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Hardwood Creek WMA

4.2 ★★★★☆ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Forest Lake, Minnesota · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Hardwood Creek WMA yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

Hardwood Creek WMA — running trail in Forest Lake, MN, photo 1
Hardwood Creek WMA — running trail in Forest Lake, MN, photo 2
Hardwood Creek WMA — running trail in Forest Lake, MN, photo 3
Hardwood Creek WMA — running trail in Forest Lake, MN, photo 4
Hardwood Creek WMA — running trail in Forest Lake, MN, photo 5
Trailhead parking

What runners say about Hardwood Creek WMA

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (22 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Quiet, secluded spot that's not too far of major roads. I've found that it's great for snowshoeing, light hiking, and nature watching. Like most wooded areas in Minnesota in the summer the bugs can be heavy.

★★★★★ — Matt , Jan 2026

I like this place a lot always have . Somedays the roads are lined with little yellow 💛 butterflies. Be careful on the dirt road heading into the park it's got some deep deep dips I suggest parking at the first spot on the left up the hill

★★★★☆ — Nicole , May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Be careful on the dirt road heading into the park it's got some deep deep dips I suggest parking at the first spot on the left up the hill”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Hardwood Creek WMA

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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
  • Websitednr.state.mn.us
  • Phone+1 651-539-3307
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Hardwood Creek WMA

Forest Lake, Minnesota

Get directions

Running trails near Forest Lake

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Shady Trails Park

2.5 ★★★☆☆ 6 reviews

Forest Lake, MN

3.2 miles away

Oneka Lake Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews

Hugo, MN

4.5 miles away

Shawn B. Silvera Memorial Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews

Forest Lake, MN

4.5 miles away

Irish Avenue Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Hugo, MN

ScenicDog-friendly

5.1 miles away

Hardwood Creek Regional Trail

Hugo, MN

5.4 miles away

Clearwater Creek Preserve

3.8 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews

Hugo, MN

Dog-friendly

6.8 miles away

All running trails in Forest Lake, MN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.