Hay Creek Day Use Area

Hay Creek Day Use Area in Goodhue, Minnesota is a multi-use outdoor recreation area with a 4.0 rating that welcomes hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers across its trail network. Goodhue County sits in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, an area known for its rugged terrain, wooded valleys, and scenic ridge views. That natural landscape makes it one of the more rewarding destinations in the state for riders who want actual trail miles, not just arena work. It's a place that earns its visits from outdoor enthusiasts across a wide stretch of the region.

Horseback riding at Hay Creek means taking your horse out on real trails through wooded hillsides and creek corridors, which is a genuinely different experience from ring-based riding. The area also accommodates hikers on foot, with trail routes that wind through varied terrain at a manageable pace for all fitness levels. Mountain bikers have dedicated access as well, with paths that offer both technical challenge and scenic reward. The multi-use design means the area is active across a wide range of visitor types, so being aware of trail etiquette and sharing practices is part of visiting responsibly.

Hay Creek Day Use Area is located in Goodhue County in southeastern Minnesota and draws visitors from Red Wing, Lake City, Rochester, and the broader Cannon Falls area. It's a reasonable day trip from the Twin Cities metro, sitting roughly an hour southeast of St. Paul. Outdoor recreationists from across the bluff country region consider it a go-to spot for trail riding and hiking.