restored wooded hills, wetlands and prairie traversed with hiking and cross-country ski trails. A 60-foot-high observation tower crowns one of the highest points in Dunn County, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, especially in autumn.This was copied and pasted directly from the Hoffman Hills Recreation website.
One of the most anticipated hikes of the year among my hiking club members is the fall color hike at Hoffman Hills. This park offers well maintained trails, a huge variety of terrain, challenging hills, spectacular views and little foot traffic. I am amazed every year when I come here and there are very few people. This park is a hidden gem not far from Menomonie and a mere one hour drive from the twin cities. It is totally worth the drive as there are miles of trail and so much to see.
For the best hike, stick to the trails along the outer perimeter. There is heavy tree coverage but there will still be some sun peeking through the trees plus it's easier to navigate. This park could be easy to get lost in if you aren't carrying a map or phone with gps. Club members love coming here because I do all the navigation and they just hike and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.
TRAIL MAP:
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/hoffmanhills/pdfs/hoffmanhills.pdf
HIKING GUIDE:
Total hiking distance for this hike is about 5.5 miles. There are challenging hills and if you climb the observation tower, it will be a super workout!
Starting from the main parking lot, head southeast along the Skyline trail. Right away you will come to a steep hill flanked by trees. The trails here are all packed dirt and grass (which is well maintained). Upon getting to the top of the trail and rounding the curve, you will be greeted with this spectacular sight.
Follow the path as it climbs and descends many hills. When you come to a path intersection, stay right and follow the Buck Hill Trail. You'll see some amazing views out to the distance from this trail.
You will come to a three way split in the trail. Stay right and this leads to Hawk Ridge. There is a steady climb up (the last big climb of the hike). For extra distance and a wonderful hike along narrower single file trails, stay right to hike on both the South and North Squirrel Tail trails. These trails are easy but very enjoyable.
Coming off the North Squirrel Tail trail, it's a short hike on Hawk Ridge to the 60 foot observation tower.
By the time you get to the tower, you will have logged about 3 miles on your hike. You may be a little tired at this point, but you will want to climb the 100 steps to the top. It is absolutely worth the effort! This is one of the highest points in Dunn County and you can see the entire valley below.
These pictures just really don't do this view justice!!! If you decide to hike this park during peak color, you will know what I mean.
Continue downhill on the Sunset trail from the observation tower. At the end of this trail, you will come to the East Savannah loop. This is a wonderful hike through the prairie where all of the wild flowers and high grasses grow. They mow down a nice wide trail for hikers.
The last leg of the hike travels along the Savannah loop down around Richard's Pond and then around Marion's Pond with the last leg on the Catherine Hoffman Memorial Wetland trail. These pictures were my favorite of the day. Two of them are actually printed on large canvases that now hang on my walls.
I had a large hiking crew for this hike! We all had an amazing time and so will you!
If you only have time for one big fall hike this year, THIS is the one you should take! I can't wait for the next fall hike at Hoffman Hills and to tell you all about it!
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