14 Fall Hikes Near the Twin Cities


Minnehaha Creek/Falls Trail (Minneapolis)
The city’s quintessential natural landmark provides a unique city setting for a hike along the creek down a tree-lined ravine, from the waterfall to its mouth at the Mississippi River just a mile away. The more primitive path down the west side (right side going downstream) includes a raised walkway through wetter sections. Bog flowers, songbirds and the roar of the creek all add character to this packed earth trail.

Long Meadow/Bluff Line Trail (Bloomington)
Starting at the Old Cedar Bridge, an earthen path follows the bluff line of the Minnesota River for over 3 miles. Pedestrian crossings over freeway bridges let hikers link up to miles of dirt trails extending northward to Fort Snelling and beyond.
Lake Elmo Regional Park (Lake Elmo)
Afton State Park (Afton)
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve (Lake Independence)
Louisville Swamp/Mazomani Trail (Carver)

Barn Bluff (Red Wing)

Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park (Nerstrand)
More about this park

Frontenac State Park (Frontenac)
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Lake Maria State Park (Monticello)
The terrain is quite hilly and covered in birch, maple and other hardwoods making it a great fall hiking destination. Bjorkland and Big Woods loops offer nearly 8 miles of woodland walking, while the 2-mile Kettle Kame Trail winds through classic glacial moraine amid beautiful birch forests. Camper cabins along hiking routes make it possible to stay and explore the trails over several days. More about this park

William O’Brien State Park (Marine-On-St. Croix)

Interstate Park/Minnesota (Taylors Falls)

Wild River State Park (Almelund)

About the Author
Tom Watson