There is nothing like getting out and enjoying all that the local landscape offers. You can experience things like craggy bluffs, rushing streams, and prairie homesteads by taking a hiking trip.
For those in Minnesota, taking to the trail can be an ideal afternoon. Here are a few tracks that don’t make the most seasoned hikers traverse. You need a granola bar, some bug spray, and your best lightweight hiking shoes.
Eagle Mountain
While the “mountain” part of things might be just a little hyperbolic, it is the highest point in Minnesota at 2,301 feet. It is worth getting out on the trail and experiencing the highest point that Minnesota has to offer.
Over the first three miles, the route climbs slowly. It is easygoing for even the most novice of trail hikers. But the last mile or so, moving away from Whale Lakes shores, really starts to climb rapidly.
Beaver Creek Valley
Snaking through a narrow valley, this one is tucked in the southeastern part of Minnesota, right around the bluffs near Caledonia. The gorge itself is definitely worth the trip; beautiful and lush, looking more like a jungle in the Minnesota landscape.
With crystal clear streams teeming with brown trout, it is the kind of scene that you won’t soon forget. There are numerous springs to see, most of which seep through the limestone cliffs that line the beautiful trails.
Mount Tom
Though hearing the name “Mount Tom” doesn’t exactly make you think of the greatest adventures, there are plenty of oak woodlands, rolling hills, and prairie patches located in Sibley State Park that are both pretty and pleasant. It is the kind of easy, enjoyable experience that even the most amateur hikers can get into.
In particular, there is one spot that can be awe-inspiring: being at the top of Mount Tom. It is a panoramic view that offers a granite-and-wood lookout tower. It is one of the highest spots for 50 miles, offering a comprehensive view of the hills, lakes, and even some distant towns spotting the area.