The easiest way for you to find and use our local parks and trails
Find a Trail or Park
We make it easy for you to find parks and trails in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area for all your nature-based activities:
Hiking and running trails ~ bike trails ~ waterways to kayak, canoe and paddle board ~ campgrounds ~ cross country ski and snowshoe trails
Simply click on your preferred activity in the navigation menu and find your county in the drop-down menu to get started.
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Hiking Sunfish Lake Park, Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo, Washington County • No vehicle permit needed Sunfish Lake Park is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil and natural hiking experience. It’s an oasis nestled in the woods, about 4 miles from downtown Lake Elmo. A recharge of the mind and soul was just what I…
Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder
Want to know where the fall colors are peaking around the Twin Cities and even statewide? The best online resource we know of to keep tabs on the fall colors in our state is the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder. No matter which part of Minnesota you’re in, this should…
Hiking in Banning State Park
Sandstone/Pine County • State park daily or annual pass needed Banning State Park is just under 100 miles from either downtown Minneapolis or downtown Saint Paul. This 6,200-acre park is bisected by the beautiful Kettle River and hosts 17 miles of forested hiking trails. In both my day trips to…
Outdoors Clubs & Groups in the Twin Cities
Are you the kind of person who would get outside more if you could meet up with others? If you are, there are many local options for you, no matter what your favorite outdoor activity. Being active outdoors—in our parks, on our trails, on our lakes and rivers—is so healthy…
It’s OK to Start Small with Outdoor Activity
Not only is it OK to start small with outdoor rec activities, that’s the best way for most people to begin. Outdoor activity begins locally and can be as simple as stepping out your front door. Whether you’re new to the outdoors yourself or you want to introduce our wonderful…
Gear Review: Women’s Hiking Shorts for 2022
Here in Minnesota we’re known for our cold winters, but we also have hot summers. Shorts season can run from April into October, depending on your personal thermostat and the particular year. This collection of hiking shorts is relatively small because I’m only reviewing ones I own, wear and personally…
Paddle Board at Snail Lake Regional Park
Shoreview/Ramsey County • No vehicle permit needed • No rentals available On the first day of summer, my friend and I met at Snail Lake Regional Park to paddle board the lake. We were excited to see first-hand what it offers local paddlers. Neither of us had been on Snail…
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