Best Places to Hike in Minnesota

There are not many more intimate ways you can explore a forest than when you strap on some strong boots and start hiking. Especially in states with plenty of marked trails, like Minnesota, hiking provides the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure format where you can snake your way around lakes and through national/state forests. With a map, a plan, proper attire, and a good attitude, the woods of Minnesota are at your fingertips waiting to be explored for all their natural beauty.

There are not many more intimate ways you can explore a forest than when you strap on some strong boots and start hiking. Especially in states with plenty of marked trails, like Minnesota, hiking provides the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure format where you can snake your way around lakes and through national/state forests. With a map, a plan, proper attire, and a good attitude, the woods of Minnesota are at your fingertips waiting to be explored for all their natural beauty.

Crane Lake Area

At the upper limits of Minnesota near the Canadian border lies the Crane Lake area. A major lake itself, Crane Lake also has numerous rivers, streams, and smaller ponds that surround it. With a variety of difficulty to choose from and various sceneries to be seen, there is a trail for everyone to fall in love with around Crane Lake. Being more remote than some of the other popular hiking areas, always come prepared with maps, navigation, and other essential gear. What’s more, given the high latitude that Crane Lake sits at, the trails usually become saturated with snow during the winter months making hiking not practical. That being said, here are some of the most popular trails in the area amongst the hundreds of miles of trail that awaits you.

Herriman Trail

13 miles of loops with a picnic area along Echo River

Astrid Lake Trail

7 miles of trail that snake around 4 lakes

Norway Trail

8 miles one-way through pine forests and over rock ledges

Bug Creek Trail

A 2 mile loop with a scenic overlook of elephant creek

Getting to the Crane Lake area usually involves driving north. Bigger cities nearby include Orr 27 miles southwest and Cook 45 miles southwest along state route 24.

Superior National Forest

At the northeast corner of Minnesota along the coast of Lake Superior lies the magnificent Superior National Forest. Like many Minnesota trails, be on the lookout for snow burying the trail making travel unreasonable unless you have snowshoes. However, when trails are clear, the hiking here in Superior National Forest is second to none. With lakes and streams small and large surrounded by healthy forests, Northern Minnesota is unmatched. Here are some of the most popular trails around the national forest:

Superior Hiking Trail

A 310-mile trail that goes up and over hills and through forests. A number of smaller sections and loops exist within the trail making it easier to divide and conquer

Bass and Dry Lake Loop

6.3 mile loop around multiple lakes with moderate difficulty

Magnetic Rock

3 mile out-and-back through unique terrain and to a giant magnetic rock

Moose Viewing Trail

A short .7 mile narrow path that leads to a moose-viewing platform and moose information

Getting to Superior National Forest is usually done along Route 61 that runs along the coast of Lake Superior. The closest towns to many of these hiking launches include Silver Bay to the south, Tofte and Lutsen near the trails, and Grand Marais to the north.

Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

In western Minnesota lies the gem that is Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. With hundreds of lakes and streams in the surrounding area, there is no shortage of incredible trails that lead to incredible views. The protected land leaves plenty of opportunity to have rare wildlife encounters that will make memories of a lifetime. The best time to hit these trails is in the spring through autumn months when trails are clear of snow. Be sure to wear proper footwear when conditions are wet. Here are some spots worth hiking in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge:

North Country Trail

A 16.4-mile out-and-back trail known for its bird watching and moderate difficulty

Old Indian Trail

An easy 2.2-mile loop with great birds. Best time to visit is in the fall

East Tamarack Trail 

An easy 2-mile out-and-back trail that walks along the edge of the beautiful Tamarack Lake

NCT: Hubbel Pond to Ottertail River

A moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that has great views of the ponds and rivers in the trail name

Route 29 is a straight shot for many of these trailheads, which travels straight through Rochert to the south. Other major towns nearby include Detroit Lakes a short drive west and Osage plus Park Rapids less than an hour to the east.

Voyageurs National Park

At the northern bounds of the state sits an absolute gem in Voyageurs National Park. With the huge Kabetogama Lake at the center connected by a series of interlocking water ways, Voyageurs National Park is home to some truly unique landscapes that make for fantastic hikes. Trails here tend to be on the flatter side as they snake their way through the dense forests and around the many lakes and ponds. With much of the forest here being untouched, there is no shortage of great wildlife sightings and ability to disconnect from the modern world. Here are some of the best trails you can hike in Voyageurs National Park.

Blind Ash Bay Trail

A moderately challenging 3-mile out-and-back trail that is great for birding and views of the rivers/lakes

Echo Bay Trail

An easier 2.4-mile loop that overlooks Kabetogama Lake

Cruiser Lake Trail

A more challenging 6.3-mile loop with decent elevation gain that snakes past numerous lakes

Kab-Ash Trail

A hard 20.1-mile point-to-point hike that winds up and down through the Voyageur wilderness. Not for the faint of heart

While far north, there is still decent infrastructure in place surrounding Voyageurs National Park. A short drive northwest along Route 53 will bring you straight to International Falls. You can also drive south along Route 53 for 35-40 minutes to reach Orr.

Hayes Lake State Park

Towards the northwest corner of the state along the Roseau River lies the beautiful Hayes Lake State Park. Between the campground, large boundaries for the state forest, and the beautiful Roseau River, Hayes Lake State Park is a special oasis to be explored on foot. You’ll be unlikely to see many other hikers on these trails. Typically, the best time to visit is when snow has melted during the summer months. Here are some of the great trails available for use in Hayes Lake State Park:

Pine Ridge Trail

An easier 1.7-mile loop that passes the campground and leads to a great view of the river

Hayes Lake Loop

A moderately challenging 8.3-mile loop that traverses the entire lake exterior

Homestead Interpretive Trail and River Tower Trail

An easier 2.5-mile loop that snakes along the river with a cool tower to lookout from

The closest cities to Hayes Lake State Park mostly lie along Route 89. About 30 minutes north of the lake lies Roseau. To the south on Route 89 is Grygla also about 30 minutes away. Warroad is a slightly longer drive in the northeast direction.

Minnesota has no shortage of amazing hiking trails and beautiful landscapes. With thousands of lakes connected by streams and rivers of various sizes, the landscape is truly unique in America and provides a home to some iconic birds, fish, and mammals. So long as the trails aren’t a few feet under snow in the cold winter months, these trails listed above can provide fantastic hiking experiences for most of the year. When snow does fail and trails get covered, there are plenty of other outdoor hobbies to do in Minnesota to explore the beautiful world around us.