2023 10 31 - Kilen Woods State Park - Lake Field MN

Picture: The lookout view, if you make it that far.

We were on our way back from dropping a truck in Iowa and had the day to fill as there was no work.

I don't remember exactly, but it seemed like the day prior it was 60 degrees but there were high wind warnings overnight as the cold front came in. We were not ready for the cold, we were not ready for the hour plus hike, we were not ready for the hills.

We started in the trees hoping the sun would warm the day. The down hill was mostly easy, the path we took took us down almost to river level. (I looked now and there are trails with 275 feet in elevation change, which is about 18 stories)

There are not any paved or even groomed trails. I guess they are groomed if you stay in the open field. Most are single file trails or stairs. A few of the bridges are out so those trails are closed.

Not looking at the elevation change map, we knew we had to go back up. Once up, we walked over to the lookout above.

... then we realized that we were not at the same top as the car was, we would need to go almost down to river level before climbing up again. And by then we would be in the open. The wind was strong and cold. I spent a part of that leg walking backwards. We had put on some heavy clothes but not enough.

It took about two days of being indoors to finally shake that chill. Not a fun walk.

This is a state park so there is a fee. This area did not have a paved parking lot. There was an outhouse but we didn't stop to check to see if the doors were locked, we just stopped using it for a wind break to catch our breath and walk the last leg to the car.

Picture: Through the trees you can see the river and some of the elevation change.