T he steep bluffs, loess-covered uplands, narrow river valleys and broad floodplains of Zumbro Falls SNA straddle the Zumbro River. At one point, Wall Rock, a dry cliff community, towers 200 foot above the east side of the river bed. Frequent dolomite outcrops and low, moist cliffs support mosses, liverworts, and ferns. Small patches of Canadian yew, uncommon in this area, indicate cool ground water seepages. Along the river terraces, Indian paintbrush and smooth rock cress, both protected species, grow on gravel prairies.
Spring brings spectacular displays of bluebells under the basswood stands along the river.
Wild ginger, trilliums, and hepatica bloom in the woodlands, and jeweled shooting star, found in Minnesota only on the Paleozoic Plateau, grows abundantly on the cliff faces.