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Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

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Minnesota
Arrowhead Region
Snake River State Forest
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SNAKE RIVER STATE FOREST
SNAKE RIVER STATE FOREST
The Snake River State Forest, located in Minnesota, is a pristine natural haven that offers a mesmerizing landscape of dense woods, tranquil riverbanks, and breathtaking waterfalls. This forest is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including a variety of snake species that find refuge here amidst the lush vegetation. Visitors can explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the forest, providing a chance to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of this untouched wilderness. With its peaceful ambiance and stunning vistas, the Snake River State Forest offers a truly rejuvenating experience for nature enthusiasts and an opportunity to connect with the wonders of the great outdoors.
History of the Area
The Snake River State Forest is located in eastern Minnesota, primarily in Pine County, and covers an area of around 28,000 acres. Established in 1935, it is one of the oldest state forests in the state of Minnesota.

The forest was initially created as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program during the Great Depression. The CCC was a work-relief program that provided employment to young unemployed men while simultaneously conducting conservation work in natural resource management.

The primary objective behind the establishment of Snake River State Forest was to manage and restore the heavily logged and degraded forests of the region. The CCC workers were involved in tree planting, soil erosion control, and other reforestation efforts. Thousands of trees were planted in the area, including red pine and white pine, which are now dominant species in the forest.

Additionally, the CCC constructed a network of roads, trails, fire towers, and various other recreational facilities in the state forest. These developments enabled better forest management practices, promoted recreational activities like hiking, bird watching, and hunting, and helped in fire prevention and detection.
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Trails
1. Snake River Canoe Route: This is a 15-mile trail that starts at the County Road 3 bridge and ends in Mora, Minnesota. It's not just for hikers but also canoeists who want to enjoy the scenic views of Pine County.

2. Willow River Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hiking path stretching over approximately five miles within the forest area along with beautiful sights of waterfalls on its course.

3. Grindstone Lake Hiking Trails: These trails are located near Sandstone, offering various routes ranging from easy to difficult levels suitable for all types of hikers including families with children or experienced adventurers looking for challenges.

4. Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit - Ice Age National Scenic Trail Segment (Snake Eagle): Located towards southern parts this segment offers an adventurous hike through dense woods and open prairies providing stunning panoramic vistas across different seasons.

5. Chengwatana State Forest Trails: Adjacent to Snake river state forest these trails offer multiple options varying in length & difficulty passing through mixed hardwoods, wetlands & pine plantations.

6. St Croix State Park Hiking Trails: With more than 127 Miles spread out into several smaller segments it provides ample opportunities exploring diverse habitats like marshes, bogs etc . Some popular ones include Point Douglas-Pine Bend Bluffs section which follows snake river closely.

7. Banning State park trails: Situated nearby they provide another set of well maintained paths leading up-to sandstone cliffs overlooking kettle river adding variety during longer stays around snake river state forests.

8. Willard Munger Trail: One can opt either paved stretch perfect cycling / walking or unpaved one going deep inside wilderness depending upon personal preferences.

9. Matthew Lourey Trail: Named after local war hero this multi-purpose route serves both summer as winter activities being converted snowmobile track when required.

10. Gandy Dancer Trail: Another multipurpose pathway running parallel to snake river for certain sections it offers unique opportunity exploring surrounding landscapes.

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Area Campgrounds
Great American Resorts/Mille Lacs Island Resort
6448 State Highway 27 PO Box 129
Wahkon, MN
320-495-3392
Grand Casino Hinckley RV Resort
1326 Fire Monument Road
Hinckley, MN
South Isle Family Campground
39002 State Highway 47
Isle, MN
320-676-8538

Directions
1. Start by heading north on I:35W N.
2. Continue onto I:35E N towards Duluth.
3. Take Exit 132 for MN:61 toward Hinckley/Sandstone and turn left onto MN-61 W.
4. Follow this road for about 15 miles until you reach Sandstone.

From Sandstone:
5a: If coming from downtown Sandstone, head west on Main Street/County Road 123 (which becomes County Highway 18).
6a: After approximately six miles, continue straight to stay on County Highway 18 when it intersects with Rutabaga Road SW/Cty Hwy Line Rd SE.

OR

5b: If coming from Interstate Park or Banning State Park area south of Sandstone,.
head northeast on Old Rock Quarry Road/Banningshale Drive/Old Gravel Pit Trail
for about five miles before turning right onto Cty Hwy Line Rd SE.

7. Continue driving along Cty Hwy Line Rd SE for another eight miles as it turns into Coon Creek Ln NE after crossing over the Kettle River Bridge.
8. Turn left at T:intersection to merge onto US Route Alternate #23 E/E Henriette Rd/Henriette Trl S/Main St S/MN:107 Southbound lane going southeastwardly direction through Finlayson city limits then proceed further down that highway route till reaching Willow river state forest entrance sign which will be visible off roadway shoulder prior entering Willow river community business district zone where one can find various amenities such gas stations,restaurants etc if needed during visitation period within vicinity.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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