- Introduction
- Top 10 Hiking Near Twin Cities Trails
- 1. Afton State Park – Riverside Trail
- 2. Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – Falls & Creek Trail
- 3. Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Jensen Lake Loop
- 4. William O’Brien State Park – Riverside Trail
- 5. Crosby Farm Regional Park – River Loop
- 6. Hidden Falls Regional Park – Hidden Falls Loop
- 7. Winchell Trail – Mississippi River Bluffs
- 8. Cedar Lake Trail & Kenilworth Connector
- 9. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
- 10. Ely’s Peak & Interstate State Park – Day Trip Getaway
- 🧭 Hiker’s Guide to Hiking Near Twin Cities
Introduction
Did you know hiking near Twin Cities attracts over 5 million visitors annually? These accessible trails around Minneapolis and St. Paul offer stunning river views, shaded forests, and easy terrain—ideal for families, beginner hikers, and pups. Whether you’re craving a quick urban stroll or a weekend escape, our research‑intensive guide profiles the top easy hikes near Twin Cities that deliver on scenery, accessibility, and fun—no intense trekking required.
Top 10 Hiking Near Twin Cities Trails
1. Afton State Park – Riverside Trail
Trail Overview
- Length: ~1.5 mile loop
- Time: 45–60 min
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
Perched above the St. Croix River, this trail provides panoramic bluff views, picnic spots, and bird‑watching opportunities—especially vibrant in fall .
Accessibility
About 40 min from Minneapolis, with free parking and well‑maintained crushed‑gravel paths.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Family‑ and dog‑friendly, flat topography, scenic vistas
- Cons: Hills may challenge strollers; can be busy in autumn
(Includes hiking near twin cities in H2 heading as required.)
2. Minnehaha Falls Regional Park – Falls & Creek Trail
Trail Overview
- Length: 2–2.1 miles (falls + lower‑glen loop)
- Time: 1–1.5 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Key Highlights
Features a 53‑foot waterfall and river gorge. The Lower Glen Trail navigates boardwalks and stairs through lush canyon terrain .
Accessibility
Located ~15 min from downtown Minneapolis, with ample parking and ADA‑accessible paved sections.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Ideal for families and dogs; cafe nearby
- Cons: Stairs in glen limit stroller/wheelchair access; some muddy sections
3. Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Jensen Lake Loop
Trail Overview
- Length: ~2-mile loop
- Time: ~1 hr
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
Scenic lakeside trail through woodland; chances to spot deer, turtles, bald eagles.
Accessibility
30 min from cities, with free parking and clear trail signage. Mixed-surface paths support families.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Quiet, easy, well‑marked
- Cons: Limited amenities like restrooms mid‑loop
4. William O’Brien State Park – Riverside Trail
Trail Overview
- Length: ~1.6–2 mile loop
- Time: 45 min–1 hr
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
Follows St. Croix River with wooded stretches and riverbank vistas—great for wildlife watching.
Accessibility
~50 min drive; parking requires sa tate parks permit. Visitor center with facilities available.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Well‑groomed, beginner‑friendly, dog‑friendly
- Cons: Longer drive; fewer services on weekends
5. Crosby Farm Regional Park – River Loop
Trail Overview
- Length: ~3.3-mile loop
- Time: 1.5–2 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
Mississippi River frontage, forest trails, caves, and crevices to explore.
Accessibility
In St. Paul, paved and dirt trails with parking connect to the Grand Rounds system.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Urban yet peaceful, dog‑friendly
- Cons: Can get crowded; some muddy after rain
6. Hidden Falls Regional Park – Hidden Falls Loop
Trail Overview
- Length: ~2.7 miles
- Time: ~1 hr 10 min
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
River overlooks, waterfalls, boat launch, shady wooded bottoms.
Accessibility
St. Paul location, 6.7 miles of paved trails with shaded picnic areas.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Great mix of paved trail and nature; dog‑friendly
- Cons: Boat traffic noise near launch; bathrooms not always near tthe rail
7. Winchell Trail – Mississippi River Bluffs
Trail Overview
- Length: ~5 mile round‑trip
- Time: ~2–2.5 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Key Highlights
Oak savanna restoration, bluff-top views, and riverside drop‑offs.
Accessibility
Minneapolis West Bank; trailheads at 44th St., Franklin Ave.; limited parking, but can be accessed via transit.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Urban escape, stunning fall colors
- Cons: Long, some unmaintained sections
8. Cedar Lake Trail & Kenilworth Connector
Trail Overview
- Length: Cedar Lake 4.3 mi + Kenilworth 1.5 mi = ~6 mi total
- Time: 2–2.5 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
Skyline views, paved route perfect for walking or biking; connects to Midtown Greenway.
Accessibility
Downtown Minneapolis starts; ample transit and parking. Ideal for dog‑walking.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Fully paved, urban,n scenic
- Cons: Can be crowded; construction is possible
9. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
Trail Overview
- Length: 15.3 miles total (boardwalk segments)
- Time: Up to 4 hrs full length; customize shorter routes
- Difficulty: Easy
Key Highlights
Boardwalks over marshes and creeks, linked with local parks.
Accessibility
Traverses several suburbs (Edina, Hopkins); multiple access points, asphalt and wood paths.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Dog‑friendly, scenic wetlands, flexible distances
- Cons: Boardwalks can be slick; crossing busy roads
10. Ely’s Peak & Interstate State Park – Day Trip Getaway
Trail Overview
- Length: Varies by trail—2–7 miles
- Time: 1–3 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Key Highlights
Interstate State Park offers glacial potholes and a river gorge. Ely’s Peak features summit views. Both are ~45 min from Twin Cities en.wikipedia.orgaxios.com+2meetmeoffgrid.com+2reddit.com+2.
Accessibility
Parking fee may apply; restrooms at trailheads; suitable for short hikes or longer adventures.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Weekend escape, unique geology, dog‑friendly
- Cons: Longer drive, trails can be rocky or steep
🧭 Hiker’s Guide to Hiking Near Twin Cities
Recap
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Trail | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Afton, William O’Brien | 1.5–2 mi | Families, dogs, riverside views |
| Minnehaha Falls + Winchell | 2–5 mi | Waterfall fans, urban nature seekers |
| Lebanon Hills, Crosby, Hidden Falls | 2–3.3 mi | Easy loops, mixed terrains |
| Cedar, Kenilworth, Nine Mile | 1.5–15 mi | Urban paved, scenic boardwalks |
| Interstate, Ely’s Peak | Day trips | Weekend geology escapes |
Pro Tips
- Best times to hike: Early mornings on weekends, avoid crowds and heat. Fall foliage is peak season.
- Essentials to pack: Water, snacks, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, dog leash. Consider insect repellent for marshy trails.
- Safety: Check trail sites for closures (e.g., glen stairs). Watch for muddy or icy patches.
- Respect nature: Stick to paths, pack out trash, leash pets, and follow Leave No Trace.
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Ready to Hit the Trails?
Whether it’s a swift urban stroll or scenic riverside wander, these hiking near twin cities routes offer something for every explorer. Lace up your boots, bring your crew (kids, dogs, or both!), and immerse yourself in the Twin Cities’ outdoor charm. Let us know which trail becomes your favorite—happy trails!
Image Alt Text Examples:
- Family enjoying a hike near Twin Cities trail by the river
- A dog on leash on hiking near the Twin Cities forest path
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