Best Hikes in Minnesota

Minnesota's hiking is centered on the Superior Hiking Trail (310 miles along the North Shore), the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and the state parks of the North Shore.

Superior Hiking Trail: Palisade Head to Tettegouche (10 miles)
The finest segment of Minnesota's 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail — traversing Shovel Point, the Palisade Head cliffs, and the Baptism River canyon through Tettegouche State Park. The views of Lake Superior from the basalt cliffs at 175 feet above water are extraordinary. The High Falls of the Baptism River punctuate the midpoint.

Boundary Waters: Kawishiwi Lakes Area
A 3–5 day canoe route from the Ely area through the Kawishiwi River and adjacent lakes — portages of 5–80 rods connect the lake chain. The fishing (walleye and northern pike), the moose encounters, and the starry night sky over the lake make BWCAW canoeing the defining Minnesota outdoor experience.

Gooseberry Falls State Park: River Loop (3 miles)
The most accessible and rewarding short hike in Minnesota — connecting all five Gooseberry River waterfalls in a single loop through the basalt canyon. The Lake Superior shore at the river mouth, the river canyon walls, and the frequency of waterfalls make this the finest 3-mile trail in the state.

Judge C.R. Magney: Devil's Kettle Trail (5 miles round trip)
To the split waterfall where one channel disappears into the basalt — the hike through boreal forest along the Brule River, with two footbridges and river views, is excellent throughout.

Itasca State Park: Wilderness Drive and Headwaters Walk
The 16-mile Wilderness Drive loops through old-growth pine forest in the interior of Itasca; the short Headwaters walk crosses the Mississippi's outlet on stepping stones.