Enjoy over 10 miles of hiking trails at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge! Each trail is designed with loops that pass through oak woodlands and prairie openings, skirting nearby wetlands.
Hours
Daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Locations
Daily: Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive and hiking trails, Mahnomen Trail, Blue Hill Trail and Oak Savanna Learning Center Trails.
September 1 to February 28: Most of the refuge, excluding closed areas as portrayed on the map of the refuge general information brochure, is open to hiking.
Know Before You Go
- From March 1 through August 31, please observe all posted signs and remain within 100 feet of designated trails and the Wildlife Drive to help protect breeding wildlife and nesting areas.
- No collection of wildflowers, animals, artifacts or stones is permitted.
- Dogs are allowed outdoors anywhere that visitors are, as long as they are on a leash.
- Please refer to the full list of refuge rules and policies before visiting.
Points of Interest
- Blue Hill Trail: 5-mile loop, natural surface with moderate incline and bridges.This hiking trail has three loops that take you through prairie, oak savanna and coniferous habitats. Venture up to the overlook for a vista of the surrounding area, as Blue Hill is the highest point in Sherburne County. This is also the place on the refuge to spot natural rock deposits left behind by glaciers.
- Mahnomen Trail: 3.1-mile loop, flat natural surface and boardwalk. This hiking trail has three loops that take you through prairie, oak savanna and wetland habitats. Prime for birding, the edge habitat and trail are popular during spring and fall migrations. This trail is open to hunting only during the November firearm deer season, with signage posted at the trailhead alerting visitors during that time frame.
- Oak Savanna Learning Center Trails: Accessible 1.6-mile system, crushed granite and natural surface with gentle incline and a bridge. These trails loop through oak savanna, prairie, deciduous forests and wetland habitats. The observation blind and floating dock are a popular spots for photography and wildlife watching.
- Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive Trails (Bur Oak, Prairie and Woodland Trails): Three accessible 0.18 to 0.47-mile loops, flat crushed granite surface and a boardwalk on Prairie Trail. These short trails take you through oak savanna, prairie and woodland habitats along the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive. The bald eagle's nest replica on the Bur Oak Trail is a popular spot for visitors. Visit the Prairie Trail in early to mid-June to see wild lupine at peak bloom. In spring and fall, hike through the Woodland Trail to spot warblers and songbirds during migration.
