The Little Known Hiking Path in Minnesota Is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is blanketed with forests: the deep, evergreen Northwoods that many think of as classic Minnesota; the dark boreal forest along the Canadian border; and the spruce and tamarack peat bogs that stretch across much of the Bold North. I truly appreciate living in a place where taking a walk in the woods is often just a matter of walking out your door. And as much as I love the woodlands Up North, I grew up and live in the Big Woods biome that characterizes the river valleys of southern and central Minnesota. In fact, the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, which stretches along the Mississippi River bluffs in southeastern Minnesota remains one of my favorite places to hike.

This part of the state, surprisingly, sees fewer visitors than many other regions, and if you avoid the nearby state parks, you may find that you have a Bluff Country hiking trail all to yourself, especially in winter. That's why one little-known hiking path in Minnesota—the Zumbro Bottoms Loop—is among the first trails I eagerly hike each year.

Zumbro Bottoms is a unit of the Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest near Kellogg, just south of Wabasha, Minnesota, where folks can explore bluffs along the Zumbro River valley near its confluence with the Mississippi. The main trail is a 9.8-mile loop, which can be a little much in cold weather, but you can also do it as a 2.4-mile (or less) out-and-back hike, as well.

As beautiful as these river bluffs are in full foliage, there's something starkly gorgeous about them in the winter, as well. Views that you couldn't see in the summer or fall suddenly open up, and the wildlife that sticks around during the cold months—like deer, foxes, turkeys, and owls—are all easier to spot. You'll enjoy views of the Zumbro River and its valley as it widens near its mouth, as well as narrower arms of the river that embrace the bases of the bluffs.

If you're looking for a hike where you can enjoy nature and peacefully ponder the coming year, this little-known hiking path in Minnesota may just be for you. Cell service isn't always great in the deep creases of the Bluff Country, so be sure to download the trail maps on AllTrails Plus before you go so you can use them offline. The charming town of Wabasha is a wonderful place for an après-hike warm-up. I'm particularly fond of the Olde Triangle Pub, with its rib-sticking Irish stew or shepherd's pie. What are some of your favorite lesser-known trails in Minnesota? Be sure to tell us about them.

When you're ready to set your sights on a new adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, wander over to Only In Your State’s itinerary planner and see what it cooks up for you. You may find yourself inspired!