Canfield Big Spring Trail (MN) Hike

Last fall, I was intrigued to read in MN Conservation Volunteer magazine about three big spring sources to visit in southeastern MN. I had already visited two of the spring sources: Fountain Big Spring, on one of my MN Master Naturalist training field days; and Beaver Creek Big Spring in Beaver Creek Valley State Park. The third, Canfield Big Spring, looked like a great hike so a few friends and I scouted it out last fall. What a find! 

Drifters at the source of the spring

I recently shared the hike with the Driftless Drifters* hiking club in much warmer weather. Canfield Creek is located in Forestville/Mystery Caves State Park in southeastern MN near Preston. This 4 mile out-and-back hike features a mostly wide dirt and gravel road trail that winds along the south branch of the Root River and then follows Canfield Creek upstream to it's source. 

Bridge over the south branch of the Root River 
where Canfield Creek runs into it

You can begin your hike at the campground; at an "angler's parking lot," or a bit further near the group campground in non-summer times. Each trailhead leads you down a steep slope into the valley to a flat trail. Near the start, you cross a bridge spanning the Root River where the Canfield Creek joins it. From there you wind your way through hardwood forest.

Boots and packs left behind
before the first crossing

About 1/4 mile from the source of the spring, a washed out bridge gives you your first opportunity to wade across the creek in the cold 47F water. It's nice to have sandals/watershoes for this short crossing. 

The water can be anywhere from ankle to knee deep depending on your height (or higher in spring or after big rains). This is your longest crossing. Stay in that footwear because you are getting close to the source. We left our packs and boots behind at this first crossing and hiked the rest of the way in our sandals/watershoes.

Looking inside the cave at the source
Image - Cyndy Reichgelt

In just a bit, you come to a hitching post (the trail is shared with horses) and across the way is the source of the creek. You can wade out to the small cave to take a closer look at the water streaming out of the limestone cave. Above the spring, the rock walls are covered in ferns and plants, suggesting the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The water can be deeper in this part of the creek but still walkable, especially if you have a steadying hiking stick. We lucked out (if you can call drought lucky) with low water levels. Even with shallower water, it's hard to stay long in the bracingly cold stream. I give big props to Drifter Cyndy Reichgelt who got right into the cave for this amazing view  of the cave's interior!

Big Spring source

The creek crossings and beautiful trail make this a fun adventure. Add on a tour of Mystery Cave (also a chilly 47F) like we did and you get two great examples of how the karst geology of this part of MN results in caves, sinkholes and multiple spring sources. 

I'll  share some of our Mystery Cave experiences as well as another cave adventure in the Driftless region - and information on karst geology - in my next blog post.

THE HIKE

After a steep descent into the valley, follow a flat 2 mile trail through hardwood forests along the Root River and Canfield Creek to the creek's source, Big Spring. You need to wade two creek crossings near the end (packing sandals.watershoes are an option) with cold 47F water that can be shin-to-knee-high in depth (depending on the season) to view the source - a small cave in the second creek. The trail is shared by horses so watch your step as you hike. Turn around and return to the trailhead for a 4 mile hike. 

47F water wading
Image - Nola Larson

Location - Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, 21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965

There are many roads leading to this park that is southwest of St. Charles on I-90. I have tried quite a few and like them all. You will be winding about but you WILL get to Forestville State Park. All are good and take you through beautiful farm areas and near many sinkholes as you drive closer (Fountain is the "sinkhole capitol of MN"). 

At the source
Image - Nola Larson

Images - Marge Loch-Wouters, unless otherwise noted

* 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 information as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.