Lost Creek Trail (MN) Hike - Part 1

I recently had the opportunity to join a couple of friends to celebrate fall and hike at the Lost Creek Trail near Chatfield MN. An article in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine earlier this year alerted me to this incredible resource. I knew I wanted to get there.

Bluff Country Hiking Club, which maintains the Lost Creek Trail, sent out a general invite for an October 28 event. Hikers and runners were invited to meet at the newly renovated Jordan Town Hall near the westernmost Nine Bark trailhead. and explore the trail. Cider and donuts were available in the morning as hikers stopped by to admire the new flooring and restored wall lamps and see the soon-to-be installed wood stove. Hikers could also chat with landowners and pick up maps and information. Then we hit the trail!

On the Thorn Apple Hill path
Tim/Susan Gossman property

What makes this hike so special is that the trail was developed by landowners collaborating to make parts of their properties available to hikers at no cost. Opened in 2011, this trail winds through woodlands, wetlands, over streams, up and down hills and valleys and along connecting farm fields and a few road sections. 

The other  trailhead in Chatfield is located at Groen Park where parking is available for the easternmost portion of the trail. The first mile or so of this trailhead is along the shoulder of County Highway 2 until you cross over into the first property and head up. 

Crossing a small streamlet

Our hike started at the western Ninebark trailhead on Ninebark Rd. We did the first half of the trail for an out-and-back 4.5 mile hike. After a brief walk along old farm fields, we entered a lovely rolling forested area. The trail soon dipped down to cross a small stream and then back up again to gain some stellar views of forests and land across and below us. We continued in this valley and to a bridge over Lost Creek in a more open, grassy wetlands area.

A sinkhole in the Bailey Bros. section

We continued up and down through forestland with signs explaining how and why trees were chosen for selective cutting for the health of the forest.  As we passed, signs also indicated an impressive sinkhole in this karst area and limestone cliffs along the trail. We turned around at about the halfway point to retrace our steps.

Lost Creek winding beneath limestone cliffs

Each segment of the trail is carefully managed by the landowners and Bluff Country Hiking Club. It's a real pleasure to hike these trails. The trails are well marked with blazes and signs indicating the direction to each trailhead. Landowners request that hikers only use the dedicated trails. The trail is closed during November for the fall gun deer hunting seasons.

We look forward to doing a thru-hike on this trail . When we do, I'll report out the adventure!

THE HIKE
A long, moderate-to challenging hike with rolling hills, stream and creek crossings and a variety of landscapes to hike through. The trail is the result of nearby landowners collaborating to open their land to make a trail that connects from Chatfield MN to Jordan Township, 6.5 miles away. There are two short segments on roads and a mile hike to/from Chatfield on the shoulder of Cty Hwy 2. Hikes can begin at either trailhead for an out-and-back or thru-hike.

LOCATION
The eastern trailhead is at Chatfield's Groen Park. The first mile is on the shoulder of Cty Highway 2 until you come to Mind Dr. Carefully cross the highway to the the small footbridge a bit east of your crossing. The western Ninebark trailhead is out of Chatfield on W. 3rd St SW (past Groen Park) and out Cty Hwy 2 to Ninebark Rd (Hwy 101). Turn left and follow it to the trailhead on the left. You can also park along the side of that road.

Check out the through hike we did in spring 2024 at the blog in Part 2