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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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Minnesota
Arrowhead Region
General C C Andrews State Forest
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GENERAL C C ANDREWS STATE FOREST
GENERAL C C ANDREWS STATE FOREST
The General C C Andrews State Forest, located in Minnesota, is a picturesque woodland area that showcases the region's remarkable natural beauty. Spanning over thousands of acres, this forest is characterized by dense forests of towering pine and hardwood trees, interspersed with tranquil lakes, meandering rivers, and rolling hills. It offers an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, offering various recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can immerse themselves in the forest's peaceful ambiance, exploring its well-maintained trails, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. The General C C Andrews State Forest is not just a scenic retreat but also serves as an essential ecosystem and a haven for countless plant and animal species, making it a true treasure of Minnesota's wilderness.
History of the Area
The General C C Andrews State Forest, located in northern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The forest was named after General Christopher Columbus Andrews, a prominent figure in Minnesota's history.

In the 1900s, the area where the state forest now exists was heavily logged due to its vast timber resources. Lumber companies played a significant role in the region's economy, harvesting trees and transporting them to mills for processing.

In the late 1930s, during the Great Depression, the federal government initiated reforestation programs across the country to provide jobs and restore forests. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established, and one of its camps was set up in the current location of the General C C Andrews State Forest.

The CCC was instrumental in reforesting the area, planting thousands of trees to combat erosion and promote forest regeneration. The camp also constructed roads, trails, fire towers, and other infrastructure that are still in use today.

In 1945, the state of Minnesota acquired the land that was under federal ownership, officially establishing the state forest. It was named after General C C Andrews to honor his contributions to conservation efforts in the state. General Andrews was a Spanish-American War hero, a Civil War veteran, and an influential figure in the forestry industry.

The General C C Andrews State Forest has been managed for multiple uses, including sustainable timber harvesting, wildlife habitat preservation, and recreation. Today, it encompasses around 32,000 acres of forested land, offering opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife-watching.

The forest continues to be managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which aims to balance the ecological health of the forest with the needs of local communities and visitors.
Camping
General C.C. Andrews State Forest, located in Minnesota, offers a variety of camping options for outdoor enthusiasts:

1. Willow River Campground: This campground is the main one within General C.C. Andrews State Forest and it provides 36 drive-in sites that can accommodate tents to RVs.

2. Backpack Camping Sites: For those who prefer more secluded spots away from the crowd, there are also backpacking campsites available throughout the forest area which require hiking into.

3. Horse Campsites: There's an equestrian campsite at Snake Creek Management Unit with six horse-friendly sites for riders bringing their own horses along on their trip.

4. Dispersed Camping: Outside of designated areas like these listed above you may be able to do dispersed or primitive camping anywhere unless posted otherwise as long as you follow Leave No Trace principles and state regulations regarding distance from water sources etc.

5. Group Camp Site: A group site accommodating up-to 50 people is also present.
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Trails
1. Willow River Loop Trail: This is a 5-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Willow River and surrounding forest areas. It's moderately difficult with some steep inclines, making it suitable for intermediate hikers.

2. Big Spring Falls Trail: A short but beautiful half mile round trip hike to the stunning waterfall known as Big Spring Falls on Kettle river; this easy-to-navigate path features interpretive signs about local flora and fauna along its route.

3. Tamarack Nature Trail: An educational 0. 8 miles long self-guided nature walk through diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, meadows featuring boardwalks over marshy areas ensuring an immersive experience in nature while keeping your feet dry!

4. Totogatic Ski Trails: These trails are primarily used for cross-country skiing during winter months but can be enjoyed by hikers outside of ski season offering picturesque landscapes throughout their length which varies from three to ten kilometers depending upon chosen loops.

5. Banning State Park Hiking Trails: Although technically not within General C. C Andrews Forest boundaries itself these nearby hiking routes offer additional opportunities ranging from one to four miles each showcasing unique geological formations like sandstone cliffs alongside rapids-filled rivers or quiet woodland paths perfect for birdwatching activities among others.

6. Sand Lake Pines ATV/OHM/Trail System: While designed mainly off-road vehicle use (ATVs), dirt bikes etc. , they also provide ample space walkers/hiker enthusiasts who prefer less crowded environments amidst pine tree dominated surroundings spanning across approximately twenty-five total mileage area-wise.

7. Red Top Loop: At just under two-miles-long Red top provides relatively flat terrain ideal beginners looking explore region's natural beauty without overly exerting themselves physically overall providing panoramic vistas atop red-topped hills hence name given them originally.

8. Sturgeon River Hiking/Snowshoe Pathway: Another multi-use pathway catering both traditional foot traffic well snowshoeing during colder months year, Sturgeon River offers diverse range landscapes including river views, dense forested areas and open meadows across its four-mile length.

9. Moose Lake State Park Trails: A short drive away from the General C. C Andrews Forest are these trails that offer a variety of hiking experiences through prairie lands, hardwood forests and along tranquil lakeshores with distances ranging between one to three miles each.

10. Willow Creek Trail: This trail is approximately 3-miles long offering hikers an opportunity to explore Willow creek's surroundings featuring mixed-hardwood forest habitats alongside occasional wildlife sightings like deer or even moose occasionally!

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Area Campgrounds
Banning RV Park & Campground
60545 Minnesota 23
Finlayson, MN
612-390-0415

Directions
1. Start by heading north on I:35 for approximately 70 miles.
2. Take exit 205 toward MN:23 N/Willow River/Moose Lake and merge onto County Hwy 61.
3. Continue on this road for about half a mile before turning left onto Co Rd B131/County Hwy B131 (signs for Willow River).
4. Follow Co Rd B131 for around 5 miles until you reach the entrance to General C.C Andrews State Forest.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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