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Moderate temperatures, infrequent rain, and a complete lack of mosquitoes make autumn prime hiking time in Minnesota. From the craggy North Shore to the soaring, wide-open spaces of Bluff Country, here are some of the prettiest places to plant your boots this fall.
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maplewood state park
Maplewood State Park's 25 miles of trails lead to magnificent views of the surrounding forests of sugar maple, basswood, elm, oak and aspen trees from the tops of hills as high as 1,600 feet. A half-mile hike to Hallaway Hill Overlook is rewarded with a spectacular view of Lake Lida and Hallaway and the hardwood forest below.
The park's 9,000 acres lie in a transition zone between the forests to the east and the prairies to the west. Approximately 150 bird species and 50 species of mammals live in the park, including white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoon, herons and raptors. Prairie hikes lead through growths of wild onion, showy milkweed, beardtongue and prairie rose, some of which flower in the fall.
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 cross numerous rivers and streams with waterfalls flowing through colorful forests, topped off by many vantage points overlooking the vast waters of lake superior.
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mississippi river bluffs
Red Wing is home to the stunning Barn Bluff, with magnificent views of the river and the city from a 400-foot-high peak. It's less than a mile to the top on either of two trails leading up. The South Trail leads to a scenic overlook at the western end of the bluff, from which the Prairie Trail leads back to another overlook at the eastern end.
Frontenac State Park contains 13 miles of hiking trails along the shore of Lake Pepin. The easiest is a mile-long fully accessible trail connected to an accessible picnic site with a gorgeous view of the river. More challenging is the Bluff Side Trail, a loop descending 430 feet by wooden stairs and switchbacks down to the river then back up to the picnic area.
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superior hiking trail
Running more than 300 gorgeous miles from Jay Cooke State Park south of Duluth to the Canadian border at Grand Portage, the Superior Hiking Trail crosses numerous rivers and streams with waterfalls flowing through colorful forests, topped off by many vantage points overlooking the vast waters of Lake Superior. The trail is great for short day hikes as well as backpack camping for ambitious hikers.
The simplest way to sample the trail is to pick a short loop section, like the easy but stunning Oberg Mountain Loop near Lutsen, or the Gooseberry loop at Gooseberry Falls State Park. For a longer, more ambitious day hike, a shuttle service runs every day but Wednesdays. Reservations are recommended in order to guarantee seating.
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three rivers park district
The Three Rivers Park District manages parks in suburban communities of five Twin Cities-area counties, the bulk of them to the north, west and south of Minneapolis. They're great family parks, many with interpretive nature centers, programs and large state-of-the-art playgrounds.
A few of the larger ones, all beautiful in the fall, include Carver Park Reserve in Victoria on the western edge of the metro area, with 36 miles of paved and unpaved trails winding around more than 10 lakes; Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, with 18 miles of hiking trails; and Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, at 4,900 acres the largest park in the system, with more than 50 miles of hiking trails.
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James Riemermann is a retired writer and editor. Raised in St. Paul, he's a city boy who feels more at home in the woods. Sitting by a campfire on the shore of a quiet north woods lake is his idea of paradise. |
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- A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks. Save time by ordering one online before you arrive at the park.
- For comfort and safety on the trail, be sure everyone has appropriate footwear (tennis shoes, not flip-flops).
- Bring a water bottle for each hiker as well as plenty of sunscreen, bug spray and snacks.
- Pick up a paper map at the park office or load a GeoPDF map before you leave (don’t rely on your phone to navigate because cell and Internet service may not be available in the woods).
- The accessible trails at Minnesota state parks are stroller friendly as well as wheelchair friendly.
- Some Minnesota state parks have all-terrain electric wheelchairs for use on unpaved trails.
- If your dog will be hiking with you, keep it on a leash and clean up after it.
- Don't pick wildflowers or otherwise disturb the landscape. "Take only photos, leave only footprints."
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MORE WAYS TO CHECK OUT FALL COLORS
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from top to bottom: Sawmill Dome on the Superior Hiking Trail in Finland, photo by Alyssa Hei | Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids, photo by Erica Wacker | Fall Leaves in Mississippi River Bluffs, photo by Dana Hernandez | Barn Bluff in Winona, photo by Erica Wacker | Hallaway Hill at Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids, photo by Micah Kvidt | Frontenac State Park in Frontenac, photo by Paul Vincent | Twin Lakes on the Superior Hiking Trail in Silver Bay, photo by Alyssa Hei | a gif from My Neighbor Totoro | Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, photo by Chandra Whitfield
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This article has been edited for length and clarity.
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