Most people recognize that Minnesota is an outdoorsy state. With dozens of state parks and campgrounds – not to mention our 10,000 lakes – we try to spend as much time outdoors as possible in warmer months. But what some people don’t realize is that we extend that love of Mother Nature into the winter months. A little snow doesn’t stop a Minnesotan from enjoying the best our state has to offer. These picturesque Minnesota trails are perfect examples of what we have to look forward to once the snow falls – and they’re also a classic example of winter hiking in Minnesota.

1. River Trail - Wild River State Park

This hike is perfect for those of us who don't want to spend too long out in the cold. The trail is 1.5 miles long and goes alongside the beautiful St. Croix River. The icy water is a beautiful sight with Wisconsin's snow-capped trees in view on the eastern bank.

2. North Shore State Trail

The North Shore State Trail is 146 miles long, but that doesn't mean you have to hike all of it. But if you're interested in winter hiking, there's no better way to see Lake Superior than along this trail. You'll pass through serene forests and get outstanding glimpses of Minnesota's crown jewel when its waters are frozen.

3. Upper Falls Trail - Gooseberry Falls State Park

Did you know you can see Gooseberry Falls when it's frozen during the winter? Even better, it's actually a pretty quick hike. The Upper Falls Trail is only half a mile from the parking lot to the scenic view atop the North Shore's most iconic waterfall.

4. North Country Trail - Itasca State Park

The North Country Trail is thousands of miles long, so you probably aren't going to hike it from start to finish anytime soon. But this winter at Itasca State Park, several guided hikes through the park's portion of the trail will help you glimpse the Minnesota winter like you haven't seen it. In February, the Owl Hooting Snowshoe Hike allows you to explore at dusk!

5. Hegman Lake Trail - Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Have you ever heard of the Hegman Lake pictographs? A relatively short hike on the Hegman Lake Trail will take you to a group of well-preserved Native American pictographs of unknown age. The hike is just under two miles from the parking lot to the pictographs, so it's a quick trek for a close glimpse of history.

6. Thompson Trail - Jay Cooke State Park

When you arrive at Jay Cooke State Park, head over to the Thompson Trail for a moderate hike through some of Minnesota's most beautiful wilderness. Don't forget to make a stop at the famous swinging bridge. The iconic crossing is even more stunning under a blanket of snow.

7. High Falls Trail - Grand Portage State Park

Grand Portage State Park maintains 3.5 miles of hiking trails in the winter. You can also snowshoe a half-mile trail to see the High Falls of the Pigeon River. The sight of the 120-foot frozen waterfall - the tallest in Minnesota - is definitely worth the effort.

8. Quarry Loop Trail - Banning State Park

In winter, the entirety of Banning State Park is accessible by sturdy boots or snowshoes. The Quarry Loop Trail takes you alongside the Kettle River, where you can see the beautiful Blueberry Slide or Dragon's Tooth during the winter freeze. But do be careful. The many cliffs along the river will be slippery.

9. Pike Island - Fort Snelling

If you want to hike without heading way up north, Fort Snelling State Park has several miles of trails for winter use. The three miles of maintained trails on Pike Island may just be the most peaceful place you'll find this close to the city.

10. High Falls Trail - Tettegouche State Park

The High Falls of the Baptism River doesn't stop being beautiful just because it's cold outside. Actually, they may even be more beautiful under a blanket of snow and with the peaceful silence that accompanies winter. The High Falls Trail is a moderate trail that leads right to the beautiful frozen falls. At three miles round-trip over moderate terrain, it will get your blood flowing enough to keep you warm.

11. River Trail - Flandrau State Park

Flandrau is a lesser-known state park in New Ulm, but it is very beautiful under a fresh blanket of snow. The River Trail is short, but you can easily expand it by taking a left fork along the Old Dam Trail, or a right to do the Old Island Loop. No matter what, you'll be struck with some of the most gorgeous views in New Ulm. And you'll be left with a new appreciation for Minnesota in winter.

Minnesota is so beautiful that it’s a shame to stay inside during the winter. Plus, winter hiking in Minnesota is just as fun as the rest of the year. If you’re interested in more outdoor nature activities to do this winter, check out this list of gorgeous frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.