Forest Lake Outdoor & Recreation Guide
Hiking Trails in Forest Lake MN: 2026 Trail Guide
Hiking in Forest Lake, MN (ZIP 55025, Washington County) features over 25 miles of interconnected paved and rustic trails. Highlights include the 9.5-mile paved Hardwood Creek Regional Trail connecting to Hugo, the 23,000-acre Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, the Environmental Center Tower Trail, and scenic hardwood forest loops near Sunrise Lake.
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North Metro Outdoor Living
Embracing Forest Lake's Natural Trail Network
Forest Lake's geography blends hardwood forests, pristine wetlands, and open meadows, providing scenic scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. Located just 30 miles north of Saint Paul, local trail networks support hiking, trail running, cycling, and birdwatching across eastern Washington County.
Trail Matrix
Forest Lake Area Trail Directories
Trail / Nature Reserve | Trail Surface & Length | Location / Access Point | Primary Outdoor Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
Hardwood Creek Trail | 9.5 miles, asphalt paved | Highway 61 Trailhead, Forest Lake to Hugo | Road cycling, walking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing |
Carlos Avery WMA | 23,000+ acres, unpaved gravel & dirt | West of Forest Lake along WMA access roads | Wildlife viewing, waterfowl birdwatching, nature hiking |
Environmental Center Tower Trail | 2.0 miles, packed earth & boardwalk | Forest Lake Environmental Center Grounds | Panoramic observation tower climb, nature education walks |
Bridle Pass Trail | 3.2 miles, natural dirt & turf | Bridle Pass Open Space, East Forest Lake | Quiet woodland hiking, dog walking, meadow exploration |
Scandia Regional Trails | 5.5 miles, rolling terrain & forest singletrack | East of Forest Lake toward St. Croix Valley | Rugged woodland trekking, spring wildflower walks |
Source: Washington County Regional Parks & Minnesota DNR Recreation Directories, 2026
Detailed Trail Descriptions
Essential Hiking Spots in Forest Lake
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail
Stretching 9.5 miles along a converted rail corridor parallel to Highway 61, Hardwood Creek Regional Trail offers a smooth asphalt surface connecting downtown Forest Lake to Hugo and Sunrise Park.
- Trailhead: 1971 Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025
- Length: 9.5 miles paved asphalt
- Amenities: Benches, parking, restroom access at downtown trailhead
Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area
Spanning over 23,000 acres of oak savanna, marshland, and pine plantations, Carlos Avery WMA is a premier destination for birdwatchers and naturalists seeking white-tailed deer, foxes, and bald eagles.
- Access: West 230th St / County Rd 18 access gates
- Terrain: Unpaved service dikes & natural earthen paths
- Wildlife: Bald eagles, trumpeter swans, migratory waterfowl
Tower Trail at Environmental Center
Located near ISD 831 school grounds, the Environmental Center Tower Trail features interpretive ecology signage and an elevated timber observation tower overlooking wetland basins and native prairie. Read our guide on living in Forest Lake MN.
- Location: 857 SW 4th Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025
- Highlight: 35-foot timber observation tower
- Parks Guide: Read our Forest Lake parks guide
Bridle Pass & Scandia Trails
Bridle Pass Trail offers quiet meadow hiking in East Forest Lake, while Scandia's rustic trails wind through rolling timber toward the St. Croix River valley, displaying spring wild lupines and trilliums.
- Bridle Pass: 220th St N & Keystone Ave, Forest Lake, MN
- Scandia Access: Highway 97 east to Scandia village center
- Neighborhood Guide: Review Forest Lake community profile
Twin Cities East Metro Resources
Explore More Forest Lake Outdoor Guides
The Muske Team | RE/MAX Synergy
The Muske Team is based in Forest Lake, MN, specializing in residential real estate, lakefront homes, and neighborhood relocation across Washington County, Chisago County, and the Twin Cities East Metro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest Lake Hiking FAQ
What is the longest paved hiking and biking trail in Forest Lake MN?
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is the longest paved trail in Forest Lake, stretching 9.5 miles along a converted railway corridor parallel to Highway 61 down to Hugo.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Forest Lake MN?
Yes. Leashed dogs are permitted on Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, Bridle Pass Trail, and city park trails. Dogs are restricted in certain sensitive wildlife sanctuary zones within Carlos Avery WMA.
Where can I go birdwatching near Forest Lake MN?
Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area (23,000+ acres) and the Forest Lake Environmental Center offer premier birdwatching, particularly during spring and autumn migratory seasons.
What hiking trails in Forest Lake are best for strollers and road bikes?
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is fully paved and level, making it the ideal choice for strollers, road bikes, wheelchairs, and inline skating.
Are Forest Lake trails open in winter for snowshoeing or skiing?
Yes. Hardwood Creek Regional Trail and Carlos Avery WMA dike roads are popular during winter months for snowshoeing, winter walking, and groomed cross-country skiing.
Minnesota Lake Country Real Estate
Find Your Home Near Forest Lake Trails
Consult with The Muske Team to explore active home listings near nature preserves, parks, and regional trails.
