- Max Trip Size: 12 people
Hiking at Barn Bluff, Red Wing, on Sunday, August 31st at 2 p.m.
Red Wing’s He Mni Can-Barn Bluff offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. The 2.9-mile hike peaks on top of a limestone bluff with panoramic views of the river and historic downtown. A 350-foot cliff that was so named because of its resemblance to a barn. We will take our time as we follow the trails but please keep up with the group. There are LOTS of stairs!
You’ll find the parking for the Barn Bluff trailhead right off of US Highway 63 in Red Wing, Minnesota. Street address is 636 E 5th Street, Red Wing, MN 55066.
The parking lot is a simple gravel pullout off of E. 5th Street. There is room for only a small number of cars.There are no restrooms near the parking lot or along the trail, so plan ahead. I usually park along the street and then walk to the trailhead.
We will meet at the trailhead that starts directly across from 5th street. At the the top of the stairs there is an informational kiosk.
From the kiosk we will go up hill to pick up the Midland Trail. The Midland trail merges with the southland trail after it’s climbed about 1/4 of the height of the bluff. From there we will take the South trail to the Prairie trail, first to the east overlook, then to the west overlook, finally returning on the far side of the bluff via the North trail. Approximately 3-4 hours to return to track junction. This walk has some very steep sections and boulder scrambling towards the summit.
BRING WATER and a snack – it can be a hot and sunny walk – wear a hat – walking sticks can be helpful. Bring some kind of camera because the views are amazing. Please do not bring a dog.
Joannie

