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LOOKING FOR THE BEST HIKING SPOTS IN MINNESOTA?
If you’re looking to take up hiking in Minnesota, you won’t have a problem finding great hiking spots. Take it from someone who spent their entire childhood exploring the state… the places you can explore are never-ending!
Best Hiking Spots in Minnesota: An Overview
The places to hike in Minnesota could go on forever, but it’s much more helpful to narrow down the ones that are the most loved in the land of one thousand lakes. Whether you live (or are visiting) northern, central, or southern Minnesota, there are hiking trails for you to explore within driving distance. Before we dive deeper into each location, here is a list of all the best spots for hiking in the state.
21 Best Hiking Spots in Minnesota
Now that you know some of the best hiking spots in MN, we can dive a bit deeper into what some of these locations have to offer! This post divides up the best hiking spots in north, central, and south Minnesota so you can jump ahead and find the location that works best for you! Let’s dive in!
Best Hiking Spots in Northern Minnesota
For starters, we have Northern Minnesota. Typically, when people think about the best hiking spots in Minnesota, the north shore comes to mind, and for good reason! Northern Minnesota has some of the absolute best and most beautiful hiking spots, and we’d recommend taking a trip north to experience at least one of these trails!
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail is the longest in Minnesota, with a length of over 310 miles long. It begins in Northern Minnesota near Jay Cooke State Park and winds along the north shore to the Canadian border. This is a great thru-hike to do during the fall and typically takes an average of two to four weeks to complete.
The Superior Hiking Trail is divided into six sections, each about 35 to 55 miles in distance. Within each of these sections, there are additional trail segments broken down into 5 miles or less. There are various access points to hike the trail for day hikes in northern Minnesota!
Superior National Forest
Although a few of the hiking spots mentioned in this post are located within the Superior National Forest, it deserves its own spot on the list for how expansive it is! There are countless places to explore as it spans over three million acres and is the largest National Forest east of the Mississippi River. It’s also close distance to Lake Superior, Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters, and the Canadian Border!
One of the most popular hiking trails located within Superior National Forest is the trail to Bean and Bear Lake. Another popular hike is the Oberg Mountain Loop via the Superior Hiking Trail. Both offer breathtaking lake and mountain views in this boreal forest.
Jay Cooke State Park
When I went to college in northern Minnesota, Jay Cooke State Park was one of my favorite places to go hiking in Duluth. The rushing river, grandiose boulders, and fantastic waterline trails make Jay Cooke a great place to hike. There are fifty miles of hiking trails in this historic state park, and they’re worth checking out.
Silver Creek Trail is a popular choice when it comes to hiking in Jay Cooke. It’s a 3.5-mile moderate hike that features some great views of the rocky gorge and river. If you’re looking for a cool hike into the park, check out the 6.4-mile Wild Valley trail that takes you to the swinging bridge.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls is one of the state parks you’ve probably heard about if you’ve ever been to Minnesota. Known for its breathtaking waterfalls and overlooks, Gooseberry Falls is a must-see in the northland! There are twenty miles of hiking trails to explore that take you along the Gooseberry River through spruce, pine, and cedar forests.
The most popular hike at this state park is Fifth Falls. It’s a 3.1-mile loop trail that takes visitors to three waterfalls and a walking bridge along the way. It’s worth noting that most hikes in this park are moderate in difficulty.
Tettegouche State Park
Next up on the list is Tettegouche State Park. This state park is a great spot to visit for some of the best views of the north shore and the magnificent bluffs that line Lake Superior. Tettegouche is known for its sea caves, waterfalls, Palisade Head, and sea stack.
A popular destination in the park is Shovel Point, which you can access via a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail. It’s an easy 20-minute hike that brings visitors to a beautiful overlook of the lake and surrounding forests. It also takes you through other popular destinations on the way, such as Palisade Head, Baptism River, sea caves, and the sea stack.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is located in Grand Marais and is a great location for river fishing, waterfall viewing, and forest hiking. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Devil’s Kettle – a 50-foot waterfall that splits around a gigantic volcanic rock that pools in one location and falls in the other! You can access Devil’s Kettle via a 2-mile trail that follows Brule River to the top of the falls.
Voyageurs National Park
For all you National Park lovers out there, Voyageurs is the only National Park in Minnesota and will not leave you disappointed. It holds all of the best things that Minnesota has to offer, from natural water sources, to exposed rock cliffs, lush forests, and damp wetlands. This is a great destination to explore year-round, but if you’re visiting in the wintertime, you have a chance of seeing the northern lights!
There are plenty of hiking options to choose from in this national park with some requiring boat access! There are many places to hike within this 200,000+ acre park, and it also has cross-country trails for skiers in the wintertime.
Cascade River State Park
Cascade River State Park is located in one of the most picturesque cities in Northern Minnesota: Lutsen. This is an extremely popular state park due to its scenic lake views, beautiful waterfalls, and cedar tree forests. It’s also a great spot to stop for a picnic since it has seven different spots located along the shoreline of Lake Superior.
There are eighteen miles of hiking trails in Cascade, with one of the easiest and most popular being the Cascade River Lower Loop. From this trail, you can see five of the cascade waterfalls. Another great option is walking the Lake Superior Shoreline trail for some of the best shoreline vistas.
Best Hiking Spots in Central Minnesota
Now that we have discussed some of the best destinations in Northern Minnesota, let’s focus on this central section of the state! These eight parks are just as beautiful in their unique ways and are much closer to metropolitan areas. Check these out if you need a break from the city around Central Minnesota!
Afton State Park
For starters, Afton State Park is an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland in Central Minnesota. Located in Hastings, Minnesota, this state park features great hiking and horseback riding trails, a ski slope, and a swimming beach all near the St. Croix River. Afton is a fantastic state park to visit all year round for the abundant recreation opportunities it provides.
A popular hiking trail is the North River Trail Loop. It takes you along the water and through the prairies for a relaxing stroll. It’s a moderately challenging 3.8-mile loop trail, but you can make it much shorter by keeping to the trail near the river and turning around before the loop begins.
Interstate State Park
The Interstate State Park is located in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, and stretches across the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, giving the park its name. On the Minnesota side of the park, there are four miles of hiking trails, and on the Wisconsin side, there are nine miles of hiking trails. It’s a smaller state park but is especially beautiful as it overlooks the Mississippi River.
If you get the chance, we recommend checking out the dainty town of Taylors Falls, Minnesota after your trip to Interstate State Park. There are a variety of local shops, restaurants, and diners that will supplement your fantastic trip to the area.
Fort Snelling State Park
If you’re in the Twin Cities area, Fort Snelling State Park is a great place to explore its numerous hiking trails. It’s also a great connector to both Minnehaha Park and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. You can swim, canoe, or golf, but the best hiking is on Pike Island where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet.
As mentioned, the most admired hiking trail in Fort Snelling is Pike Island Loop. This 3.9-mile loop trail circles the greenery around both rivers, giving beautiful water views the entire way. It’s a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Have you found yourself in the Eagen or Apple Valley Region? Consider checking out Lebanon Hills Regional Park! It’s almost 2,000 acres and offers many many miles of hiking trails that are fantastic no matter what time of year it is.
A classic trail that hikers like to take is Lebanon Hills Loop. It’s a breathtaking 5.3-loop that navigates hikers around four different lakes and a few ponds! This is an amazing option for those who love looking at the water.
Battle Creek Regional Park
Battle Creek Park is a regional park that is less than five miles away from downtown Saint Paul. It’s a great park that’s located in an urban area, allowing visitors to enjoy a needed outdoor break from the city. The park has over 1,800 acres of oak forests, creeks, fields, and woodlands that inhabit a variety of wildlife.
It’s a great place for families to visit since there is a playground, dog park, and picnic areas for everyone to enjoy. The park can also be enjoyed year-round because there are sledding hills, snowshoes, cross-country skiing, and hiking trails. Additionally, there is the option to rent out shelters or pavilions for events.
Minnehaha Regional Park
If you’re looking to go hiking near Minneapolis, Minnehaha Regional Park is one of the city’s oldest and most liked parks in the area. The infamous Minnehaha Falls are located in the park, and the limestone bluffs will catch your eye. It’s also a great outdoor space for beautiful river overviews.
Minnehaha Creek Trail is a well-traveled hiking trail in the park and takes you to an overlook of the waterfall. It’s a 1.8-mile loop that brings you beautiful views of bridges along the river. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be on a leash!
Murphy-Hanrahan Park Reserve
Located south of the cities in Savage, Minnesota, Murphy-Hanrahan Park Reserve is a unique landscape in a suburban area. Some of its features include glacier ridges, thriving woodlands, and hilly topography. It’s extremely relaxing for hiking and birding because the park remains undeveloped.
There are twenty-one miles of hiking trails within the reserve that feature a bit of elevation gain from the hilly terrain. They will take you through oak forests and it even has a few trails that allow dogs off the leash!
Northland Arboretum
The Northland Arboretum is located in Baxter, Minnesota which is near the tourist destination of Brainerd. There are twelve miles of hiking and cross-country skiing in the 400 acres that the arboretum encompasses. There is plenty to see within the arboretum, including multiple gardens, waterfalls, and a variety of habitats.
Depending on which type of trail you’re looking for, there’s an activity to enjoy year-round. There are hiking trails, nordic skiing trails, fitness trails, and snow-shoeing trails. Check out different maps here.
William O’Brien State Park
William O’Brien is located on the Marine on Saint Croix near Scandia and the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. It’s an extremely quiet and relaxing park and provides a bit of elevation with the rolling hills that characterize the park. Since it’s on the Saint Croix River, it’s a popular destination for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and camping.
One of the appealing trails in the park is the Riverside Trail. It’s especially great for campers as it loops around the campsites and day-use area. It’s also groomed in the wintertime for skiing and shoeshowing, so visitors can enjoy the views year-round.
Best Hiking Spots in Southern Minnesota
We’ve covered central and northern Minnesota hiking spots, but now let’s cover some of the great destinations for hikers in the south. If the list hasn’t shown you the hiking potential that Minnesota has to offer, these next few locations definitely will! There are so many cool hiking destinations in all areas of the state.
Whitewater State Park
To start, we have Whitewater State Park in Altura, Minnesota near Winona. This area of Minnesota is known for its beautiful bluffs and rugged terrain. If you’re a fan of fall colors, spring flowers, and beautiful overlooks, this state park is worth a visit.
Chimney Rock Trail is a great option for those inclined to see a beautiful overlook of the Whitewater River and the lush trees that line the riparian area. The meadow trail is another great option that is a bit easier and more accessible but still features gorgeous views of the dramatic bluffs the area is known for. Check out the Elba Fire Tower for more scenic vistas!
Frontenac State Park
Next up on the list is Frontenac State Park, located in Frontenac just southeast of Red Wing, Minnesota. It surrounds the beautiful Lake Pepin and is notable for its birding, especially during eagle migration seasons. It also has wooded slopes that give great views for miles.
Frontenac features 13 miles of hiking trails for hikers to explore at their leisure. Prairie Loop trail is a popular option for majestic meadow views, or you can take Lower or Upper Bluff Trail for more rocky, shoreline views. If you choose the latter, make sure you’re prepared as these trails contain many steep steps, staircases, and slopes.
Great Rivers Bluff State Park
Great Rivers Bluff is another great park in Winona on the Mississippi River. This is a great park to relax as you climb up the slopes to the tranquil bluffs towards the top of the hills. The landscape is composed of pine forests, flora-filled prairies, and oak woodlands.
Great Rivers Bluff State Park has over six miles of hiking trails. The most used is probably Kings Bluff Overlook which is 2.5 miles long and takes you to a bluff overlook (surprise surprise). Despite being an overlook, the trail is mostly wide and relatively flat.
Quarry Hill Nature Center
If you’re anywhere near Rochester, the Quarry Hill Nature Center should be on your list of places to check out. There are many different hiking trails, a man-made cave, and a nature center that offers outdoor education. It’s also amazing because it’s open year-round from dusk to dawn and is free for the public to use.
Quarry Hill is 329 acres that include an oak savanna, sandstone caves, and a limestone fossil quarry. Pick a route out of the eight miles of hiking trails to see some of these iconic Minnesota landscapes. Their website does a great job outlining which trails feature which type of landscapes.
FAQs: Best Hiking Spots in Minnesota
Now that we’ve covered all the best hiking spots, where they’re located, and some of the popular sections or trails within these destinations, let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject!
Does Minnesota have good hiking?
Minnesota is a fantastic state to hike in because of the abundance of green spaces, lake views, and forested landscapes. You can find many great hiking trails throughout Minnesota at state, regional, or national parks.
What is the hardest hike in MN?
The Kekekabic Trail is thought to be the hardest trail in Minnesota because of its distance of over 40 miles and the challenges that come with being extremely remote. It goes from Ely into the boundary waters.
What is the longest hiking trail in Minnesota?
The longest hiking trail in Minnesota is the Superior Hiking Trail. Many complete the Superior Hiking Trail as a thru-hike, as it is 310 miles in full length. It spans from Jay Cooke State Park to the Canadian border.
Wrapping Up: 21 Best Hiking Spots in Minnesota
There you have it! This post covers twenty-one of the best hiking spots in Minnesota that have been categorized by northern, central, and southern parts of the state. Hiking is fantastic year-round in Minnesota and is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Hopefully, you’ve found at least one hiking destination on this list that has piqued your interest for your future hiking adventure. Happy trails!
Author Bio: Sam Kaiser is the author and owner of thelifestyletravelers.com – a travel blog highlighting an on-the-road, outdoor lifestyle.
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