Let’s get this out of the way up front. There are dozens upon dozens of incredible hikes across Minnesota. Our state is a nature lover’s paradise, riddled with scenic trails that lead to incredible sights. It was nearly impossible to narrow the list to only five, but we think we’ve done it justice. If you can only take five hikes in Minnesota, consider choosing the ones listed below. They’re five of the best hikes in Minnesota.

1. Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain, West Cook, MN 55604, USA
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Eagle Mountain may be Minnesota's best hike. At seven miles, it's a bit longer than many of the state's most popular hikes. However, the effort is well worth it when you reach the end of the trail, which leads to Minnesota's highest point. At 2,301 feet above sea level, you'll be able to see over treetops for miles in every direction. On a clear day, you can even see Lake Superior.

For more information on this hike, check out our article.
2. Kettle River
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
flickr/Tony Webster
While Banning State Park has over 17 miles of hiking trails, this one along the Kettle River is truly remarkable. Why is it so great? For one thing, this short hike is well under five miles long. It also offers lovely views of the Kettle River as it rushes its way over rocks and between thick stands of trees. There's a lot to explore at this state park, and the Kettle River trail is a perfect way to get started.

Check out our article about this beautiful hike!

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3. Barn Bluff Trail
Barn Bluff, Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
Scott Costello/Flickr
This gorgeous trail will take you high above the city of Red Wing for a one-of-a-kind view. You'll see the Mississippi River as it flows southward, washing the shores of both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The view is especially pretty in the fall when you can see the colorful tops of trees.

You'll find more information about this trail in this article.
4. Kawishiwi Falls
Kawishiwi Falls Trail, Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN, USA
Jim Liestman/Flickr
Many people have never heard of Kawishiwi Falls, but the hike to reach it is not to be missed. The short loop trail crosses about 1.5 miles of wilderness near Ely, Minnesota. The secluded waterfall has a 70-foot drop, making it a beautiful sight in the middle of the forest.

Check out our article about this hike!
5. Superior Hiking Trail
Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Stretching over 310 miles of northern Minnesota, the Superior Hiking Trail certainly can't be explored all in one day. However, there are many places to enter the trail as it winds past some of Minnesota's most famous landmarks, such as Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls. No matter where you start or end your trip, you're sure to see something incredible. It's beautiful in the summertime, but this trail really shines when the leaves begin to change in fall.

We absolutely love this hike in MN!

Have you ever done any of these hikes? Are there any others you’d recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more must-do activities in Minnesota, check out our ultimate bucket list for anyone in Minnesota who loves the outdoors.

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best hikes in minnesota

Jennifer Young | March 08, 2022

What are three kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota that can be accomplished year round?

Minnesota is filled with numerous trails that anyone can do, including kids. Listed below are three kid-friendly trails in Minnesota that can be accomplished any time of the year.

1. Pike Island Loop

Located inside Fort Snelling State Park is Minnesota's Pike Island Loop, which is a 3.9-mile loop trail that features a river and has an easy level of difficulty. This trail is perfect for including on a day trip.

2. Silver Creek Trail

Minnesota's Silver Creek Trail, a 3.4-mile loop trail, is located inside Jay Cooke State Park and features a lake. Most people use this scenic trail for hiking, camping, and road biking. It also has an easy level of difficulty.

3. Chain of Lakes Loop

The Chain of Lakes Loop is located inside Minneapolis Chain Of Lakes Park. It's a 10.1-mile loop trail that features a lake and offers a variety of activity options for all ages.

What are three easy hikes anyone can take while visiting Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota's most-visited park?

In addition to difficult trails, Minnesota also has several easy trails to hike. One of the best places to hike some of the state's easiest trails is Gooseberry Falls State Park. Listed below are three of these trails.

1. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop

Minnesota's Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop is a 3-mile loop trail that features a lake. It offers a variety of activity options and is best used from March to October.

2. Gitchi Gummi Trail

The Gitchi Gummi Trail is a 2.2-mile loop trail that's mostly used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Most people choose to explore this trail from April to October.

3. Gitchi Gami Trail

The Gitchi Gami Trail is 17.1 miles long, making it the longest trail on our list. This point-to-point trail features beautiful wild flowers and is mostly used from March to October.

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