Experiencing Glendalough’s Many Trails

By Sandra Thigman

Glendalough State Park now has more than nine miles of trails, with several more in the planning and development process. There’s no better way to see the fullness of Glendalough than by hiking or biking these impressive trails throughout the Minnesota seasons. This article will offer tips on how to do it.

For the hiking enthusiast with an eye toward flowers, prairie grasses, wildlife and bird watching, I recommend getting started at the Prairie Hill or Sunset Lake Trails. These short trails offer panoramic prairie views, which are stunning in the dawn and dusk lighting. Sunset Lake is known for its mirrored reflections and evening photography. Within the park’s interior, you will find longer hikes like the Beaver Pond, Annie Battle, and Lake Emma Trails. They are certain to produce wildlife sightings for patient hikers. The Lake Emma Trail is one of my favorite hikes, especially on a Fall morning. Be sure to bring your binoculars as Lake Emma will be teeming with many bird species and bountiful waterfowl.

All of these grass trails make great hikes, runs, and some are groomed from cross country skiing. You can find more information about these trails in this newsletter or at www.DNR……

Another approach to see Glendalough is recreational biking along the paved trails. The Glendalough Trail is family friendly with its gentle topography and many amenities. The trail can be ridden as a simple 5.5 mile paved loop by starting at the trailhead within the park near the Annie Battle Lake boat landing. Bicycles may be rented at the trailhead from our new concessionaire. This loop offers incredible views of Annie Battle and Molly Stark Lakes, with ample interludes of the prairie grasslands and wildlife.

Many family bikers prefer the 12-mile paved loop option, by starting at the trailhead within the City of Battle Lake. This route offers five modern restroom stops, three swimming beaches, four picnic areas, two public shower facilities, and all of the amenities found in a vibrant small town. A park pass is not required when bikers enter Glendalough from the Battle Lake trails.

For the outdoor fitness enthusiast, Glendalough never disappoints and is fresh each day.  The 12-mile loop is a safe venue for a serious cyclist to log many miles with a panorama that only nature can provide.

My preferred approach is to strap on a small backpack with my cross-training shoes, saddle up my mountain bike, and do a combination circuit. This usually involves biking the 5.5 mile paved loop, and running a few miles on Glendalough’s hiking trails. My favorite route is to bike the loop and the Lake Emma grass trail and the northernmost extension, and run the Beaver Pond and Sunset Lake loops. The workout and scenery are priceless.

For more information on biking options in Battle Lake and Glendalough, see www.MoreThanATrail.com