Wildwood Loop Trail Amble (MN)

Ambles are what we in the Driftless Drifters* call hikes that are up to 2.5 miles long on flatter trails. They are perfect for people who like a slower pace, are recovering from illness or injury or just like to spend time enjoying nature. 

The Winona area has some great bluffs and some great bluff hikes! A recent visit brought me to the Bluffside Park Trail system which winds up and around the bluff behind the Holzinger Lodge.

West outlook on the trail

Our Driftless Drifters hiking club*plans two hikes weekly. One for those who enjoy 3-5 miles of mid-to-challenging hiking routes in the area and one for those who want a shorter, slower and flatter 2-2.5 mile experience in nature (Ambles).  The hike I describe below is great for Ambles, family hikes with kids and for those who would like quality bluff views without starting from the bottom of a bluff.

One part of the trail, the Wildwood Loop, sits at the very top of the bluff and is particularly accessible for those interested in views that start at or near the top of the bluff. 

Wildwood features a rim trail that is perfect for our Ambles hikes. The route I took is an out-and-back that clocks in at about 2 miles. The trail features wonderful outlooks and views of bluffs and city along a gently rolling trail through a hardwood forest. The trail features some huge patches of ferns as well as a variety of wildflowers. It is particularly nice  because of it's accessibility and the bonus of blufftop views.

Trailhead map

There are additional trails on the Wildwood loop that follow the bluffsides and feature more ups and downs. While the trail legend lists mileage at 2.5 miles for the whole loop, exploring all the loop trails brings you closer to 3+ miles. It's a bit of a warren of trails so stay alert for turns and some confusing intersections.

THE HIKE

Wildwood Trail Loop, Bluffside Park, Winona MN

An accessible hike for all abilities starts at the blufftop trailhead. Take a left at the first trail intersection and follow the trail along the rim of the blufftop to west and east outlooks. Turn around at any point to make this an out-and-back trail OR continue exploring the trail system that dips from the rim down onto trails that hug the inside wall of the bluffs (plenty off ups and downs).

Location:

From Hwy 14/61, turn south on Huff Rd (toward the bluff). Take an immediate left onto W. Lake Blvd, then an immediate right onto Garvin Heights Rd. Follow that road to the top of the bluff; turn right on Conrad Dr. Stay on Conrad (it goes left at the T) to Wincrest Dr- take a right and park at cul de sac by trailhead.

Fields of ferns

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.