Top 10 Minnesota Hiking Trails

M&G Trailers’ Favorite Minnesota Hikes

There’s nothing like spring in Minnesota, when the snow finally melts and the greenery makes its return. We’re celebrating with this list of our ten favorite Minnesota hiking trails. Although the state has miles and miles of hiking trails to choose from, we gathered a list of those with the best paths and most rewarding views. Whether you’re standing over hundreds of acres of Minnesota wilderness or stopping for a break by a lake in the Land of 10,000, these Minnesota hikes are well worth the work.

Silver Creek Trail

Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton

We’re starting off with a more difficult hike at Jay Cooke State Park. The Silver Creek Trail is part of the southern section of the much larger Superior Hiking Trail, which we’ll cover later. This trail meets up with the St. Louis River and features stunning views of the rushing river over slanted bedrock. It’s a 3.5-mile loop that can be connected to the Summer Trail and Lost Lake Trail to extend your hike.

Wolf Creek Falls Trail

Banning State Park, Sandstone

The Wolf Creek Falls trail meets some other Minnesota hiking trails, like the Quarry Nature Trail, that run along a historic sandstone quarry. Stop to admire the Kettle River, or bring your boat and tackle the difficult rapids. Although, the main attraction for this trail is the Wolf Creek Falls. These beautiful, powerful waterfalls and the rushing Kettle River give Banning State Park a reputation for being one of the most beautiful parks in Minnesota.

Eagle Mountain Trail

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Grand Marias

Eagle Mountain Trail had to be included on our list of Minnesota hiking trails because it leads to the highest point in Minnesota, Eagle Point. The mountain’s peak is just over 2,300 feet, a breathtaking reward for the difficult 3.5-mile hike to get there. The trail is rocky and steep, but the sense of accomplishment at Eagle Point makes the arduous walk worth it.

Glacial Pothole Trail

Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls

This Minnesota hiking trail located just off Highway 8 and the St. Croix River. It’s known for showing off the geological history of the state. Glacial potholes, for which the trail is named of course, are smooth rock indentations formed thousands of years ago. The indentations were worn into the rock by the swirling waters of melting glaciers. Glacial Pothole Trail is an easy and educational walk that many families choose to pull over and visit on their drive through the state.

Itasca Fire Tower Trail

Itasca State Park, Park Rapids

One of the most beautiful views to be found is atop the Aiton Heights Fire Tower in Park Rapids, Minnesota. The Fire Tower can be reached just off the Ozawindib Trail. Itasca is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River and is surrounded by bodies of water and old growth forests for a serene peek into old Minnesota. Though there are 49 miles of trails around Itasca State Park, visitors should focus on the 100-foot Aiton Heights Fire Tower near the heart of the park. The hike includes some mild hills, but is not too difficult for most hikers. If you’re able to make it to the top of the fire tower, the view can’t be beat!

Little Two Harbors Trail

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Two Harbors

Another smaller trail that serves as part of the greater Superior Hiking Trail, the Little Two Harbors trail is known for its view of Split Rock Lighthouse. It features scenery along the north shore of Lake Superior, where you can walk the pebbled shorelines and bask in the vastness of Lake Superior itself. The jewel at the top of this trail? A view of the historic Split Rock Lighthouse atop the cliffs surrounding the lake.

Superior Hiking Trail

Duluth to the Canadian Border

Many of our favorite Minnesota hiking trails serve as smaller sections of the 260-mile Superior Hiking Trail. This trail surrounds Lake Superior’s north shore and features scenic pebble beaches, lakeside cliffs, forested ravines and vast views of Lake Superior itself. The long, rocky trail runs from Duluth to the United States-Canada border. Every Minnesota hiking enthusiast has to tackle this prideful trail!

North River Trail Loop

Afton State Park, Afton

Less than an hour from St. Paul runs the North River Trail & Prairie Loop. It’s a popular destination for Twin Cities residents to relax and breathe the fresh air. The landscape includes both wide prairies and massive riverbanks in Afton State Park. The park itself has more than 20 miles of trails, but the 3.8-mile North River Trail is the main attraction. This mildly challenging hike runs parallel with the St. Croix River for about a mile before ascending to reach a scenic overlook of the river from above.

Sioux-Hustler Trail

Superior National Forest, Crane Lake

In the northern section of the Superior National Forest are more than 1,200 miles of Minnesota hiking trails through over one million acres of wilderness. The forest is home to hundreds of thousands of lakes, streams and other water attractions. It sits against the Quetico Provincial Park in Canada in the north and Voyageurs National Park in the east, making this forest a serene wilderness that one can spend decades hiking. The main attraction to the park is the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, where boating and canoeing are popular. The Sioux-Hustler Trail is one of the most popular Minnesota hikes that crisscrosses the forest. This long trail can be hiked and camped along for days, making it better for experienced hikers.

Riverview Trail

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors

We’re returning to Two Harbors for our last addition to this list of Minnesota hiking trails. Just six miles south of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is North Shore’s Gooseberry State Park. The park is known for its rushing upper, middle and lower falls on the Gooseberry River. Though if you’re interested in venturing further into the park, there are more trails and falls to be seen. The Riverview Trail is an easy, family-friendly trail to finish off our list

Whether you’re looking for an expert-level trail spanning Lake Superior or a short, educational path for the whole family, Minnesota has a hiking trail for you. Many of these beautiful trails run along rivers or through forests filled with ATV and snowmobile trails. If you decide to bring a boat, ATV or snowmobile along, stop by M&G Trailers in Ramsey, Minnesota. We have hundreds of trailers in all sizes and builds. Whatever you need to tow along on your outdoor adventures, M&G Trailer Sales can help!

Check out our full trailer inventory online today! We have tons of trailers from top brands like Aluma, Big Tex, H&H, Iron Bull, Midsota, Sure-Trac and more. Contact us online or stop by our Minnestoa trailer dealership when you’re ready to make a purchase.