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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Advantages of Hiking on Dirt vs Paved Trails
What’s the difference between hiking on dirt versus paved trails? (Other than that dirt feels more like hiking!) Let’s look at some of the advantages of dirt. Here in the Twin Cities, almost all our regional parks have a trail network that includes both paved and natural-surface trails—usually dirt or…
Backpacking and Camping with Babies and Toddlers
For parents adjusting to life with babies and toddlers, it can feel intimidating to spend time outdoors as you did before. Don’t be discouraged! You don’t have to give up these hobbies because your family is entering a new developmental stage. It’s still possible! Having a baby doesn’t mean you…
Grey Duck Outdoor: Local SUP & Canoe Makers
Grey Duck Outdoor is an independent company that started as a paddle board maker and added canoes to its product line more recently. After seeing Grey Duck paddle boards in photos and in stores for several years now, I only learned recently that their headquarters is right here in the…
Kayak in Como Regional Park
Saint Paul/Ramsey County • No vehicle fees Como Regional Park is one of the metro area’s most popular parks. One of its many attractions is 70-acre Como Lake, with boat access limited to those that can be carried on a car’s rooftop. It doesn’t take long to kayak (or canoe,…
Hiking Footwear: Boots, Shoes, Sandals?
What’s the best kind of shoe to wear hiking? It comes down to fit, performance, durability and preference. Our job here is to give some guidelines on footwear for hiking at our local parks and trails—not necessarily a multi-day or multi-week hiking excursion. (Just to be clear.) Once you find…
Hiking in Stillwater: Fairy Falls Trail
Stillwater, Washington County • No fees The Fairy Falls Trail just outside Stillwater is managed by the National Park Service. This lovely trail has deep ravines, big hills, mature trees and, of course, Fairy Falls. When I Googled “best hikes in Stillwater” Fairy Falls Trail came up as #1. We…
Gear Review: Waterproof Phone Cases
One of my favorite gear items for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding is a waterproof phone case. I’ve owned three different cases from three different brands, and I definitely have some feedback for you! (I’m also interested to hear YOUR feedback on other models/brands you have experience with: sharon@twincitiesoutdoors.com) Why Use…