To find the best hiking in Minnesota, you don’t need to pack an overnight bag. The Twin Cities offers many urban hiking trails for beginners and experts alike. From short hikes to hiking day trips, these trails let you explore nature in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul without venturing far from home.

Minnehaha Creek Trail

Start with a Minneapolis hike at nearby Minnehaha Creek Trail. This popular urban hiking trail leads to the iconic Minnehaha Falls and around the river. You’ll get an up-close view of the 53-foot waterfall and four botanical gardens. Choose how far you want to go with many turnaround points on this easy, family-friendly Twin Cities excursion. 

Nicollet Island & Boom Island Trails

Head to Northeast Minneapolis to visit two of our most popular landmarks. The Nicollet Island and Boom Island Trails span just over two miles to give you impressive river views. It’s a short hike for all ages that will let you enjoy the scenery from both Nicollet and Boom Islands—and check them off your Twin Cities bucket list. 

East River Parkway

Honor both sides of the Twin Cities hiking scene by heading farther east. East River Parkway follows the east bank of the mighty Mississippi River and offers options for a unique Minneapolis hiking adventure. Stay next to the parkway on the river bluff or choose the lower trail near the river. This urban hiking trail continues all the way to downtown St. Paul.

North Cedar Lake Regional Trail & Cedar Lake Trail

Hiking in Minneapolis wouldn’t be complete without exploring this paved trail! From the Minneapolis Warehouse District down to the Minnesota River Bluffs and Hopkins, it combines the best of urban hiking trails with the peacefulness of wooded, suburban Twin Cities hiking. Halfway through, catch the Kenilworth Trail near Cedar Lake or the Luce Line Trail near Bryn Mawr Meadows Park for a longer adventure.

Fairy Falls 

For a hiking day trip, travel just 30 minutes to the Stillwater area. It’s a bustling river town known for its strollable downtown district and delicious dining options. But it’s also home to gorgeous trails. At Fairy Falls, it’s just a short hike to the falls with more paths around the creek and bluffs. Be warned: the bluffs on this trail can be a challenge to some hikers! 

Moving to the Twin Cities?

When you’re ready to move to the area and enjoy Twin Cities hiking, contact AAA Movers. We offer quality moving services from start to finish to get you started on your next, great adventure. Check out our customer reviews and AAA Promise to learn what makes us the best Twin Cities moving company around. Until then, happy trails!