Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
116.00 ft (35.36 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
0.50 mi (0.80 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Hallaway Hill is short half-mile hike that leads up to one of the highest points in Maplewood State Park. It's the perfect hike for someone who only has an hour and wants to get outside for a bit. This hike is very rewarding in a short amount of time. The peak provides 360-degree panoramic views of the park and neighboring Lake Lida. Many Bald Eagles can be seen soaring below you scouting for free meals in the currents of the lake. Chipmunks and squirrels scatter the landscape as you climb the trail. The hill is famous for being an old ski slope many years ago. It was popular because it ended on the lake, and skiers could slow down on the flat lake bed. It made for a nice natural slope. Parts of the trail were used as the route they would have to walk back up, although in later years a small winch was installed to help skiers traverse the climb back up. The winch is no longer there.  

The trail is relatively easy and can be finished by most. It isn't too strenuous, but the final portion is fairly steep yet brief. The trail starts in a dense brush forest by the parking lot and then meanders around for a few hundred yards. It breaks out into meadowed area with tall prairie grass. From here it starts to climb. As you get higher, remember to look back over the meadow and you will start to see small ponds and deer wandering through the area. This is where the grade starts to get steep, and it's only a short push to the peak. There is a bench for you to rest your legs, as well. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Short hike, relatively low traffic, fall colors, panoramic vistas, wildlife viewing

Cons

Bugs are thick, ticks

Trailhead Elevation

1,364.00 ft (415.75 m)

Highest point

1,480.00 ft (451.10 m)

Features

Family friendly
Vault toilet
Flushing toilets
Near lake or river
Shelters
Wildflowers
Big vistas
Historically significant
Wildlife
Bird watching
Big Game Watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

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