John A. Lastch State Park is located along Highway 61 between Wabasha and Winona, about 100 miles or 2 hours southeast of the Twin Cities. The park has three buffs: Mount Faith, Mount Hope, and Mount Charity. The hike up Riverview Trail leads to Mount Charity, but a trail at the top suggests the other bluffs may also be accessible.

Riverview Trail was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and currently has 568 steps leading to the top. Though not leisurely, if I can make it with my camera gear, I’d suggest anyone wishing for a view from the top also make the effort as the views and solitude make it all worth while. With very few visitors, a rest along the way is unlikely to inconvenience anyone.

Riverview Trail StepsJohn A. Latsch State Park

Winona County

View from the EdgeJohn A. Latsch State Park

Winona Cunty

Atop the BluffJohn A. Latsch State Park

Highway 61 from the BluffJohn A. Latsch State Park

Charity Bluff TwilightWinona County