilies and wild ramps are some of the flowering plants you may see here. The park is home to many species of birds including woodpeckers, songbirds, owls, hawks and eagles. More often than not, you'll see or hear something. Sometimes deer can be spotted and evidence of raccoon, possum, and fox can be found near the creek. There has even been a non-confirmed sighting of black bear.