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Hardwood Creek Regional Trail/Transit Center
| Admission Fee | County park vehicle permits are not required to park or to use the trail. |
| Other Link | Learn more about Washington County Parks. |
Features
- Bicycling
- Equestrian Trails
- Multi-Use Trails
- Paved Trails
- Snowmobile Trails
The Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is a 9.5-mile multiple-use trail in northwestern Washington County.
The trail consists of two parallel trails which run adjacent to Highway 61, from County Road 8 (Frenchman Road) in Hugo to the Washington/Chisago County Line in Forest Lake. The paved portion is for bikers, hikers, and in-line skaters (no cross-country skiing). The turf portion is for horses in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. Note that snowmobiles with metal traction devices (studs) are not allowed anywhere in the trail corridor. The trail is on a former Burlington Northern Railroad grade which is level and wheelchair accessible.
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail provides access to local trails and businesses, and to the Sunrise Prairie Trail in Chisago County which extends to North Branch. The trail takes visitors through new residential areas, natural areas, and the commercial areas of Hugo and Forest Lake, each containing small shops and restaurants.
Parking Areas
- North of the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road 8 (Frenchman Road).
- Washington County Headwaters Transit Center (19987 Fitzgerald Trail North).
- North of the Forest Lake City Hall at Lake Street (Highway 61) and Broadway Avenue (County State Aid Highway 2).
- County Park Vehicle Permits are not required to park or to use the trail.
Restrooms and Water
- No restrooms available in Hugo.
- Restrooms and water fountain available at Headwaters Transit Center (19987 Fitzgerald Trail North).
- Restrooms in Forest Lake City Hall.
- Water fountain at Frenchman Road parking area, and Forest Lake City Hall.
2023 Facility Closures
Please note that the Regional Trail remains open on these dates.
- January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 20 - Presidents Day
- May 29 - Memorial Day
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- July 4 - Independence Day
- September 4 - Labor Day
- November 11 - Veterans Day
- November 23 - Thanksgiving Day
- November 24 - day after Thanksgiving
- December 25 - Christmas
- January 1, 2024 - New Year's Day