12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Minnesota, One For Each Month Of The Year
Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, outdoor exploration is around every corner, helped by all the scenic trails in Minnesota. But for many of us, we tend to stick to summer and fall to do our biggest adventures. However, we’re here to tell you that there are wonderful nature areas to explore every month of the year. Below, you’ll find a list of some of our favorite scenic trails – and a great month to visit them in. Use this list to help you plan your hikes for the rest of the year!
January - Falls Loop Trail at Gooseberry Falls State Park
If you’re like most Minnesotans, you’ve already seen Gooseberry Falls plenty of times in warm weather. But have you ever seen this waterfall in the winter? The one-mile Falls Loop Trail will help you do just that. The rushing waters often freeze to a halt, creating a frozen sheet that hangs over the rocky ledges. Surrounded by snow-covered trees, it is a magical sight.
February - Quarry Loop Trail at Banning State Park
The small community of Sandstone offers a lot of winter recreation. There are even opportunities to climb an ice wall! But if that is too extreme for you, head over to the town’s Banning State Park. Here, you’ll find beautiful, snow-covered trails that will make you feel like you’re walking through a winter wonderland. The two-mile trail offers views of ruins, a forest, and the rushing rapids of the Kettle River.
Near Ely, a trip to Bear Head Lake State Park is like visiting the Boundary Waters without visiting the Boundary Waters. It offers a quiet, nature-filled experience without the planning involved in a Boundary Waters excursion. Visit in spring when you’re itching for that “up North” hiking experience that you had to leave behind for the winter. The quarter-mile Beach Trail offers lake and forest views that, in the springtime, make a perfect backdrop for peaceful reflection.
April - Silver Creek Trail at Jay Cooke State Park
As the snow and ice melt, the rushing waters of the rugged Silver Creek churn. That makes spring a fantastic time to visit. The Silver Creek Trail, around three-and-a-half miles in length, offers the opportunity to see some of the prettiest sights of Jay Cooke State Park. You will glimpse the forest as it begins to come alive with birds and other wildlife again and also get to witness the impressive rock-strewn creek before the summer crowds return.
Carley State Park is a little-known spot in southern Minnesota, about 25 miles northeast of Rochester. But those who are in the know flock to the park in the late spring when wildflowers are in bloom. Many varieties pop up from the ground along the Wildflower Trail, including the beautiful bluebell flowers that many associate with the park. The best time to see them is in April and May, so be sure to plan your Carley State Park trip for the springtime!
June - Hidden Falls Trail at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is known for its lovely forest of maple, elm, ash, basswood, and ironwood trees. Hikers along the one-mile Hidden Falls Trail will travel under them as they hike to Hidden Falls. This small but beautiful waterfall in the woods is lovely in the summer when the surrounding leaves are lush and green. The sight of the rushing waterfall surrounded by dense foliage is nothing short of spectacular.
In July, head down to Minnesota’s southwestern corner to check out one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the state. Pipestone National Monument preserves the site of pipestone quarries that have been used by Native American groups for centuries. The Loop Trail offers stunning views of the quarries, as well as pink quartzite cliffs and rock formations, the rocky Pipestone Creek, and the beautiful Winnewissa Falls. It’s a bit out of the way for most Minnesotans, but this scenic trail is well worth the trip!
Finish off your summer with a trip to Eagle Mountain, Minnesota’s highest point. The mountain rises 2,301 feet in elevation and 1,322 feet over the surrounding landscape. A vast blanket of trees stretches out in every direction, and it’s even possible to see Lake Superior on a clear day. The trail can be challenging, with some ruts and steep areas. But if you’re up for it, we highly recommend this seven-mile round trip hike to the top of Minnesota and back!
September - Mississippi Headwaters Trail at Itasca State Park
Minnesota’s first state park is also one of its most beautiful. Early fall is a great time to visit. The weather should still be warm enough for spending the day outdoors, but - depending on the year and when you go - there’s a chance you’ll get to see some fall color. There’s no trail more iconic than the Mississippi Headwaters Trail, where you’ll get to see where the Mighty Mississippi gets its start - and maybe even walk across it!
October - Hallaway Hill Trail at Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park is known for its collection of hardwood trees. In the fall, they turn brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. That’s what makes this such a great place to visit come October. The half-mile Hallaway Hill Trail lets you see those colors as you hike the short path up a steep hill. When you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by stunning fall foliage surrounding the lovely South Lida Lake. It’s absolutely spectacular!
In November, head to southern Minnesota. While there’s a good chance that most fall colors will be gone, there might be some lingering if you go early enough. In any case, the Barn Bluff Trail offers fantastic views with or without fall colors. It heads to the top of the 340-foot-tall Barn Bluff, a Red Wing landmark with spectacular views. The trail is tough, with steep sections and many stairs, but it’s well worth the views of the city and of the Mississippi River below!
December - High Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park is quite the trip for most Minnesotans, given its location along the Canadian border. But don’t let that stop you from paying this park a visit. In the winter, the High Falls of the Pigeon River - Minnesota’s tallest waterfall - often freeze in place. Follow the one-mile High Falls Trail to see it for yourself. Along the way, take in the silence of the snowy forest and the beautiful cliff views. It’s a gorgeous winter hiking trail that everyone should do at least once!
What do you think? Would you add any other hikes to the list? Let us know in the comments. And if there are any other scenic Minnesota trails that you want to let us know about, be sure to nominate them.
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There are plenty of trails that are perfect for long or short day hikes in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but did you know there are several longer Minnesota hiking trails that are perfect for overnight or multinight backpacking trips as well? For example, the North Country National Scenic Trail crosses the entire state and is part of a much longer trail system that stretches from North Dakota to Vermont. In Minnesota, the NCT (as it’s called) is made up of several long trails that make for ideal backpacking trips. The Superior Hiking Trail starts at the Minnesota/Wisconsin border and travels more than 300 miles along the north shore of Lake Superior to the Canadian Border. There, it meets up with the Border Route Trail, which travels more than 60 miles through the boreal forest along the Minnesota/Canada border. At the Gunflint Trail, the Border Route connects with the Kekakabic Trail, a pathway that carries you another 40-plus miles through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the Ely area. From Ely, you can hop onto the Mesabi Trail, which will eventually be all paved, for another 150 miles or so of travel.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is such a fantastic state for hiking, it’s practically impossible to pin down exactly what would be the best hikes in Minnesota. But we’re always happy to make suggestions – it’s kind of our thing, actually.
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.
