Hallaway Hill

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.