Waterfalls, Blufftops, and Alphabet Games – A Day of Hiking at Nerstrand and Frontenac State Parks
Waterfalls, Blufftops, and Alphabet Games – A Day of Hiking at Nerstrand and Frontenac State Parks
Some days are made for checking off parks on the map and this was one of them. From the quiet calm of a roaring waterfall to the leg-burning descent of a Mississippi River bluff, our jam-packed day started early and left us happily exhausted.
Morning Stillness at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
We kicked things off with a quick stop at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, arriving just before the park officially opened. The air was cool, the breeze brisk, and the trails still damp from overnight rain. A hush hung over the forest, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional birdcall.
We followed the Hidden Falls Trail, a short and well-maintained path that leads through a lush forest to the park’s crown jewel: Hidden Falls. Thanks to recent rainfall, the waterfall was anything but hidden in spirit, its roar echoed through the woods, whitewater crashing over the rock ledge in a deafening cascade. Clouds hung low, turning the canopy into a vibrant explosion of green. Every leaf seemed to glow against the dim light.
Hidden Falls, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Despite the force of the water, the moment felt peaceful. The sound was immense but strangely calming. We stood for a while, just listening. Just being. For such a short trail, the reward was huge, both visually and emotionally.
Hiking Frontenac State Park: From Blufftops to Bottomlands
From Nerstrand, we drove east to Frontenac State Park, where we traded waterfalls for river valley views. We began our hike on the Upper Bluffside Trail, a wooded path that skirts the high rim of the Mississippi River valley. The air had warmed up, and birdsong filled the forest as we walked through dappled light, legs still fresh and spirits high.
One of the absolute highlights of this section was the series of rad overlooks scattered along the trail. These scenic spots offer incredible panoramic views of the Mississippi River below. Each one felt a little different; some framed by pines, others opening wide to reveal the sweeping curves of the river as it meandered through the valley. The vantage points made us pause every time. We soaked in the height, the light, the shimmer on the water. These moments were Frontenac at its best; big skies, big views, and the kind of perspective only elevation can bring.
Overlook, Upper Bluffside Trail
But the descent came fast and steep. The connector trail down to the Lower Bluffside Trail is one of the steepest we’ve ever taken. More like a staircase carved into the hillside than a trail, it demanded careful footing and plenty of leg strength. Switchbacks helped, but only a little. By the time we reached the bottom, we were already joking that we’d earned lunch.
On the lower trail, I hoped for more riverside hiking, but the dense tree line had other plans. The Mississippi River teased us, just out of reach behind thick foliage. Instead of dramatic overlooks, we found ourselves deep in the woods on a trail that felt longer than it probably was. It wound on with dips and climbs, tangled roots, and the occasional patch of mud.
Lower Bluffside Trail
To pass the time and distract from our growing fatigue, we leaned into our go-to hiking game: the alphabet challenge. We cycled through animals and foods, laughing at the weird entries and stalling out on letters like Q and X. Silly, yes, but it worked. The laughter kept us moving.
Eventually, we looped back and faced the inevitable climb back up. If the descent was tough, the ascent was something else entirely, although not as grueling. We took it slow, stopping to catch our breath and marvel at how far down we had come. Reaching level ground again felt like a major win.
By the end, we’d logged just under 5 miles. Frontenac offered rolling terrain, challenging elevation, and the quiet reward that comes with tough hikes. While the lower trail didn’t quite deliver the riverfront views we’d imagined, the Upper Bluffside Trail and its stunning overlooks more than made up for it.
Two Parks, One Full Heart
From the stillness of a misty waterfall to the sweat and silliness of a bluff hike, this day had a bit of everything. Nerstrand offered peaceful beauty in a small, easy dose. Frontenac pushed us a little harder, tested our knees and patience, and left us with stories (and sore calves) to remember.
Let's keep rambling.
- Kelly