Best Hiking Trails in Minnesota

With nearly 70 state parks, hiking trails in Minnesota are easy to find. As you are planning your excursions for the rest of the summer, take these hiking trails in Minnesota into consideration.

• Eagle Mountain: While getting to the highest point in Minnesota naturally involves a steep incline, the seven-mile round-trip hike is worth it to see Minnesota at 2,301 feet.
• Glendalough State Park: The hiking trails at this Minnesota state park west of Brainerd are described by many visitors as “simply beautiful” for their gorgeous views.
• Gooseberry Falls State Park: This North Shore attraction is Minnesota’s second-most visited state park. The variety of trails mean that both hikers who don’t want a lot of steps as well as those looking for exercise will be able to get excellent views of the falls.

These fabulous hiking trails in Minnesota will keep you close to the Twin Cities.

• Lebanon Hills Regional Park: With 1,869 acres, the largest park in Dakota County features a variety of trails that range from easy to challenging. Thanks to several lakes and excellent wooded areas in the park, visitors can feel as if they are far away from the city rather than just in the southern suburbs.
• Theodore Wirth Park: Named after the former superintendent of Minneapolis parks, this park also features two golf courses. While hiking in Theodore Wirth Park, look for a plaque marking the 45 degrees latitude line, exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole.
• West River Parkway Trail: Also known as the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Trail, this trail offers spectacular views of the river as well as access to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota campus and several parks along the route.

Enjoy your summer hiking adventures, whether you are traveling near or far!