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Jay Cooke State Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 3,862 Google reviews · Running trail in Carlton, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Jay Cooke State Park'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.
What runners say about Jay Cooke State Park
“I stayed in the campground and it was so clean, the Schaur house and bathrooms were so clean and it was set up as well as could be.”
“Even in winter, with partially frozen waters flowing among the rocks, the views were stunning—both from the bridge and throughout the hike.”
“Easy walk from office to the swinging bridge, then walk a little further to stand at the top of the falls.”
Beautiful state park. Hiking is awesome and the river rapids area is stunning. Our dogs loved swimming in the shallow pools that form. Campground areas were great. Bathrooms are updated and super clean. Staff was very friendly. Will visit again for sure!
Jay Cooke State Park has a grand entrance, marked by its impressive bridge, which sets the tone for the park’s beauty. Even in winter, with partially frozen waters flowing among the rocks, the views were stunning—both from the bridge and throughout the hike.
I live in a place that doesn’t have fall foliage so I took a trip to MN and WI in October. This park was my first stop after leaving the airport. I loved it so much! The colors were beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the hiking trails were a great way to spend the afternoon.
This one was a bit shocking to me, it was so much better than what I was expecting. I stayed in the campground and it was so clean, the Schaur house and bathrooms were so clean and it was set up as well as could be. Walking down to the swinging bridge and crossing the mighty St.
Trail conditions & character
“Even in winter, with partially frozen waters flowing among the rocks, the views were stunning—both from the bridge and throughout the hike.”
“I stayed in the campground and it was so clean, the Schaur house and bathrooms were so clean and it was set up as well as could be.”
“Our dogs loved swimming in the shallow pools that form.”
“Well worth the stop, the view was beautiful and we took a small loop hike afterwards.”
Plan your run at Jay Cooke State Park
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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.state.mn.us
- Phone+1 218-673-7000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
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