Whitewater State Park is nestled into the bluffs of Southeast Minnesota, where you will find a variety of landscapes, native plants, animals & so much more. Whitewater State Park also offers a great area for camping, sheltered picnic facilities, a beach to swim from, & so much more.

Whitewater State Park Trails

Check out my top 5 Whitewater State Park hiking trails below. If you are looking for a trail map visit the Minnesota DNR website.

1. Trout Creek Self-Guided Trail (Dead End)

Length: 2 miles – 1 mile out & 1 mile back

Type: Self-guided, easy

Trout Run Creek Trail is my favorite trail throughout every season at Whitewater State Park because of it’s diversity. There is so much color– from the luscious greens along the creek, the rough edges of the bluffs along the trail, & the ever changing trees & tall grasses. Even though this trail is a dead end, you will notice so many things you missed on your way out that will catch your eye on the way back.

While on this trail you might find some clues that there are beaver in the creek– whether it’s fallen trees or beaver dams. There are also signs that indicate possible rattle snake sightings during the warmer months so be sure to keep your eyes open just in case! You will cross a few bridges– some are just wood planks others are cute arched bridges like the one pictured below. Lastly, once you get toward the end of the trail you will find the tiniest waterfall as the creek begins to get smaller. It’s certainly nothing spectacular but it’s cute!

2. Coyote Point Trail

Length: About 2.7 miles out & back

Type: Moderate to difficult, as there are several steep inclines & stairs

If you are wanting scenic overlooks & beautiful views from the top of the bluffs, & some elevation– this trail is for you!

Coyote Point Trail is a trail that wraps along the side of one of the bluffs at Whitewater creating a wonderful scenic hike overlooking the park, but getting to it can be quite the workout. If you come from the group camp side you will hike up the side of the bluff which is a little steep & bit rocky but manageable. If you go up the side by the nature center you get a good workout from all the steps but I promise the view is worth it!

3. Inspiration Point Trail

Length: 1.2 miles

Type: Moderate with stairs at a steep incline

Inspiration Point Whitewater State Park gives you a bit of everything from the luscious green trails with cooler temps in the summer because of all the shade but you also get the beautiful scenic overlooks from the bluffs once you get to Inspiration Point. If you want to see what Whitewater has to offer or if you are limited on time, I would personally suggest this trail since you get two trails in one!

Once you start heading to Inspiration Point the trail goes right off from Trout Creek Trail up a bunch of stairs & up the side of the bluff. The stairs get pretty steep for me so I usually go at my own pace. As soon as you get to the top of Inspiration Point you will quickly realize how it got it’s name! You can keep hiking the trail or stop for a few moments to admire the rocky bluff side, overlooking the back of the park– almost as if that portion of the park has been untouched.

Once you continue on the trail it will take you through some winding patches of trees & rocky pathways, but you will remain on the side of the bluff that overlooks the park. Once the trail ends you can go back down to one of the parking lots or continue straight ahead to Chimney Rock which is a very popular overlook at Whitewater.

Visit Whitewater State Park at the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources website– click here to view a map.

4. Chimney Rock Trail

Length: 0.7 miles

Type: Easy to moderate with a lot of stairs at an incline

This Whitewater State Park Trail is easily one of the most popular among visitors, but also one of the busiest. Chimney Rock Trail is located right off of the main parking lot, near the beach & bridge, & is only 0.7 miles.

But, don’t let this short trail fool you. To get there you must walk/hike yo several sets of stairs to get to the top & then up some rocky trails to get to the top. Once you get there you will not be disappointed as you hard work has paid off.

Chimney Rock Trail overlooks the entire park & as you sit a top the bluff! The view is one of the best at this park.

5. Dakota Trail

Length: 4.2 miles through many landscapes

Type: moderate to difficult, a portion of this trail is on a side hill which can be difficult depending on weather conditions.

This trail is one of the longest at Whitewater State Park & has so much to offer. From bluff top views, a small water crossing, & so much more – it is a great trail for any season!

Because the Whitewater River flows down in the valley of this trail, many time you will find signs of beavers (see picture below) & other SE Minnesota creatures. Within the valley you will also notice how quiet it is with the tail trees & sounds of the water running. This trail is truly a great way to get some fresh air & enjoy some time outdoors!

Best Campsites at Whitewater State Park

There are several different campgrounds at Whitewater State Park, including their newest campground – Minneiska Campground, as well as, group camps & camper cabins. Some many say, there’s no bad campsites at this park because sites are fairly well spaced out. Depending on the amenities you are looking for, Minneiska’s facilities are nice & new, but the campsites do seem a bit bare because it’s so new & needs time to develop; whereas, Cedar Hill Campground is more authentic.

Whitewater State Park Fishing

Whitewater State Park is known for it’s excellent trout fishing. Whether you are hiking, camping, or driving through there’s a good chance you will spot someone fishing in the river during the winter & summer months. To much surprise, there are several trout streams in Southeastern Minnesota but they are dependent on stream conditions which can be found on, Southeast Minnesota Steam Conditions – Minnesota DNR’s website.

Whitewater State Park Campground Map & More

For a Whitewater State Park Map or Whitewater State Park Campground Map visit the official Minnesota DNR website to get your maps & stay up to date on park conditions.

Overview: Top 5 Hikes at Whitewater State Park

Because Southeast Minnesota is known as bluff country, many of these trails may be considered moderate because of the rather steep inclines & staircases to help fellow park goers walk/hike these bluffs. Be prepared, bring water, & enjoy this wonderful gem!

Looking to explore more parks in this area? Check out 30 Parks In & Around Rochester, MN

Bonus Adventure:

If you are looking to check out another location while you are in Elba, right down the road from Whitewater State Park there is the Elba Fire Tower that overlooks the entire town of Elba!

It is a total of 637 steps to get there. If you are looking to check out another location while you are in Elba, right down the road from Whitewater State Park there is the Elba Fire Tower that overlooks the entire town of Elba! It is a total of 637 steps to get there. You won’t want to miss this view! Learn more: Elba Fire Tower: Unique Things To Do In Minnesota

Looking for the perfect pants before heading out on your adventure? Check out the Kuhl FreeFlex Dash. They are lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable! I have a pair in black and they are my go-to whether exploring around Minnesota or long days of traveling. The side pockets are the perfect size for my phone, allowing for hands-free moments when hiking, walking through the airport, or walking my dogs. You’ll definitely want to add these to your collection!