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Shadow Falls Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 300 Google reviews · Running trail in St Paul, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shadow Falls 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.
Small nature park with a waterfall offering a serene place for hiking & picnicking.
What runners say about Shadow Falls Park
“Very serene and beautiful place, two large bluff outcrops line the gorge as it opens up to the Mississippi!”
“It’s a hidden gem: a quiet valley, intriguing stream, then to the fall and the cliff being able to see the river.”
We went walking along Mississippi river and St. Thomas University and we found this little falls. Totally worth the little hike down the path,especially when you decide to go down the cliff that was a bit risky but it was fun. But the best was when we found a good place to watch the sun go down.
This is a cool park a few blocks away from Saint Thomas. There's a a monument here and some good views of the river. The falls are a 15 minute trail walk alongside the monument plaza. In May 2022 after rain, it was quite muddy so while I could see the falls, I decided not to risk a slip and fall.
Cute little spot for a hike and walk. The paved trail is very easy and then the unpaved area is shaded and lovely. We enjoyed the overview of the falls. Didn't have the correct footwear to get down near the bottom of the falls and creek. Would definitely come back. Muddy low lying patches throughout the unpaved trail.
This is a beautiful little gem in St. Paul. I went this morning after work and there was nobody on the trail. It was somewhat difficult to find the trail with the construction, but if you park on Mississippi Blvd, you will see the sign that I took a picture of that is the start of the trail (the entrance is on Cretin…
Trail conditions & character
“Even if you're not up for difficult hiking, the trails to the top of the tiny waterfall is usually very easy and the only obstacle is mud.”
“In May 2022 after rain, it was quite muddy so while I could see the falls, I decided not to risk a slip and fall.”
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood and summit hill for a long time… I never knew this place existed and I use to hammock near by using the same trail but heading the other way.”
“The trails around the park are nice and paved and if you want more adventure you can go into the forest for a sometimes challenging hike to the Mississippi.”
“It’s a hidden gem: a quiet valley, intriguing stream, then to the fall and the cliff being able to see the river.”
Plan your run at Shadow Falls Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitestpaul.gov
- Phone(651) 632-5111
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near St Paul
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mississippi Gorge Regional Park
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Minnehaha Regional Park
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Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen Trail
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