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Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Running trail in Cottage Grove, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area'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.
Remote-feeling nature preserve featuring hiking trails amid sand dunes, prairies and forests to see plants, birds and other wildlife, plus river views.
What runners say about Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
“Beautiful place with a unique ecosystem; the sand dunes provide habitat for species of birds, insects, reptiles, and plants that aren't found in a lot of other places locally.”
I have lived in St Paul Park for years and thought this was just a dog park. I hiked the whole thing circling around the eastside, loved it. The path coming out of the North parking lot went south and up and under the railroad tracks before winding down to the Mississippi river.
A little confusing to get to and there are no groomed trails, only some foot paths made by fellow hikers. That said, it is a beautiful place! Definitely amazing for photography and access to the railroad tracks, which is cool!
What a lovely walk! Random purple flower patches. Flower trees. Extremely active wildlife. Saw an Eagle circling overhead. There were fish jumping in the clear lakes. Flows between Sandy dunes and forest. Perfect spring walk.
A great place to explore. The open savanna is fun, there is plenty of elevation change, and the views over the river are beautiful. As other reviewers noted, there are no permanent trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place with a unique ecosystem; the sand dunes provide habitat for species of birds, insects, reptiles, and plants that aren't found in a lot of other places locally.”
“Be aware that trails hiking up the steep hills are made a little more difficult due to the sandy nature of the dunes but are still relatively moderate in nature.”
“The path coming out of the North parking lot went south and up and under the railroad tracks before winding down to the Mississippi river.”
“I have lived in St Paul Park for years and thought this was just a dog park.”
Plan your run at Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websitednr.state.mn.us
- Phone+1 651-259-5800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 am–11:30 pm |
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