Stillwater, Minnesota has a wealth of trails, streams, and interesting rock formations. I thought I had seen them all but this place was new to me. I’ve been there twice now and plan to return so I can continue to explore. It is a small acreage owned by the National Park Service with a lot to see. The trails are short, but challenging. The sign at the entrance says that it is only minimally maintained and that is the truth! There are no restroom facilities, no water, no parking. Take care of your needs before arriving!
A nearby street has signs that say, “Parking for Fairy Falls Day Use Parking Only”. It is a short walk downhill and across a slightly busy street to the entrance. The entrance is just a packed earth trail. The first time I was there I started walking up the hill instead of down because I had not seen the entrance yet. I’m thankful for online maps.
Upon entering the trail I immediately felt transported away from hectic modern life. I can see why it is named Fairy Falls. It looked how I imagine a land of fairies would look. Packed earth, trees, ferns, and a significant downward slope brings you to a small wooden bridge. The stream disappears over the cliff edge. It is hard to get a good look at the falls from there because there is a lot of undergrowth and no railings. Be aware of the edge. After the bridge, go up, to the right, and follow that trail for about a half mile. It will then go steeply downhill and you will be at the bottom of the ravine. That is as far as I went but I believe you can get to the base of the falls from there. There are lots of sandstone cliffs and horsetail reeds. A nice spot.
My mission on both visits was to hike the loop trail that is on the map posted at the entrance. I lost the trail both times and that is why I must return! I know that I could use technology and follow a dot on a phone screen but I wanted to be more connected to nature. The first time I tried a counter-clockwise loop. When you see a fork in the trail with a large painted rock, take the left fork. The trail followed the edge of another ravine and then entered a stand of mature trees with no undergrowth. It was like entering a large room. It was hard to find the trail again on the other side. The trail I found faded away after a short distance. I continued in the direction that seemed right. A marker I saw tied to a tree might have been a trail marker, or it might have been the property boundary. I only found one.
The second time I tried a clockwise loop. There was a faint trail for a short way. Very soon I was wandering. Eventually I found my way to spots I recognized from the first time I was there, but when I compared my tracked path to the map at the entrance, it was even further off than the first time! Next time I’ll use technology because I don’t want to cause damage or create more confusion. I could even bring some markers to help others. I’ll do some research on that first. Even though it was challenging, I enjoyed being there. I felt connected to nature and grateful for the knowledge that was taught to me in the past. I felt confident in my abilities to stay safe and comfortable. I never felt lost and when I was tired, I rested.
I did some blind contour drawing near the bridge. It is the best method I know for really connecting to the place. I let the line be a judgement-free record of what I was seeing. When I first starting doing this type of drawing outside, it took a few tries before I felt comfortable. It is hard to let go of my judgement of myself, and also the judgement I imagine others might have. They probably expect an artist drawing outside to create a realistic image of the scene. That is not what brings me joy. This type of drawing brings me joy. One of the benefits of getting older is that it is easier to let go of caring what others think. This drawing is just for me (and I guess now for you too). When I create at the studio I usually create images that are more recognizable. I would call them semi-abstract. If you are interested you can see them in my online shop.
If you are a person who craves solitude in nature, you can find it at Fairy Falls in Stillwater. It can be busy near the falls, but it doesn’t take long to get to a quiet spot. Have you been to this magical place? If you have insights I would love to hear them. When the National Park Service has better funding, are there plans to update these trails? I think all that is needed is more markers on the loop trail. Those of us who use the trail can make it easier for the next person simply by walking the same route each time. Let’s get outside, create, and connect.
Tammy Nara 