Top 10 Fall Hikes in Minnesota

Get out and hike some of these gorgeous trails if you want to experience Minnesota’s autumn to the fullest. With breathtaking colors and crisp air, a fall hike will let you see the change of seasons while getting some exercise. Grab your water bottle, zip up your fleece or windbreaker, and get out in the fresh air.

Here are a few trails in the Twin Cities that are worth lacing up your hiking boots for and that will make you forget that you’re still in the cities.

 

Fort Snelling State Park

Offering 18 miles of hiking trails, you can’t get easily bored exploring Fort Snelling State Park. Many of these trails run along the Minnesota river, giving you a beautiful view of the water along with the colorful leaves on the trees along its shore. A popular Minnesota tourist destination, this park is located near Historic Fort Snelling where you can tour the fort and various exhibits. If you want to get away from the crowds, though, stick to the trails and enjoy the fresh air.

Minnehaha Regional Park

This is another popular hiking spot in the Twin Cities. Right along Minnehaha Falls, the trails let you enjoy the scenic view of the changing of leaves as well as the Minnehaha Creek and Mississippi River. The park includes many easy trails that are great for families and those with children with them.

 

Hidden Falls Regional Park

This park in St. Paul is as beautiful as it sounds. A great place for stopping to snap some photos, this park has just over six and a half miles of paved trails along the Mississippi River. This park is right between Minnehaha and Historic Fort Snelling, so visit all three if you’re up for a full day of activity.

 

Tamarack Nature Center

This is a great place for families take a short hike together while exploring the outdoors with their young ones. Tamarack Nature Center offers numerous wooded trails and an outdoor play area where the kids can climb around and get out all their energy. Don’t forget to come back in the winter for cross country skiing on the groomed trails.

 

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

Offering a play area, disc golf course, and ski hill, Hyland Lake park is the perfect place to visit year-round. However, if you’re looking to see some fall colors, hike the wooded trails for  With over 17 miles of both paved and turf trails, there is much to see and explore. Be sure to stop back in the winter, too, for skiing and snowboarding down the slopes.

 

If you’re wanting to plan a day or weekend trip to get further out of the cities to see the colors, pack your bags and check out some of these other trails in Minnesota that will take you a bit further into nature.

 

Bean and Bear Lake Loop

Part of the Superior Hiking Trail, the Bean and Bear Lake Loop is just over six miles long and features unbelievable views of both Bean and Bear Lake. This is an intermediate trail with rocky terrain and 900 feet of elevation to beautiful overlooks, so be sure you have the appropriate shoes and gear. There are plenty of places to camp near the Superior Trail, so make this a weekend trip and head north.

 

Eagle Mountain Trail

If you’re ready for a weekend away, head to the Boundary Waters and hike this three-and-a-half-mile trail that takes you to the top of Eagle Mountain. This is a bit of a rougher hike, so be sure you have the appropriate apparel and that you’re not hiking alone. It is one that you won’t want to miss, though–Eagle Mountain is the highest natural point in Minnesota, ensuring that you will get a stunning view of fall colors from the top.

Minneopa State Park

Located in Mankato, Minneopa State Park offers spectacular views of Minneopa’s two waterfalls, a valley overlook, and a stone flour mill. The three-mile loop goes around an enclosed roaming area for bison and is a great trail of any level of hiker. (Be sure to check out their website before your hike. Some of the trails are currently closed due to excessive rainfall.)

 

Maplewood State Park Loop

With plenty of places to picnic, go for a stroll, or take a longer hike, Maplewood State Park is a great place to catch the fall colors. This park features eight lakes along with plenty of wildlife so that you can completely immerse yourself in nature. There is also a campground for those wanting to pitch their tent and stay the night. However long you plan hiking here, you’re sure to spot some beautiful fall colors.

Taylor’s Falls

Last but not least, Taylor’s Falls is a must for spotting beautiful fall hues. Boarding Wisconsin and not too far from the Twin Cities, Taylor’s Falls has plenty of wooded trails with stairs to make trekking down the slopes easier. With beautiful views of the St. Croix River surrounded by cliffs and orange leaves, this is a fall hike that you won’t soon forget.

 

Before you head out, be sure to check out our selection of men’s and women’s hiking shoes, backpacks, and pick out the perfect fleece so that you can be sure you have all you need with you.

 

Emily H.