If you live in Minnesota, you don’t have to look far to find an incredible hike of any distance. There are several hiking trails near me that cross the whole state and beyond, and we also have paths that are just a little more low-key. Despite what you may think, some of the most beautiful hikes in Minnesota are the shortest and easiest. They’ll lead you through the best landscapes and to the prettiest sites. Sound good? Then you’ll want to check out the following nine low-key hikes with amazing payoffs. They’re also some of the best hikes in Minnesota.
1. Loop Trail - Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
If you’re into waterfall trails, you’ve likely seen the most popular ones in Minnesota already. But this little-known waterfall may have escaped your notice. At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, a loop trail leads to the aptly named Hidden Falls. Surrounded by a forest canopy, the soothing waters will help you relax at the end of your hike.
2. Lower Cliffline Trail - Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
This trail is about 3.5 miles in length and encompasses some of the most unique landscape in all of Minnesota. It passes along the pink quartzite cliffs at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, Minnesota. While you hike, be on the lookout for some prickly pear, Minnesota’s only native cactus species.
3. Big Spring Falls Trail - Banning State Park
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
If you haven’t been to Banning, you are missing out on one of Minnesota’s most scenic and underrated state parks. It is full of both nature and history, with the ruins of old rock quarry buildings easily accessible from some paths. The Big Spring Falls Trail is short and sweet. It leads to the lovely rushing waters of the Kettle River as they fall over the rocks.
4. Long Prairie Trail - Jeffers Petroglyphs
Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
This is an easy, 1-mile trail that you have to visit. Why? Because it leads to one of the most historic sites in all of Minnesota. Jeffers Petroglyphs is an ancient outcropping of quartzite in the middle of the prairie. It is carved with drawings – or petroglyphs – that date back thousands of years. It’s a quick stop that will give you a sense of all the people who lived in Minnesota well before our time.
5. Oberg Mountain Loop - Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
At just 2 ¾ miles long, the Oberg Mountain Loop has one of the best payoffs of any trail in Minnesota. Why? Because it takes hikers to some of the most remote nature areas in Minnesota. Located about 250 miles north of Minneapolis, you’ll be just about as far as you can be from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by forest, and with a view of the sparkling Oberg Lake, what more could you ask for?
The High Falls of the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. It is located in the remote border town of Grand Portage, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. Once you arrive at the state park, your walk will only be a mile. The rushing waters of the Pigeon River as it tumbles over the tall cliffs is something that can only be fully appreciated in person.
At just two miles long, this is the perfect hike for those who want a short and sweet adventure through nature. Located at Itasca State Park, it rounds the banks of Lake Itasca, leading to lovely views of the surrounding forest, wildflowers, and even a bog. Don’t forget to take the nearby walk across the Mississippi Headwaters. It’s a Minnesota tradition.
If you live in the Twin Cities, you don’t have to go far for a great, low-key hike. There are plenty all over the metro area, including one of our favorites at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. This ¾-mile hike leads through an area dense with trees, which give homes to many species of birds. But that’s not all. The park also holds a gorgeous wildflower garden that is easily viewed from the raised boardwalk platform. This is a must-visit spot in Minneapolis.
9. Gooseberry River Loop - Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
We couldn’t leave out Gooseberry Falls. One of the most popular spots in the entire state is also one of the easiest hikes. Just a mile on a well-maintained trail through the forest and you’ll arrive at one of Minnesota’s most famous destinations. The beautiful flow of this two-tier waterfall is well worth the hike no matter how many times you’ve done it.
Have you done any of these low-key hikes? If so, please share your hiking experience(s) with us in the comments below. Also, what do you think are the best hikes in Minnesota?
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
Address: Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Address: 36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
What are two of the best kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota that are also some of the state’s most scenic hikes?
Many times our kids want to tag along on hiking trips with us, but unfortunately they’re not able to because of the trail’s difficulties. While many of them are quite difficult to navigate, several others are much easier. A couple of the best kid-friendly trails in Minnesota are the Caribou Falls Trail and the Long Prairie Trail. The Caribou Falls Trail is located in the town of Silver Bay. It’s a 1-mile (round trip) trail that features one of Minnesota’s hidden gems, Caribou Falls. The Long Prairie Trail is located in Comfrey and features the Jeffers Petroglyphs. This 1-mile trail is perfect for a family day trip. In addition to being kid-friendly, both of these trails are also some of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota. Don’t forget to add them to your bucket list.
What’s one of the best hikes in Minnesota that also features the state’s most spectacular view?
There are plenty of easy hikes in Minnesota, as well as difficult ones. The Eagle Mountain Trail, which is nestled within the Superior National Forest, has a moderate level of difficulty, meaning just about anyone should be able to hike it. This 3.5-mile (7 miles round trip) trail will lead you to the tallest point in the state, Eagle Mountain. Since the Eagle Mountain Trail isn’t paved, it contains a lot of rugged terrain. And because of this, you’ll want to remember to wear appropriate shoes during your hike. The most strenuous part of the hike is towards the end, but as soon as you reach the top of the mountain and experience the spectacular view, you’ll immediately conclude that the journey was well worth it. Don’t forget your camera!
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
Address: Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Address: 36750 Main Park Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
