Lower Purgatory Creek Trail: Best Easy Hike in Eden Prairie
As a child, we’d walk down to this area and play at the creek. We’d bring fishing gear and catch a few fish, and explore the water. We even carved a small hiking trail along it just to see how far we could go.
The City of Eden Prairie had the same idea and created an official hiking trail in the Lower Purgatory Creek Conservation Area. It doesn’t follow our original path, but what they built is even better.
Welcome to hike 3 of 5 of my Hiking in Eden Prairie Series. Each day this week, I’m adding another great hike included in Eden Prairie’s Conservation Areas.
The Lower Purgatory Creek Hiking Trail
The Lower Purgatory Creek Hiking Trail takes you through the wooded banks of Purgatory Creek. It’s some of the coolest hiking I’ve done recently.
One of the most striking things is how big the trees have gotten around the creek. As a kid we could throw our lines in and fish right off the paved sidewalk. Now you need to bushwhack a bit to get close to the water.
The trail is well used by locals. Most hikers are from nearby neighborhoods. I saw families with younger kids, and a few runners.
There are slight hills along the way. The ground is mostly dirt, with some exposed roots. You’ll cross seven bridges over the creek. There are a few short boardwalks in wetter spots.
The trail is easy to follow. Any small side paths you see are usually from residents linking to the main conservation trail.
The current trail ends at two large staircases that lead up to neighborhood access points. If you’re not looking for a workout, you can skip the stairs and turn around. The city has proposed extending the trail in the future, so it may grow over time.
Tips
Download the official trail map (PDF) before you go. Cell signal can be spotty under the canopy, and GPS can lag near the end of the trail.
Best parking: Homeward Hills Park near the baseball field, off Homeward Hills Road.
The hiking trail sits under the Flying Cloud Airport flight path. You’ll hear small aircraft overhead at times.
Would I go back?
Yes. I can’t wait to bring the kids back to the woods I played in growing up. The trail is beautiful, the creek is lively, and it’s an easy escape close to home. While you’re in Eden Prairie, check out more great things to do.
