Minnesota hikes
48 named day hikes across Minnesota, from Superior Hiking Trail sections on the North Shore to bluff-top trails above the Mississippi and prairie loops in the southwest. Type your city to see the closest trails, then compare distance, stairs and fees.
48 hikes, A to Z
Aiton Heights Fire Tower Trail
Itasca State Park, Park Rapids · Itasca & the Northwest
A short walk to a 100-foot fire tower with a panoramic view of the Lake Itasca watershed; the tower closes seasonally.
- Distance:
- 0.5 mi, one way from the fire tower parking lot on Wilderness Drive; a 3-mile loop starts at the Douglas Lodge parking lot
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Bean and Bear Lakes Loop
Superior Hiking Trail, Penn Boulevard trailhead, Silver Bay · North Shore
A Superior Hiking Trail loop from Silver Bay past Bean and Bear Lakes, also called the Twin Lakes Trail.
- Distance:
- 6.8 mi, loop from the Penn Blvd. trailhead in Silver Bay; 7.6 miles from the Silver Bay Visitor Center alternate start
Beaver Pond Trail
Glendalough State Park, Battle Lake · Lakes Country
Glendalough's most popular trail, following a clear stream through forest and meadow and back along Blanche Lake.
- Distance:
- 1.4 mi, loop
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Becky and Blueberry Lake Trails
Bear Head Lake State Park, Ely · Boundary Waters & Iron Range
Backcountry loops into the remote part of the park, with a good chance of seeing wildlife or animal signs.
- Distance:
- 3.5 mi, loop; a longer 6-mile loop option also exists
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Bison Trail
Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne · Prairie & Minnesota River
Follows the western edge of the bison range and over the top of the Mound through tallgrass prairie.
- Distance:
- 2 mi, one way; can loop back on the Upper Cliffline Trail
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Bluffside Trail
Frontenac State Park, Red Wing · Bluff Country
Drops 425 feet to the rocky shore of Lake Pepin and climbs back past In Yan Teopa rock.
- Distance:
- 2.7 mi, loop; descends and climbs 425 feet of staircases and switchbacks
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Bog Walk Trail
Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji · Itasca & the Northwest
A flat boardwalk route through a spruce and tamarack bog with pitcher plants, sundews and orchids.
- Distance:
- 1.25 mi, one way
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Carlton Peak Trail
Temperance River State Park, Schroeder · North Shore
Follows the Superior Hiking Trail up the Temperance River gorge and through forest to the rock dome of Carlton Peak.
- Distance:
- 3 mi, one way from the Highway 61 parking lot on the northeast side of the Temperance River, on the Superior Hiking Trail
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
CCC Trail
Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton · Duluth & I-35
An easy, mostly flat loop with benches at river viewpoints along the St. Louis River, then into the forest.
- Distance:
- 1.8 mi, loop from behind the River Inn
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Chimney Rock Trail
Whitewater State Park, St. Charles · Bluff Country
A short, steep bluff climb to Chimney Rock above the Middle Branch of the Whitewater River.
- Distance:
- 0.7 mi, loop; over 100 stairs
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Day Hill Trail
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors · North Shore
A climb from Pebble Beach to the top of Day Hill for a view of Lake Superior and Split Rock Lighthouse.
- Distance:
- 2 mi, loop from Pebble Beach; can return the way you came or finish on a long staircase
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Deer Valley Loop
Afton State Park, Hastings · Twin Cities & St. Croix
A narrow foot trail up hills and down ravines; the southern loop tops a bluff with a wide prairie view.
- Distance:
- 2.2 mi, loop; DNR map distances are measured from the park visitor center
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Dr. Roberts Trail
Itasca State Park, Park Rapids · Itasca & the Northwest
Crosses a bog, passes the Old Timer's Cabin and climbs a ridge over Lyendecker Lake; good for wildflowers and birding.
- Distance:
- 2 mi, loop; the segment from Douglas Lodge to the Old Timer's Cabin is an accessible boardwalk
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Eagle Mountain Trail
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Forest Road 170, north of Lutsen · North Shore
A 7-mile round trip to the summit of Eagle Mountain, at 2,301 feet the highest point in Minnesota.
- Distance:
- 7 mi, round trip from the Eagle Mountain Trailhead on Forest Road 170; 3.5 miles each way, not a loop
- Fee:
- Self-issued Boundary Waters day-use permit required (no reservation needed)
Fawn Trail
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand · Bluff Country
A steep loop with views over Prairie Creek and the Big Woods.
- Distance:
- 1.7 mi, loop
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Frontenac Hiking Club Trail
Frontenac State Park, Red Wing · Bluff Country
Forest, savanna and bluff-top prairie with views of Lake Pepin from Eagle Point Overlook.
- Distance:
- 2.6 mi, loop starting on the paved trail at the picnic area
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Garvin Heights Trail
Garvin Heights Park, 200 Garvin Heights Road, Winona · Bluff Country
A steep 0.4-mile trail with 378 steps through restored goat prairie and oak savanna to an expansive blufftop view.
- Distance:
- 0.4 mi, trail length stated by the City of Winona; 378 steps on the upper part; trailhead at the base of the bluff just past the turn up Garvin Heights Road
- Stairs
Hallaway Hill Trail
Maplewood State Park, Pelican Rapids · Itasca & the Northwest
A short climb to an overlook of South Lida Lake and the Maple-Leaf Hills, with spring wildflowers and fall color.
- Distance:
- 0.6 mi, one way from the picnic area to the overlook; trail table says 0.6 miles, the map text calls it a 1/2 mile hike
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Hawk Ridge Accessible Trail Loop
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, East Skyline Parkway, Duluth · Duluth & I-35
A short accessible loop at Hawk Ridge, the Duluth reserve known for fall hawk migration counts.
- Distance:
- 0.5 mi, approximate loop length stated by Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (new as of summer 2026); trailhead at the main overlook
- Fee:
- Free
He Mni Can-Barn Bluff South Trail
He Mni Can-Barn Bluff, end of East Fifth Street, Red Wing · Bluff Country
The easiest route up Red Wing's landmark bluff, climbing the Kiwanis Stairway to overlooks of the Mississippi.
- Distance:
- 0.7 mi, one way from Woodland Junction (reached from the end of East Fifth Street by the Access Trail) to the West Scenic Overlook via the South Trail and Prairie Trail; the South Trail alone is 0.60 miles, and the East Scenic Overlook is 0.85 miles via the Central Trail
- Stairs
Hiking Club Trail (Gitchi Gummi Trail Loop)
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors · North Shore
A hilly Hiking Club loop with views of the Gooseberry River valley and Lake Superior.
- Distance:
- 2 mi, round trip
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Humpback Trail
George Crosby Manitou State Park, Lake County Road 7, Finland · North Shore
A steep Hiking Club route to a wide valley view, then down to the Manitou River Trail and the Cascades.
- Distance:
- 1.6 mi, one way to the Manitou River Trail and the Cascades; return the way you came
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
King's Bluff Trail
Great River Bluffs State Park, Winona · Bluff Country
Passes through oak savanna and a Scientific and Natural Area to overlooks of the Mississippi River valley.
- Distance:
- 1.25 mi, one way
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Landmark Trail
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia · Lakes Country
A flat loop to the sites of former American Indian villages, returning through a timeline of forest types.
- Distance:
- 1 mi, loop
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
LeVeaux Mountain Loop
Superior Hiking Trail, Onion River Road trailhead, Tofte · North Shore
A short loop on the Superior Hiking Trail over LeVeaux Mountain, next door to Oberg and sharing its trailhead.
- Distance:
- 1.3 mi, loop on the Superior Hiking Trail between the Sawbill and Onion River Road trailheads
Lookout Mountain Loop
Cascade River State Park, Lutsen · North Shore
A 600-foot climb through birch, spruce and fir to views of the Cascade River valley, Lake Superior and the Sawtooth range.
- Distance:
- 3.5 mi, loop in Cascade River State Park; climbs 600 feet
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Minnehaha Falls Lower Glen
Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis · Twin Cities & St. Croix
Stone staircases near Minnehaha Falls lead down to trails along Minnehaha Creek as it winds toward the Mississippi River.
- Fee:
- Park admission free; parking fee in pay lots, with a free lot and on-street kiosks also available
- Stairs
Minnesota River Bluff Trail
Minneopa State Park, Mankato · Prairie & Minnesota River
A Hiking Club route through the forested Minnesota River valley and a tallgrass prairie; watch for nesting bald eagles.
- Distance:
- 1.6 mi, one way (the Hiking Club portion)
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Mississippi Headwaters Area Loop
Itasca State Park, Park Rapids · Itasca & the Northwest
A short loop to the rocks where the Mississippi leaves Lake Itasca, returning on a boardwalk; navigable with a mobility device.
- Distance:
- 0.5 mi, loop from the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center parking lot; the headwaters are 800 feet from the lot
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Mt. Tom Trail
Sibley State Park, New London · Prairie & Minnesota River
Oak woods and prairie remnants to the park's best overlooks from Mount Tom, with a near-200-foot climb.
- Distance:
- 3.3 mi, loop; climbs and descends nearly 200 feet
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Norberg Lake Trail
Bear Head Lake State Park, Ely · Boundary Waters & Iron Range
A rugged Hiking Club loop past Norberg Lake with a view of the East Bay of Bear Head Lake.
- Distance:
- 2.8 mi, loop
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Oberg Mountain Loop
Superior National Forest, Onion River Road trailhead, Tofte · North Shore
A loop of overlooks above Lake Superior, Oberg Lake and Moose Mountain; steep cliffs at the top call for care with small children.
- Distance:
- 1.8 mi, 1.8-mile loop on top of Oberg Mountain per the Superior Hiking Trail Association; the Forest Service describes Oberg Mountain as a 3-mile hike. Trailhead lot is on Forest Road 336 (Onion River Road).
Pike Island Hiking Trail
Fort Snelling State Park, Minneapolis and St. Paul · Twin Cities & St. Croix
Flat gravel loops around Pike Island at the meeting of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers; look for beaver and herons.
- Distance:
- 3 mi, the full loop; shorter 1- and 2-mile loops are possible; no biking
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Prairie Overlook Trail
William O'Brien State Park, Marine on St. Croix · Twin Cities & St. Croix
Rolls up and down oak savanna and prairie to a view of the St. Croix Valley.
- Distance:
- 1.4 mi, round trip
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Riverview Trail
John A. Latsch State Park, Winona · Bluff Country
A 300-plus stair climb up Charity Bluff to views of the Mississippi River valley and Lock and Dam No. 5.
- Distance:
- 0.5 mi, one way to the top of Charity Bluff; more than 300 stairs
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Sandbank Trail to Scenic Overlook
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, Wykoff · Bluff Country
A long, gradual climb from Historic Forestville to a ridge with views over the blufflands.
- Distance:
- 1 mi, one way from Historic Forestville; can continue to the Oak Ridge Trail for a 3-mile loop
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Sandstone Bluffs Trail
Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls · Twin Cities & St. Croix
A steep loop with spring wildflowers, a small seasonal waterfall and a view of the St. Croix valley.
- Distance:
- 1 mi, loop; the western quarter mile has more than 300 stairs
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Shovel Point Trail
Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay · North Shore
A clifftop walk along the Lake Superior shore to the tip of Shovel Point, with a view back to Palisade Head.
- Distance:
- 0.6 mi, one way from the Tettegouche visitor center to the tip of Shovel Point
- Fee:
- No permit needed at the Tettegouche Visitor Center parking lot; Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round) elsewhere in the park
- Stairs
Silver Creek Trail
Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton · Duluth & I-35
Crosses the Swinging Bridge, then follows a wide grassy route through birch and basswood with St. Louis River views.
- Distance:
- 3.5 mi, loop starting across the Swinging Bridge
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Snelling Lake Trail
Fort Snelling State Park, Minneapolis and St. Paul · Twin Cities & St. Croix
A flat, year-round gravel loop around Snelling Lake inside the Twin Cities.
- Distance:
- 2.5 mi, loop
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Split Rock River Loop
Superior Hiking Trail, Split Rock River Wayside, Highway 61 milepost 43.5 · North Shore
A loop up one side of the Split Rock River past waterfalls and the Split Rocks and back down the other.
- Distance:
- 5 mi, loop from the Split Rock River Wayside, including 1.2 miles of access spur; no bridge at the river crossing
Sunset Lake Trail
Glendalough State Park, Battle Lake · Lakes Country
Circles Sunset Lake, known for waterfowl, with a view over Glendalough's restored prairie.
- Distance:
- 1 mi, loop around Sunset Lake
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Superior Hiking Trail: Becks Road to Magney-Snively (Ely's Peak)
123rd Avenue W. (Becks Road) trailhead, Duluth · Duluth & I-35
Climbs from the Munger Trail to Ely's Peak and Bardon's Peak, then through Magney-Snively old growth forest.
- Distance:
- 4.1 mi, one way between the Becks Road and Magney-Snively trailheads, over Ely's Peak and Bardon's Peak
Superior Hiking Trail: N. 24th Ave. W. to Twin Ponds (Enger Park)
Enger Park, Duluth · Duluth & I-35
A short Superior Hiking Trail section through Enger Park and Forgotten Park, with a spur trail to Enger Tower and its views.
- Distance:
- 1.5 mi, one way between the N. 24th Ave. W. and Twin Ponds trailheads, with a spur to Enger Tower
Tettegouche Camp and Mount Baldy
Tettegouche State Park, Lax Lake Road trailhead, Silver Bay · North Shore
A steep inland loop up Camp Road to Mount Baldy, one of the broadest views in Tettegouche, with a stop at Tettegouche Camp.
- Distance:
- 3.5 mi, loop from the Lax Lake Road parking lot on the north end of the park, starting up Camp Road
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Trout Brook Loop
Afton State Park, Hastings · Twin Cities & St. Croix
A steep loop up a secluded ravine along Trout Brook and over a bluff top.
- Distance:
- 1.5 mi, loop; DNR map distances are measured from the park visitor center
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Upper Cliffline Trail
Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne · Prairie & Minnesota River
Runs along the upper edge of the pink quartzite cliffline and old quarry above the prairie.
- Distance:
- 2 mi, one way along the top of the cliffline
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
Walter F. Mondale River Trail
Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls · Twin Cities & St. Croix
A rugged wooded trail with overlooks on the St. Croix River; watch for herons, turkey vultures and bald eagles.
- Distance:
- 2.4 mi, round trip
- Fee:
- Minnesota state park vehicle permit ($7 one-day or $35 year-round)
- Stairs
Sources: the Minnesota DNR, the U.S. Forest Service, city and county park agencies and the Superior Hiking Trail Association, checked November 11, 2026. Trails close for construction, hunts and storm damage, so check the official page before you go. Also see the Minnesota waterfall finder and the state park finder.