Minnesota chapter · free hike
Tobies + Jay Cooke State Park
Let's gather at one of Minnesotas favorite pit stops going north and then head to Jay Cooke State Park to hike the Summer and Silver Creek Trail Loop! Banning was our original plan, but they will be under construction starting November 9 2026 for quite a while. Tobies @ 9AM - 9:30 ish -> Jay Cooke State Park = 56 min drive ~ 10:30 ish ETA ; 5.8 loop ~ 2-2.5 hrs ; end time ~ 12:30PM ish
Trail details
- Date
- Sat, Nov 14
- Start time
- 9:00 am
- Meet at
- Tobie's Restaurant & Bakery; Then, SHT Jay Cooke State Park Trailhead, Esko, MN 55733
- City
- Esko
- Distance
- 5.8 miles
- Elevation gain
- 554 ft
Cost & booking
Optional food at Tobies, vehicle permit to enter State Park
Important information
There is a vehicle permit fee to enter Jay Cooke State Park unless you already have a year-round permit. More information and option to purchase ahead of time here: Purchase tickets on the event website As autumn ends, please be prepared for weather and trail conditions to change. I will lead hikes through all weather unless it is unsafe. I will send an updated email closer to the event that will provide any updated gear you may need. Tobies is optional, you are not required to purchase anything! I will be bringing a friendly leashed dog with me this hike :-).
What to bring
water, layers, protein and fiber rich snack/lunch if you wish, pack to store it all
Parking
There are many parking spots at Tobies, and we may consider carpooling to our trailhead (56 mins away from Tobies). The trailhead address is: SHT Jay Cooke State Park Trailhead, Esko, MN 55733. You will need a state park permit to enter. If some of us carpool, we can split the cost, or carpool in a vehicle that has a year-round permit, if that is of interest.
- Pace
- Moderate
- Dogs allowed
- Yes, leashed
FAQs