Such a pretty hidden nature spot and honestly worth wandering around. The waterfall itself is really cool, but what I loved most was exploring all the little details around it--flowers growing by the creek, dripping mossy rock walls, interesting trees, and just the peaceful feeling of being tucked away in the woods. We definitely climbed around and explored more than expected The waterfall is beautiful from different angles, and if you like taking photos, there are a lot of fun spots and textures to capture. Depending on the time of day, the sun makes the water sparkle which looked really pretty. It felt peaceful, relaxing, and like a nice little escape without needing some huge hike. Definitely bring decent shoes if you plan to explore near the water or rocks because it can get slippery. Would absolutely recommend if you enjoy nature, photography, or just finding quiet pretty places. read more

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An effortless walk through the Big Woods! If you're looking for a nature fix without an intense workout, this is the spot. The trails are well-maintained and marked, making for an incredibly easy, seamless hike--so much so that you don't really need a map to figure out where you're going. The old-growth forest canopy is gorgeous, and keeping an eye out for all the cool wild mushrooms along the trail made the walk even more fun :) read more

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This park is best seen in the spring if spotting wildflowers is on your bucket list. It's heavily forested park, about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, just north of Fairbault. The Hidden Falls waterfall is a short, easy 1/2 mile hike. The park is also home to the endangered Dwarf Trout Lily. It's a memorable day trip, and worth seeking out. read more

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I love checking out new parks. The walk to the falls was not long at all. It was a little breezy that day but it was beautiful to see. There were parts that were uneven and had rocks but it wasn't too bad at all. They had a small park for kids and camping area for those looking to camp. read more

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We finally made our way to this state park after a couple of years of trying (then canceling due to weather in our area). The Hidden Falls are a short hike/walk from the campsites (0.3 miles one way and 0.6 the other). The biggest reason I gave this a 4 star instead of a 5 was due to the treacherous conditions on the 0.3 mile portion. It was steep and filled in with uneven rocks that slid under our feet. We appreciated that the location is convenient being so close to the cities. read more

Loved this park! Visited in May and just missed the rare trout lily wildflowers. Saw a bunch of others though! Hiking trails are well marked! You don't need a map or app to find your way. The woods really do feel big. There isn't much of an understory. Just a giant canopy which feels so different! The creek that goes through the park was walkable in shorts. Great way to explore! The falls were pretty! read more

The trails were very well maintained. A couple big hills but overall very easy to walk. We did Beaver, Fawn and Hope Trails which was about 5+ miles. Hidden Falls was well... hiding. Our dry summer left it as barely a trickle over the rocks. Still beautiful. We visited in early Sep and leaves were still very green with just a hint of color just starting. Very wooden and secluded setting. Loved it. read more

If you want to really learn about trees and forests you may want to head to Nerstrand Big Woods or just walk, sit, listen and enjoy the surroundings. As is typical of Minnesota State Parks there is a large number of camp sites with complete shower facilities, a nearby playground, picnic areas. Miles and miles of trails well signed and color coded to help avoid getting lost in the woods. This is a quiet area and of course well maintained park located where the south begins for Minnesota sort of S.E of Faribault in rich farm land. read more

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Always searching for new places to go that is not too far, we can take our son and the pups for a nice hike and some nice scenery. This place is nice with a little playground right when you walk in. The waterfall was not flowing that much when we were there, but it was still nice to hike to and it was a different spot from where we usually go and not too far from the cities. Would venture back. read more

Big Woods once covered 3000 square miles of southern MN! Now there are parts of the Big Woods that are preserved in a state park. This state park does not disappoint. We like to take the short walk to the waterfall to sit and relax a while before we pick a trail to hike. There are maps and signs to direct us throughout the park. Along the trails there are signs that teach the park visitors about the flora, fauna and how nature created this great park. We have been here twice and we will be back. read more

Have a great time in a beautiful park. Many paths and options for difficulty. Get your park pass and check it out!

This campground most ideal for families. The camp grounds and facilities were clean. We were a bit close to our neighbors, but the trees surrounding us added more privacy. Only speaking towards campsite 28. The others seem to vary. The hiking trails were easy to navigate and Hidden Falls was pretty neat. read more

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This is such a peaceful place to go hiking! We went the day before Thanksgiving and were basically the only ones on the trail. It was such a welcome escape from being locked down in the city for the last 8 months. And, of the few state parks I've gone "hiking" at in the TC area, this was the only one that had somewhat of an incline, which made me happy. I love the little waterfall and that you can basically stand directly on top of it. Great for kids (and some cute instagram photos). The trails are super clearly marked, and well connected so you can customize your walk to the length you want. Aside from the little waterfall, we didn't happen to catch any amazing views, mostly just wooded/forest. It is a little weird walking through the campgrounds though. We realized on our way back that there was an alternate route so that you don't have to go walk past people camping (this wasn't an issue in November). Also, their bathrooms are closed (maybe because of Covid?) and they only had porta-potties so plan accordingly! read more

Very tranquil, peaceful, quiet park that is very pleasant to walk through, especially the further you get into the woods. When I was about halfway through the north trail, I was met with complete silence, (even though the parking lot was overflowing). No highway sounds, no chattering, not even a bird was chirping for a few minutes. It was so peaceful. That alone to me makes it worth the trip. Today, I walked the north perimeter (the south portion was closed due to flooding,) and it is a leisurey walkway that is covered all around by tall, mature trees; after a short distance it's easy to see why it's named, "Big Woods." The falls are only a short walk from the entrance, and very nice to look at. Though the falls were pretty busy with people, as I walked further into the trail beyond them, I hardly saw anyone. The trails had a lot of wet spots, so it's a good idea to check out their website to see what the conditions are so that you have the right footwear (I almost kept the shoes on, but was very glad to have worn boots for the hike). read more

Just a short trip from the burbs. Enough to entertain the kids and get on a good hike. Currently only has portable restrooms due to Corona, so be prepared to deal with rude patrons. Pack a lunch! Hike the trails and enjoy some family time. read more

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park - The hidden falls. - Parks Near Me - Nerstrand, Minnesota

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They know it's busy and don't have enough parking. Circulating for 30 min for weak ass parking and can't park on road. Bs they should allow parking on streets for holidays that are expected to be busy waste of our time driving here and around read more

The people & place is fabulous i also went to their sister park Sakatah - excellent humans can be found in these woods - made me feel like a million $ read more

This is a great place to go hiking and to play in the waterfall. A little overcrowded now with the lockdowns happening, and way too many dogs. The park is nice. Restrooms say out of order, but likely because of covid. They have porta potties instead, eww! read more

Nerstrand "Big Woods" State park is a hidden away gem that most people have never been to but should! This large maple basswood forest is one of the last extensive stands of the big woods. The park is almost 3000 acres of dense hardwood with a beautiful stream running through it and a lovely little waterfall not far from the visitor center. This park is so wonderful to hike, yet they get less than 100,000 visitors a year which is a real shame! It is the only place in the state you can see the endangered dwarf trout lily in the spring when it blooms. There are 11 miles of hiking trails in the summer and 6 miles of cross country ski trails in the winter. There is a nice visitor center with modern bathroom and a decent sized lot for parking as well as picnic benches and shelters. Being a state park, you have to pay a parking fee. The daily rate is $7 or $35 for an annual state park pass (covers all MN state parks). I don't know how much they police this park as I have always had a state park pass but i would just pay the fee if you don't have a parking sticker (fines are steep). I have led a couple group hikes at this park (one late spring and one mid summer). If you want to see the waterfall in all it's glory, go in the spring when the water flows heavy. Unfortunately when we went back in the summer, the river bed was very dry and the falls were but a mere trickle. The trails meander through the heavily wooded forest through flat and sometimes hilly terrain. The trails were fairly clear but be keep in mind that with the soil being heavy clay, rainfall tends to sit on top of the trails and make them muddy in the spring. There are so many different trails that you can easily make it a full day of hiking. At one point, we crossed the road into the pine tree stand they had on a separate section of the park. That was a lovely trail but unfortunately not nearly as well maintained and there was some long grasses where ticks were a concern. You should bring bug spray when you hike here in the summer. Take the one hour drive south from the twin cities to see this beautiful peaceful retreat from hustle and bustle of the city. It's well worth the trip! read more

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park - Parks Near Me - Nerstrand, Minnesota

This is a beautiful, well-maintained park. We've never seen such clean bathrooms. Enjoy hiking on the many paths, most leading to the pretty little waterfall. read more

What a beautiful place. It has so many things to see and explore. The waterfall is so pretty!

Love this park. Quite. Beautiful tucked aways falls. Close to Dennison supper club incase you decide to not roast hotdogs!