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Quarry Hill Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,497 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, Minnesota · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Quarry Hill 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.
Peaceful natural area with a nature center, trails, wildlife habitats & educational programming.
What runners say about Quarry Hill Park
“The park is exceptionally well-maintained, making it an inviting spot for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with nature.”
“The view of the pond that they have near the visitor center is beautiful and it looks like people were fishing from the pond.”
“I felt completely peaceful in the woods.”
I think this is the best place to visit in Rochester. There are a lot of great trails here and a nature center for the kids. It looks like they also have a cave here and provide tours for the cave twice a month on Sundays.
My dog and I love walking/hiking around Quarry Hill Park. There are enough trails and paths to keep us occupied. It's really pretty out on the trails. The whole place has a lot of history.
I only stopped to take in a sunrise after a not so good appointment for my father @ Mayo. If you find peace and strength in nature, check this place out. They have beautiful trails, a warming lodge and more from what I can tell. Great cross country ski trails too.
Lived in the area for 8 years never really explored this nature park, thought there wasn't much to it, boy was I wrong. I felt completely peaceful in the woods. Tons of trails, and a pretty river and bridges, wonderful hiking, feels like you are up north lost in the wilderness and not minutes away from downtown…
Trail conditions & character
“Mellow to more challenging trails, pave trails, dirt trails, and cool views of old Quarry Hill Stone buildings and cement remnants.”
“Mellow to more challenging trails, pave trails, dirt trails, and cool views of old Quarry Hill Stone buildings and cement remnants.”
“Nature center is updated with great displays that are accessible by the little ones.”
“With those short legs and low bellies, the mud situation quickly turned into full belly-drag mode, but the dogs couldn’t have been happier.”
“There’s a ton of paved accessible paths, a fishing pond, playgrounds.”
“The walk itself was nice, though the trail was definitely on the muddy side.”
“There’s a small pond, restrooms, and things for everybody, including a nature center.”
Plan your run at Quarry Hill Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteqhnc.org
- Phone(507) 328-3950
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Rochester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Quarry Hill Nature Center
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