Minnesota

The Quarry Loop is an easy hike in Banning State Park, which draws its name from the abandoned sandstone quarry you pass along the way. The trail's rival attraction is the whitewater of the Kettle River, visible as you hike, including the Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, and Dragon's Tooth rapids....

Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minn., is an enjoyable and easily-accessible hike. Even at a slow pace, it takes just 30-45 minutes to reach the peak. There is ample parking on 5th Street near the Barn Bluff sign. Take the stairs to the trail head. From there, you'll have a few trail options: 1) South Trail...

This 5 mile roundtrip trail meanders along the Mississippi River bluffs on the west bank and is separate from the paved bike trail. The trail runs from 44th St. to Franklin Ave. Along the trail you will pass through an oak savanna restoration project, hike near the edge of bluffs and pass by the sof...

Getting to the trailhead: From Hwy. 61, turn left onto Hwy. 1 (at milepost 59.3) and travel 0.8 miles to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) parking lot on the left side of the road (very easy to miss!). The Hike: Once you get to the parking lot, cross Hwy. 1 and walk up the road to meet the SHT that co...

Caribou Falls is a true hidden gem located along the Superior Hiking trail on Minnesota's North Shore. To access the falls, begin at the Caribou Falls State Wayside rest, off of Highway 61 just north of Little Marais. The trailhead is marked on the Superior Hiking Trail sign in the parking lot. The ...

Glacial Lakes State Park is located on the easternmost border of the once immense prairie that covered much of the Great Plains. This prairie oasis gives visitors a taste of what traveling across the that treeless wilderness would have been like for American Indians and pioneers two hundred years ag...

This hike is very short and rewarding. It doesn't take longer than 15 minutes if you wanted to make it a quick pit stop before or after you hike Carlton Peak . From Hwy 61 just near Tofte, MN take Sawbill Trail. Go roughly 2.5 miles and the parking lot will be on your right. Once you are on the trai...

Getting to the trailhead: The trailhead for the Honeymoon Bluff trail is just off of Co 66 (Clearwater Rd) which is 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail. From Grand Marais, turn north on the Gunflint Trail (Co Rd 12) and go about 27 miles until you reach Co 66. Turn right and continue for 3.25 miles to re...

This is a must-visit if you find yourself near the Minnesota-Canadian border by Lake Superior. A quick turn into the Grand Portage State Park parking lot off of Highway 61, and a short 0.5 mile walk (from the parking lot) is all it takes to see one of the most breathtaking waterfalls Minnesota has t...

First, things first - plan your trip well! There are many details that need to go into planning even a short trip into the Boundary Waters. Various websites and companies exist to help you plan and check off all of the boxes prior to your departure date. The bwca.com website is one I found to be ver...

For those who enjoy waterfalls, the Devil's Kettle waterfall is a must see. The Devil's Kettle trail will lead you to perhaps one of Minnesota's most unusual waterfalls along the North Shore. This waterfall of the Brule River is unique in that the river splits into two; with one half dropping 50 fee...

Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you hit traveling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Located 13 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park a quick turn off of the highway which is very well marked with signs. Follow signs for Falls parking. Begin ...

After you drive past Tettegouche State Park, continue until you reach Highway 1. Turn left and continue on the road for 1.6 miles until you see a small gravel pull-off on the lefthand side of the road. Follow the path that leads to the river (easy to hear the waterfall). The trail will go past a cab...

Halfway between Schroeder and Grand Marais, Cascade is usually little more than a pit stop on a longer trip. Since the main cascades are just a quarter mile from the highway, there is usually little incentive to further explore the 5300 acre park. However, those who take the time to wander around ar...

Beginning at the Split Rock Wayside rest stop, start your hike up the Spur Trail. About half a mile in, the Spur Trail will junction with the Superior Hiking Trail. The trail gradually ascends along the west side of the Split Rock River. Within the first mile, you will cross over a small bridge over...

Trail's End Campground is located at the very end of the Gunflint Trail, a remote highway that cuts into the heart of the Minnesota Northwoods. Catch the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais along Highway 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior. From Grand Marais, you'll wind your way sixty miles along the...