I love a good waterfall and I heard that the waterfall at the end of the Silverbrook Trail is a nice one. The hike was nice but nothing spectacular and the waterfall itself was not all that amazing. Perhaps I was expecting more because that area is so beautiful in general.
Silverbrook Trail starts at the end of the group camp area. We weren’t completely sure if we were allowed to park there but we did and nobody said anything to us. The first part of the trail is more open and prairie like and was very hot in the sun. After maybe 1/4 mile, there are more trees and shade. I was surprised how flat the trail is, considering how rugged the terrain near the river is.
The park map says the trail follows part of the old road that ran between Osceola and St. Croix Falls and passes an old copper mine area. I wish there were interpretive signs or a better explanation on the map as to the history of the area.
Shortly after the mine area, you come to the waterfall. It wasn’t very impressive from this vantage point and we were a little too lazy to find a way to the bottom.
All in all, hiking this trail would be a fine way to spend an hour when you’re bored and have explored everything else in the area. It wasn’t really worth the drive from the Twin Cities, though.
We did have lunch in the picnic area along the river, which was lovely. There are a lot of picnic tables spread out and big open spaces to sit on the ground.
Minnesota Camping & Hiking 