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Schaar's Bluff Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 384 Google reviews · Running trail in Hastings, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Schaar's Bluff Trail'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.
Relaxed riverside park featuring bluff-top views from the trail-laced wilderness.
What runners say about Schaar's Bluff Trail
“Great paved trails, beautiful views, and some off road trails during the summer that are used for cross country skiing during the winter with a Dakota County paid pass”
Love this park and trail. Great overlooks onto the water, tons of woods and flowers, and plenty of space. They are going through a restoration right now so some paths might not be available, and many trees/plants have been removed.
Beautiful bluff trail, perfect place for a nice ride. About 5 miles each way. There's also a nice side trail to the river near the archery park end of the trail. Fantastic place for a picnic. They just added a bison herd on May 26th with at least four babies.
Amazing view and close by the cities. If you only have 1 hour you can definitely get to most of the scenic views, like the ones in the photos.
Unique and beautiful along the river. Listening to the birds on the river in the morning is wonderful (bring binoculars). Located up on the bluffs, its still at a distance and few (or none?) trails to riverside. For bikers: there is some elevation and slopes.
Trail conditions & character
“Great paved trails, beautiful views, and some off road trails during the summer that are used for cross country skiing during the winter with a Dakota County paid pass”
“Great paved trails, beautiful views, and some off road trails during the summer that are used for cross country skiing during the winter with a Dakota County paid pass”
“Parking is convenient, and there are spots to stop, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos.”
“Bathrooms are nearby and plenty of pickenick tables, fire pits, grills, even tools and tire pump for bikers.”
“The Southwest trail loop is better than the East loop”
“Watering places for dog and people are far, time structured for summer only and limited so be aware.”
Plan your run at Schaar's Bluff Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteco.dakota.mn.us
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Hastings
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Spring Lake Park Reserve
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Bison aside, this sprawling place offers multiple trails, hiking opportunities, picnic spots, and a playground for kids.
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area
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Remote-feeling nature preserve featuring hiking trails amid sand dunes, prairies and forests to see plants, birds and other wildlife, plus river views.
Spring Lake Park Reserve
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Sprawling park featuring biking trails, a playground and picnic areas, plus an archery range.
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
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Park on an expanse featuring a lake, wooded trails, a playground and a picnic pavilion.
Pine Glen Park
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City park offering a baseball field, a playground, basketball, and a public restroom.