Afton State Park

Ferns cover the forest floor at Afton State Park.

Afton State Park's location on the St. Croix River, a National Scenic River, makes it well-suited for hiking, cross-country skiing, paddling and nature study.

Paved and backcountry trails — four surfaced miles for biking, five miles for horseback riding and 20 miles for hiking and cross-country skiing — explore the rolling glacial moraine and blufflands, a combination of natural grasslands and woodlands. Backpackers have access to 24 hike-in campsites; there are no drive-in sites.

The river draws paddlers and anglers. There's one canoe campsite. Walleye are common, but there also are supplies of smallmouth bass, catfish and sheephead (known as drum in other parts of the country).

Birdwatchers observe hawks, eagles and ducks on the St. Croix flyway, bluebirds in the grasslands, and migratory birds in the floodplains. Deer, turkey, fox and badgers also live in the park.

Facilities include a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, swimming beach and warming house for skiers.