Crystal Spring SNA

Minnesota DNR

On rare occasions we come across a wild space so fragile or beautiful that we hesitate to publish it. We want to keep it to ourselves, to protect it and prevent it from being spoiled. The hidden cove at Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area is that kind of place. Crystal Spring SNA is near Taylor’s Falls in northern Washington County. Its 38 woodland acres are mostly red oak forest with small areas of black ash swamp.

A forest road and then a well-worn hiking trail lead from the northwest corner to the southeast corner of the SNA. The hiking trail eventually passes a set of winding steps that leads down a bluff and out of sight. The steps end at a sandstone cliff about 25 feet above a stream. A narrow trail at the base of the cliff but only halfway down the steep bluff leads to a hidden cove. The north wall of the cove is dry cliff exposing two bedrock layers, Jordan Sandstone and Saint Lawrence Shale. A spring at end of the cove bubbles into a “crystal” clear pool which overflows down the cliff to Zavoral’s Creek below. The steep walls of the gorge, the waterfall, and the lush vegetation join to create an alluring natural attraction.

Four species with conservation status in Minnesota have been seen here: butternut, an endangered species; and American ginseng, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Red-shouldered Hawk, all special concern species.

This site was designated Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area on January 19, 2016. It was published on the Minnesota DNR Website in May 2017.

Detail map (MN DNR)

38 acres

Park on the east road shoulder only

N45 15.792, W92 46.095

There are no maintained trails. A hiking corridor leads from the parking area to the SNA. An old forest road leads from the SNA sign to a clearing in the forest. From there, a hiking trail leads past a hidden cove to the south boundary of the SNA. Visitors are asked to stay back from the cliffs and off the steep slopes. The hiking trail eventually passes a set of winding steps that leads down a bluff and out of sight. The steps end at a sandstone cliff about 25 feet above a stream. A narrow trail at the base of the cliff but only halfway down the steep bluff leads to a hidden cove.

No hunting

Exposures of Jordan Sandstone and Saint Lawrence Shale.

Where to Park

Where not to park

Hiking Corridor

Wood Routed Sign

Red Oak - Basswood Forest (Noncalcareous Till)

Winding Stairs to Hidden Cove

Narrow Trail Along the Base of the Cliff

Exposed Bedrock

Wet Cliff

“Crystal” Spring

Zavoral’s Creek

eBird Field Checklist

Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Fungi List

Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas and Minnesota Biological Survey Vegetation Releves Plant List