Since one of the main goals on this journey was to observe fall colors, the next choice of Mill Bluff State Park was easy. The park contains several large sandstone bluffs, and the main Mill Bluff can be climbed to look out across the forest. Amazing to consider thousands of years ago this was a glacial lake and the bluffs were islands.
I started in reverse order by accident and hit the Camels Bluff Trail first. According to the signs, this was an Eagle Scout project – quite a feat to clear 1.25 miles of trail. This section passes by several of the parks bluffs and loops Camels Bluff, but doesn’t give as spectacular of a view compared to farther away. I was the only one here today around 9am. Near the end I was greeted by a small garter snake who was very social for the camera.
After driving back from the trail head, I came down the same road to the main park entrance (which I had passed right by on the way in). The main rock staircase starts at the road or can be accessed from the short 0.4 mile nature trail. Once on top of the bluff, views were limited due to tree growth but still spectacular. Only downside was loud noise from the highway but not unpleasant.
Hiking Data
Not much hiking here, but still worth it. Camels Bluff trail and atop Mill Bluff I was completely alone, and only saw 2 hikers walking dogs on the nature trail. Would visit again (briefly) to take in the panoramas.
