Minnesota Fall Hiking Guide
Here is your guide to spectacular fall hikes in the land of 10,000 lakes.
The nights have had a chill in the air that I haven't felt since last May. I have dug out sweatshirts to put on at sunset and reached for my down quilt in the middle of the night.
School is back in session for kids and young people, fall sports season has started, the urge to get back on track with a more regular schedule and routine, and fall nesting within the home, preparing for the cold and dark months.
It is the season of cozy! Warm drinks abound, plaid blankets appear in shop windows, and college sports sweatshirts are spotted headed to stadiums to cheer for their favorite teams.
One of MY FAVORITE Fall activities is hiking.
The bugs have primarily gone away; the weather can still be warm during the day but cool in the mornings and evenings, and the sights, sounds, and smells of Fall are so vibrant and inviting. I have hiked in all these areas, and each has its unique beauty!
I want to share some gorgeous Fall hikes with you here in Minnesota. These are my best-of-the-best, organized by geographic area:
Twin Cities Area
Crosby Farm Park
WHERE: Located in the heart of St. Paul, along the Mississippi River, this regional park has upper and lower trails that equal about 5 miles of hiking.
WHATS SPECIAL ABOUT IT: You can hike along the river and see Pike Island at Fort Snelling State Park across the channel. The route that follows the river after the paved trail ends in a woodland path that goes through an ancient oak grove. It has an almost eerie feel, with the oaks, decaying leaves, and swamp-like, boggy landscape. It is virtually Halloween-like.
ACCESSIBILITY: You can hike the upper and lower trails and turn them into a loop for under an hour. Hiking is pretty level, besides a gentle climb on the upper trails. This hike is excellent for people with experience walking longer distances, but the nice thing about this park is that you can make the trek as short or as long as you want. Many paved trails along the lake and river loop into each other. Suitable for hiking with kids.
Afton State Park
WHERE: A 30-minute drive from the Twin Cities, right on the St. Croix River.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: Afton State Park is a gorgeous area for Fall hiking, this park has beautiful river views and also prairie and grassland terrain with native plants, trees, and flowers to look at along the way. You can find maps at the park office and also posted in numerous places around the park itself.
Como Woodlands Trails
WHERE: This little system of trails is nestled right in the heart of St.Paul! Located a stone's throw from the Como Pool, I highly recommend this to people of any age.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: There is usually some animal or bird viewing! It is also an excellent option for people with limited time or who don't want to go on a long, intensive hike. You can quickly get through this entire trail system in about 30 minutes or less. Excellent area for kids!
ACCESSIBILITY: The trails are short, flat, and easy for ALL levels.
Duluth Area
Chester Creek Trail
WHERE: The Chester Creek trails in Duluth are beyond spectacular.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: A proper woodland trail, right in the beating heart of the Duluth hillside, skirting the edge of a rushing creek (one of the best sounds in the world), complete with a pretty impressive waterfall at the midpoint from the lower to the upper creek, and then eventually hiking to the top of Chester Bowl with a panoramic view of Lake Superior and all her splendor. During the Fall months, the colors are breathtaking, and the air is crisp, fresh, and pure.
ACCESSIBILITY: This hike has a steady climb, so prepare to breathe a little heavier with the elevation, but WORTH IT at the top.
Bagley Nature Area
WHERE: The Bagley Nature trails, also referred to as "Rock Hill," are located right on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: Again, like Chester Creek, you will never believe that you are right in the middle of a city once you get into the meat of these trails. Climbing up to the top of Rock Hill is a quick elevation climb that can get your heart pumping! The view from the top is worth the work, in my opinion! Any chance for a grand, panoramic view of Lake Superior is worth the huffing and puffing!
ACCESSIBILITY: These trails are primarily woodchipped, making it easy on your feet and legs! There are a few hills, but if you stick to the trails directly behind the school, leading to the pond, it is relatively flat, with some small rolling hills that are gentle and not too steep.
Hartley Nature Center
WHERE: If you've never had the pleasure of visiting Hartley Nature Center, I highly recommend it! Nestled in the trees off Woodland Ave. in Duluth, this space offers something for ALL ages!
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: There are miles of trails to explore by foot, bike, or ski. It's VERY kid friendly. There is a beautiful visitor center that kids and adults enjoy, with bird feeder viewing, a gift shop, and hands-on activities. Next time you're in Duluth, stop in.
ACCESSIBILITY: You can decide what you are up for at these trails. If you want a quick walk or a long, leisurely afternoon of exploring, you can do it!
North Shore of Lake Superior
Carlton Peak Loop
WHERE: Carlton Peak trail, near Tofte, has SPECTACULAR Lake Superior views.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: The Fall leaf colors here are worth the drive up the shore.
ACCESSIBILITY: There are some edgy cliff areas on this hike so take care with children and dogs while hiking up this trail, and if hiking in a group, stick together.
Oberg Mountain Loop
WHERE: Oberg is another scenic view hike up the shore of Lake Superior.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: This hike gets your heart pumping with the climb, but so worth it when you see the endless blue from overlooks along the way!
Tettegouche State Park
WHERE: Tettegouche has many trails to choose from that go along the shores of Lake Superior or traverse the Baptism River.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: It is an AWESOME park as a destination for hiking AND camping. The views are outstanding, no matter which path you choose.
ACCESSIBILITY: You can choose easy hikes or challenging ones! Great place to hike with kids too, but there are areas with cliff overlooks, so make sure you keep an eye on children who like to run ahead.
Mississippi River Bluffs / Red Wing Area
Whitewater State Park
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: The Trout Run Creek trail is a 2-mile walk through a wooded valley; the other route is only 1 mile along the Whitewater River. Check the link for color updates!
ACCESSIBILITY: This park has 3 miles of easy trails for all ages and abilities. Great for families with small children!
Carley State Park
WHERE: This trail is 5 miles long with rolling terrain along the Whitewater River.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT: This park offers a trail a bit more challenging than Whitewater State Park and also experiences less traffic in general than the more popular Whitewater State Park, so it is excellent for the person looking for more seclusion. Check the link for color updates!
ACCESSIBILITY: more challenging.
Do YOU have a favorite Fall hiking area that you didn’t see listed here? Please share with me by commenting below! I'd love to add to my list!
Now, Take A Hike!! :)
