Quarry Hill Park, Rochester

Location:  Northeast Rochester on Silver Creek Road off East Circle Drive
Miles: 1/2 mile to 3 depending on route
Surface: Paved sections or dirt/wood chips
Terrian: Varied
Uses: Hiking, biking, cross country skiing, wheelchair, baby stroller.
Map:  http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/activities/winter/pdf/QuarryHill-Winter.pdf
Website:  http://www.qhnc.org/
Ticks:  High numbers in grassy areas May- July
Mosquitoes:  Moderate to Low

Quarry Hill has always been a favorite of mine due to it's location in Rochester and the variety of terrain you can find here.  The bike path that runs through the park is about a mile or less and is an enjoyable route to take through the park if you are biking in the area.

The hiking trails on the east side of the park are my favorite as generally the trees/terrain is moderately hilly and pretty.  If you hike to the SE corner found in the trail map there is an overlook where you can see the south eastern part of Rochester.

If you have kids there is a playground on the north end of the park which you can reach by driving in on  Parkwood Hills Drive off of Viola Road.  The road out of this parking lot is relatively steep so don't go down it like me if there has been an ice storm.  You may find yourself having trouble getting back out.  =)

I have found morel mushrooms here (about a half dozen in May 2010)

Note:  As of August 2010, many of the hiking trails on the east side of the park are closed.  See this map for more information:
http://www.qhnc.org/documents/trailclosures4-28-10.pdf