Also known as “Land of 10,000 Lakes” or “Bread and Butter State”, Minnesota borders the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior and Canada and it is home to more than 10,000 lakes while Mississippi River is the primary source of them all. The Walker Art Center, a renowned modern art museum, and the Science Museum of Minnesota offer an insight into the culture and history of Minnesota. For sightseeing, the state capital Saint Paul and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis, known for a chain of lakes and art museums, are the best places to start exploring. Some of the best places that are a-must-visit places in this amazing state include the Areal Lift Bridge and Lakewalk trail in Duluth, as well as The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a majestic garden bursting with wildlife. Take a moment and browse through our list of the best hiking and trekking spots in Minnesota, USA.
1. Superior Hiking Trail
Also known as the SHT, the Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile-long (499 kilometers) footpath located in the northeastern part of Minnesota. This trail is set in the middle of a 4-foot clearing and is 18 inches wide and for the most part of it, the trail offers scenic views of Lake Superior. The trail takes you through forest of aspen, cedar, fir, and pine. No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail as it is only intended for hiking. The Superior Hiking Trail is also known for its abundant wildlife, rushing waterfall and breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains, Boreal Forest, and babbling brooks.
Superior Hiking Trail
Address: 731 Seventh Ave, Suite 2 Two Harbors, MN 55616
Website: Superior Hiking Trail
2. Goodhue Pioneer State Trail - Southern Section
The Goodhue Pioneer State trail southern section is 8.9 kilometers (5.5 miles) long trail beginning from Zumbrota Covered bridge Park as it heads to the deserted Chicago Great Western Railway which was built by the Duluth. This southern paved trail will connect the cities of Pine Island, Bellechester, Mazeppa, Zumbrota, Goodhue, and Red Wing. During Winter, snowmobilers love to enjoy the snow, but in summer, the trail is a hiker’s paradise.
Goodhue Pioneer State Trail - Southern Section
Address: Zumbrota, MN
Website: Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
3. North Country National Scenic Trail
Going by the alias “The North Country Trail”, the North County National Scenic Trail is an outstanding 7403 kilometer (4600 miles) long trail stretching from Crown Point in east New York all the way to Lake Sakakawea State Park in North Dakota. The North County National Scenic Trail, or if you may, N.C.T, offers hikers picturesque views of glaciers and lakes as well as trekking the valleys and hills. N.C.T is the longest among 11 trails connecting the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York totaling to a whopping seven states.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Address: 229 E Main St, Lowell, MI 49331, United States
Website: North Country National Scenic Trail
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4. Terrace Oaks West Park
Located within the Terrace Oaks West Park, Terrace Oaks West trail is a 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) single-track trail perfect for intermediate hikers. The park features Hard trails, nature trails, picnic areas, play equipment, picnic shelters, cross country ski trails, and recreational building. The Terrace Oaks West trail does allow hikers and joggers to be accompanied by their pet dogs so long as they are on a leash.
Terrace Oaks West Park
Address: 12700-12750 Co Rd 11, Burnsville, MN 55337, United States
Website: Terrace Oaks West Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
5. North River Trail & Prairie Loop
Located near Afton, North River Trail Loop is a lightly trafficked loop trail stretching 3.8 miles (2.4 miles) long. It features a river and is mostly used for horseback riding, trail running, road biking, and it is also a favorite spot among hikers. This easy point-to-point trail runs through an abundance of nature, easy walking paths for beginners who are not up for some hard work challenge and the fresh air is just what all hikers look for, untampered nature to its fullest.
North River Trail & Prairie Loop
Address: 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, United States
6. Fergus Falls Wetland Management District
Located in West-Central Minnesota, Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is a collection of counties consisting of the Otter Trail, Wadena, Grant, Wilkin and Douglas counties. It offers a landscape littered with thousands of small wetlands. The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District sits on 44,588 acres (18044 ha) of land which is also home to an abundance of native life, migratory birds and some endangered species. The area is the perfect place for photography, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, hiking and trekking.
Fergus Falls Wetland Management District
Address: West-Central Minnesota
7. Glacial Pothole Trail
The Glacial Pothole Trail is a heavily trafficked trail located near Dresser, Wisconsin. It is a moderately rated trail that’s easy for beginners, stretching over 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long and is among a handful of trails featuring a river. Primarily, the Glacial Pothole trail is used for rock climbing, hiking and trail running. Dogs are accepted, but on the condition that they have to be on a leash at all times. Not only does The Glacial Pothole trail offer outstanding views of St. Croix, but it also connects to two other trails that eventually leads to the Interstate State Park camping grounds.
8. Tettegouche State Park
Boasting scenic views of Minnesota Highway 61, Tettegouche State Park can be found on the shores of Lake Superior approximately 58 miles (93 km) on the northeastern part of Duluth. Being the only ATV trail in a state park with a total of 35 kilometers (22 miles) long hiking trails, Tettegouche Trail is the perfect trail that can be used by snowmobiles during winter and also by all-terrain vehicles. To the north, the park borders Finland State Forest, sharing the Red Dotted motorized trail. It is among only four parks that offer rock climbing in the state of Minnesota.
Tettegouche State Park
Address: 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, United States
Website: Tettegouche State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
9. Eagle Mountain Trail
The Eagle mountain Trail is among 25 trails located in Superior National Forest. This out and back trail is located close to Grand Marais. This moderately trafficked trail features a lake and it covers a distance of 6.3 miles (10 km). The Eagle Mountain Trail offers an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) hiking adventure to the top of Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota.
Eagle Mountain Trail
Address: Saint Louis, Lake, and Cook counties, Minnesota, USA
Website:Eagle Mountain Trail
10. Dunton Locks County Park
Nestled on the quiet and peaceful shores of Lake Sallie and Muskrat Lake, Duntons County Park is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Detroit city. The trail is perfect for roller blades, biking, and offers two picnic shelters. The park boasts a paved recreational trail, two fishing piers, and a mountain biking trail. If you are a lover of nature, the 6.1-kilometer-long trail along the shores of Muskrat Lake and Lake Sallie or the one on the hills above Eagles picnic shelter is the best place for you.
Dunton Locks County Park
Address: Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, United States
Website: Dunton Locks County Park
Beauty and tranquility
While hiking might not be a popular activity in this modern error, it is still amazing how much we miss out on the beauty and tranquility ready for us to relish in. With this list of some of the best hiking trails in Minnesota, anyone is guaranteed to at least have an urge for exploring one of these sites.
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