Duluth, MN: Brower Trail
Hike along the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where old-growth pines, loons, and a long lake add punch to this mellow 7.8-miler in Itasca State Park.
| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Minnesota
Hiking and Backpacking Trips
|
|
Superior Hiking Trail: CR 6 to Silver BayAiry ledges offer splendid views of Lake Superior and the northern backwoods on this 18.6-mile stretch from County Road 6 to Silver Bay. Minneapolis, MN: Afton State ParkFrom bluffs to beaches to a bluebird trail, this 3.5-mile lollipop loop samples Afton State Park and the shores of the federally-designated wild and scenic St. Croix River. Duluth, MN: Brower TrailHike along the headwaters of the Mississippi River, where old-growth pines, loons, and a long lake add punch to this mellow 7.8-miler in Itasca State Park.
|
|
|
Minnesota Valley Trail: Chaska to ShakopeeStart: Parking lot South of Chaska off Hwy 41 Finish: Veteran's Memorial Park in Shakopee, MN Minneapolis, MN: Cannon Falls to VasaJust outside Minneapolis, this 33-mile, riverside out-and-back tops out with a gradual 5-mile effort--or an ice cream pit-stop. Minneapolis, MN: Murphy-Hanrehan Park ReserveWith excellent flow and 100 percent singletrack, this 9.3-mile loop is a Twin Cities classic ripe with physical and technical challenges--keep an eye on the bridges, not the views.
|
A Piece of QuietAmerica’s leading advocate of wilderness silence shows the way to Mt. Rainier National Park’s quietest corner. Plus: 9 more campsites with life-list listening. 
Rip & Go: Rocky Point to Round Lake - Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MNGlide through back-to-back lakes on a classic North Country canoe trip. 
Local Hikes: MidwestHike these long trails in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and head south to Texas to see Horned Lizards. |
Right Place, Perfect TimeSee Yosemite's river of ice, witness there-and-gone meteor showers in Hawaii, and mark your calendar for eight more fleeting natural wonders. Right Place, Perfect Time: Aurora BorealisNotch the best northern lights show in the Lower 48. |
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
|
Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
