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Beaver Island Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 192 Google reviews · Running trail in St Cloud, Minnesota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Beaver Island Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy-to-travel paved trail running along the Mississippi River to a dam and beyond.
What runners say about Beaver Island Trailhead
“Came back later to have a little picnic on the rocks at dusk, it's sooo beautiful at night, especially (I didn't get any night pics bc I chose to live in the moment).”
“This is a great starting spot for running the river.”
I discovered this trail early on in the pandemic....it is by far my favorite trail. I love that you can go off pavement and hike right along the river!
I couldn’t stop walking! Love the new(ish) section behind the St. Cloud Civic Center. Can you find the ever-present Mountain Dew bottle? No Minnesota park or river is complete without discarded plastic.
Good place to park and head down the beaver island bike trail. There is also a good spot to launch canoes or kayaks
The family enjoyed the wide paved trail with shaded areas. We only went a few miles. River scenery was great
Trail conditions & character
“Cute little paved trail along the river, good for walks and bike rides.”
“Came back later to have a little picnic on the rocks at dusk, it's sooo beautiful at night, especially (I didn't get any night pics bc I chose to live in the moment).”
“There is a boat launch here at the trail-head along with a small parking lot (and much larger SCSU parking lot close by).”
“It's right along the Mississippi River ~ Peaceful, wooded & green ~ Very pretty w/wild life & leashed friendly dogs.”
Plan your run at Beaver Island Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitestcloudstate.edu
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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