Southern Trails

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Unlike other trails in this park, the Southern Trails are open to hiking in both summer and winter. The parking lots at either end of the Southern Trails are dirt with no amenities. Signage is minimal but the trails are wide and easy to follow.

There are three Southern Trails at William O'Brien State Park. The western and eastern outer two trails run between parking lots to the north and south, while the inner trail links the outer trails. The southern parking lot is off Broadway Street just west of Marine on Saint Croix. The northern lot is just off Ostrum Trail North. You'll need a vehicle pass to park in either lot.

From the southern parking lot, head north on the western outer trail as it rolls through pine and birch forests and across open fields. It eventually reaches an old road that leads down to Ostrum Trail North. You have the option here of going down to that parking lot or continuing on the eastern outer trail back to the southern parking lot.