13 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Minnesota Should Take
There are so many beautiful places to explore in Minnesota, and while we enjoy plenty of types of recreation, hiking is always the most convenient, affordable option. Luckily, Minnesota parks provide plenty of short options for inexperienced hikers or those who simply prefer to take it easy. These 13 short hikes in Minnesota are just a small sampling of the quick hikes you can find around the state. All under five miles and brimming with wonderful views, these short-but-sweet treks are perfect for some quick, hassle-free outdoor fun.
This scenic hike at Banning State Park gives you awesome views of the Kettle River. It's pretty short, but you can take your time and enjoy the river. For more information, click here.
Off the Superior Hiking Trail, this loop has unforgettable views of Lake Superior, Oberg Lake, and Moose Mountain. It's only 2.25 miles, and even with the elevation gain, it's doable for most families. For more information, click here.
Cascade River State Park is packed with amazing falls, and this easy 0.5-mile loop is great for the whole family! You can also get up to Lookout Mountain and back in under 3.5 miles, or hike 1.5 miles along the shore of Superior in this park. For more information, click here.
This quick hike in Pipestone National Monument passes quarries, amazing quartzite rock formations and Winnewissa Falls. It's paved and less than a mile, so it's doable for any group. For more information, click here.
The best trail on Barn Bluff, this trek offers ridge views the entire way. All the loops on Barn Bluff are under 3 miles, but be prepared to gain some elevation! For more information, click here.
The 2.25-mile round-trip trail to the Devil’s Kettle at Judge C R Magney State Park isn't too long, and you get to marvel at a natural phenomenon. But be prepared, like many North Shore scenic views, you'll have to climb some stairs for this one. For more information, click here.
This amazing trail at Gooseberry Falls State Park is a lesser walked path with stunning views and even more of the falls we love. It's not too long and will take you above and then around the other side of the main falls. For more information, click here.
The prairie loop at Afton State Park is short and sweet and filled with green views. It's perfect for a quick walk or jog and many locals use it daily. For more information, click here.
This hike along the St. Louis River at Jay Cooke State Park is unlike any other.
The views are unbeatable, and you can cut it as short as you need, as long as you make it over the swinging bridge, which is only a few yards from the parking lot. You can also take the West Ridge Trail or East Ridge Trail for short loops above the river. For more information, click here.
For unbeatable views, take this short trail through Blue Mounds State Park. You can start by the Visitor Center and extend the hike to 4-5 miles if you'd like, by making a loop with the Mound Trail or Lower Cliffline Trail. For more information, click here.
It's less than a mile to the Aiton Fire Tower, and once you get up all those stairs you'll find awesome 360-degree views of Itasca State Park as well as the surrounding area. For more information, click here.
A quick walk around the lighthouse and Visitor Center is much shorter than a mile, but we definitely recommend adding on a few miles by looping the Little Two Harbors and Day Hill Trails for even more views. For more information, click here.
Even the long trail at Jeffers Petroglyphs is less than a mile, and a way to experience fascinating history and gorgeous prairies in a short amount of time. Remember, Jeffers Petroglyphs is open seasonally. For more information, click here.
So, did you know about these short hikes in Minnesota? Did we mention your favorite easy hike in Minnesota? Have a hike to add to this list? Tell us!
Looking for some more outdoor fun? How does a waterfall road trip sound? Click here for more information.
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
Address: Pipestone National Monument, 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, USA
Address: Barn Bluff, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Address: Jay Cooke State Park, 780 MN-210, Carlton, MN 55718, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: Day Hill, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Short Hikes In Minnesota
May 18, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best trails in Minnesota?
The Minnesota River Trail is easily one of the best hiking trails in Minnesota. Meandering 11 miles, the linear trail is located within the flood plain of the Minnesota River. Though most of the trail is paved, portions of it aren’t in the best of shape, which is why a good pair of hiking boots is a must. One of the state’s most natural and picturesque hikes, the trail boasts spectacular scenery and incredible bird-watching opportunities. The trail features several access points – two of which can be found in Sibley Park and Waterfront Park. Learn more about the Minnesota River Trail here.
Are there any other easy hikes in Minnesota?
High Falls Trail is an easy hike in Minnesota that shouldn’t be missed. The short, paved trail is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. But just because the trail requires minimal effort, don’t assume it’s lacking in the “payoff” department. The easy-to-traverse trek leads straight to the High Falls of the Pigeon River, which at 120 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. Incredibly easy to access, the falls – and the trail – are located in Grand Portage State Park. From the parking lot, it’s just a 0.5-mile walk to the waterfall. The cascade can be viewed for afar, or for close-up views, you can trek down to the base of the fall via a stairway.
Where else can I do some hiking in Minnesota?
When it comes to unique hiking spots in Minnesota, Kadunce River Canyon definitely fits the bill. Part of what makes the North Shore freshet so special is that it can only be accessed in the middle of summer (but not after a heavy rainfall). Definitely worth the wait, the canyon is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise – complete with plenty of waterfalls to scramble over and rock formations to navigate. The 2-mile trail that winds through the canyon typically takes about two hours to complete. For more information, contact Cascade River State Park at 218-387-3053. You can also visit the park’s website.
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail Oberg Mountain Loop, Tofte Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
Address: Pipestone National Monument, 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, USA
Address: Barn Bluff, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Address: Jay Cooke State Park, 780 MN-210, Carlton, MN 55718, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: Day Hill, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
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Minnesota staff writer for Only in Your State and owner of Minnesota blog NorthGuide.co, I'm a Minneapolis transplant who loves my cats, camera, and local coffee. On the weekends I'm usually exploring the North Shore or making my way through the list of Minnesota's State Parks. Want to talk about MN or ask me a question? Tweet me @sotafiedjo!
