Hidden Falls image

Hidden Falls

Tourist attraction State park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Rice County


Address

9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, United States

Website

www.dnr.state.mn.us

Contact

+1 507-384-6140

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (360 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8 am to 10 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 10 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: falls (28) park (24) hike (22) beautiful (16) nice (15) trails (13) walk (13) water (13) waterfall (11) trail (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ron H. 2 years ago on Google
    Hidden falls is easy to get to and beautiful. It was raging the day we went, heavy rains happened while we were there. Park is awesome, trails are great. Covid rules need to disappear, signs need to be taken down, you are outside and seldom saw other people. Love the park.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexis K. 1 year ago on Google
    HIKE- an easy hike down a hill to the waterfall and then back uo on the other side. If you start the hike by the play ground you will go down with the stream and on some stairs. If starting the trail via the campground route you will just go through the woods and doen the creek coming to the waterfall on your right hand side. Eaither way is beautiful and well worth the time. It is also short but of you ard open to a longer walk or hike there is connector trails. SCENERY- Of course there is a waterfall. Where there is a waterfall there must be a stream. Along with the water sights you will come across wild flowers during the spring. CROWDEDNESS- We did the walk in the evening and there was only one other group out. In the day it will most likely have more people enjoying the water so if you don't might dusk walks definitely do it then. PSA- If it rains the trail will be slippery and muddy in spots. Don't be careless around the waterfall.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bella G. 3 years ago on Google
    This park was a nice breath of fresh air! It definitely will depend what kind of experience you are looking for, however. Hidden falls hiking trail is located in a recreational park with a campground. I can see it getting very busy on the weekends! The falls and the falls trail are more touristy, with being very popular and having roped off areas on the sides of the path. The campground is currently closed, but they have tables, both covered and uncovered if you wanted to do a day hike and have lunch with your family or significant other. The paths and park are well maintained. They have daily passes and an annual pass,but if you have the minnesota state park annual pass,you should be all set. The office was not open during our visit, so it asks you to self register. If you are looking for a more secluded experience, I would go during the week and check out some of the other trails that they have. It's a 0.4 mile hike to the falls and back, with both declines and inclines to and from. From the map, it looks like they have a lot more trails than just the hidden falls, so I will be back to hike the others! Side note -it had just rained so the falls were huge and one part of the path that consists of stones over the river was washed out. The current was very strong,but it looks like usually you can stick your feet in the river under the falls. Do be cautious if it just rained and potentially flooding.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park! Well kept trails and the main picnic area is nice and clean. Very easy to find and walking down to the falls was a fun experience. Looks like an amazing place for a group outing and I know I'll be back to tryout camping!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dennis F. 2 years ago on Google
    The waterfall is very nice, so pleasant. The park is well kept and the staff is pleasant. Even being a bit cold, there were still around a hundred-fifty people walking on trails, mostly families, but also a few individuals. This was a beautiful experience and my wife wept a little bit afterward, because she has been cooped up at home for a while and we shared a nice walk and talk and saw lots of kids enjoying themselves with their parents. We saw teens goofing off and their embarrassed parents, and tots insisting that mud holes were picture-worthy. I heard, "Daddy, you need to take a picture of this!" If you haven't visited this park, you simply must go. I took pictures of grand scenes of hills, valleys, open wooded spaces, even a pocket in a tree in which a squirrel has been storing winter food! I'll put these pictures on my computer screen in February when the skies become too grey, to remind me of the beautiful nature that will be shortly arriving again. Undoubtedly, you will see different things than me. What a privilege to have this space to explore.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacob & Charles t. 2 years ago on Google
    We absolutely loved this place! The wife puppies, and I had a nice 1/2 mile hike to the falls. Both the puppies were in heaven with all the fresh spring smells in the air and all the smell they could uncover in the brush. The falls were amazingly beautiful 🤩. Had to walk through a little bit of water to some of the pictures but well worth it. I must say these are some of the best pictures I've taken this year so far.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rob M. 6 months ago on Google
    Very beautiful park with many trails that are doable for non-hikers. Very enjoyable morning, I will definitely do it again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Redfox12 g. 9 months ago on Google
    This park is beautiful. The hike to the falls was relatively easy. Children and dogs can hike it. Today the water level was low. We could walk down the stream and enjoy the cool water on our feet. You do need a pass for for the park. I would hike here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chelsea K. 2 years ago on Google
    Hidden falls inside nerstrand big woods what a cute find. The path leading to the falls is so nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 JoRae A. 1 year ago on Google
    Not much water flowing this time of year. 1/2 mile down hill not too bad. Beautiful walk thru the woods.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Becky T. 4 years ago on Google
    The Hidden Falls in Nerstrand Big Woods is a beautiful tranquil spot with glory all around. Great hiking trails and wonderful treasures.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bill P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great MN State Park!

  • 5/5 Susan M. 4 years ago on Google
    Spring flowers, autumn colors

  • 5/5 Brian 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place for a walk or hike.

  • 5/5 James F. 4 years ago on Google
    Very neat park. Great hikes of different lengths

  • 4/5 Brian W. 4 years ago on Google
    It was flowing nicely today thanks to yesterday's rain.

  • 3/5 Wm G. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice park

  • 5/5 Jeni H. 4 years ago on Google
    So pretty and easy hike in and out - about .4 down and .4 back up. Trail is slight incline with steps and very well maintained.

  • 5/5 Stephen A. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful area! Great hiking and really nice camping areas.

  • 5/5 JF H. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice state park. Great for hiking.

  • 5/5 Miranda K. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a great hike even in the winter!!

  • 5/5 Amy G. 5 years ago on Google
    Hidden Falls is one of my favorite places in southern Minnesota; I go several times a year. It is an easy half-mile hike from the parking lot to the falls. Then, if you have more time, there are many hiking trails through lovely Big Woods State Park. I have never seen the waterfall without water, though it is best to go after a rainfall. It's beautiful as a frozen falls in the winter, too. Whenever you go, be sure to bring your camera.

  • 5/5 Adam H. 1 year ago on Google
    An impressive water fall worth checking out if you're in the Faribault area. A little bit of a hike to get there, but worth the effort.

  • 4/5 Yew K. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful falls, wish I had gone there a little earlier in the day before it you dark

  • 5/5 Maria 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice place for a hike. Had a lot of fun with family and my dog. Very beautiful outdoor scenery.

  • 5/5 Emily W. 4 years ago on Google
    Very clean park area. The hike to the falls isnt long, and the water, this year at least, was shallow enough at the top to walk across. There is a tiny falls just a little down the stream, that you can see looking out from the falls. Overall a beautiful area.

  • 5/5 DemonOfD20 1 year ago on Google
    I loved hidden falls! I've always enjoyed nature walks and this is one of my favorite. So few people and an amazing view. Sadly the water is drying up but it looks amazing even still

  • 5/5 Steven M. 1 year ago on Google
    Hard to beat Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in any season. The not-to-strenuous Hidden Falls Trail starts at the parking area and brings you through a hardwood forest filled with wildflowers to a hidden waterfall nestled amongst the tall trees. Check it out!

  • 4/5 Maggie M. 1 year ago on Google
    I've never seen the water as low as it is this year. Always a great place to walk and enjoy the outdoors.

  • 5/5 Tejas P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great location for a weekend gateway. A small and totally worth the trail to see Hidden Falls.

  • 5/5 Liz P. 3 years ago on Google
    Easy to find. Well maintained trails, yet very natural. Easy to moderate, some slightly inclined portions. Good trail signage.

  • 5/5 Eldurthi B. 10 months ago on Google
    We did 3mile walk.. It was amazing experience.. Water fall is so nice.. And the park is also so nice and clean, no bugs.. And peaceful..

  • 4/5 Jonathon A. 7 months ago on Google
    Great camp site and we were lucky enough to go when they were doing an amazing astronomy demonstration. The falls were more than a little weak but it was still a nice short hike.

  • 5/5 MNtwinsfan4ever 5 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful park. It's close to the Twin Cities, but far enough to truly enjoy nature. Great camping sites as well.

  • 5/5 Sasank G. 3 years ago on Google
    This a a lovely park, the waterfall is beautiful. I loved walking on the trail by the river. The trail is well marked and is easy for beginners. To get to the waterfall you have go down few stairs. There is a public parking few blocks away or you can always park on the road I believe it is 2 hour limit.

  • 3/5 Bryce C. 3 years ago on Google
    It was fine. I certainly didn't fall in love with the place. There wasn't quite enough cool spots on the trails. Enjoyed my day, won't be back.

  • 5/5 Puck B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Nathaniel A. 3 years ago on Google
    Like hiking here, usually pretty busy by the falls since its a good photo spot.

  • 5/5 Haley A. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty

  • 5/5 Senthilkannan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing get way and much closer to the twin cities. Excellent hiking trails that goes through habitat of the birds.

  • 5/5 Danette G. 3 years ago on Google
    A quick little walk to this gem of a spot. It was a busy and hot day so people were walking in the water...

  • 4/5 C J. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice short hikes not too far from the cities

  • 5/5 Daniel A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great park, not quite as big as other falls in the state, but it's great for a day trip. Easy access and a short walk gives you great views.

  • 4/5 William G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice p look ace for an afternoon picnic and hike, or overnight camping.

  • 5/5 jitendra singh B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful waterfall 👍⭐

  • 5/5 Deborah Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful easy and shady trail.

  • 5/5 kaitlyn k. 3 years ago on Google
    Super lovely

  • 5/5 Stephen S. 3 years ago on Google
    Really cool

  • 5/5 Robert C. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful. Kids had a wonderful time and were asleep on the ride home from the trail.

  • 5/5 Nolan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park

  • 5/5 Kevin K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great park and nice short hike to Hidden Falls. Kids (and adults) can play in the water, etc. Only downside is this place can be busy (on the weekend) and often the parking lot is full.

  • 5/5 Curt O. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful falls and great creek to have fun in.

  • 4/5 Joshua H. 3 years ago on Google
    What a nice park! The waterfalls were beautiful and the trails kept up well. Would definitely go back!

  • 5/5 Jerry M. 3 years ago on Google
    The falls were a nice walk and flowing well!

  • 5/5 Deb V. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice park, well maintained! Short, easy hike to some beautiful falls!

  • 5/5 Mahdi A. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good place to visit and enjoy natural

  • 5/5 Tammy R. 4 years ago on Google
    Really cool place 😎

  • 5/5 Vera G. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this spot !

  • 5/5 Tom M. 4 years ago on Google
    Short hike through the woods to reach the falls.


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