Want in on one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets for urban hiking? Head to Minneapolis.

The midwestern states are some of the most geographically diverse landscapes in America. Shaped by ancient glaciers, rivers and lakes are abundant among deep forests and rolling hills. Here are some of the best hikes to explore this diverse region.

Experience the beauty of fall foliage in Minnesota with these bucket list hikes

This 23.6-mile backpack along the shore of Lake Superior is perfect for a long weekend or a weekday escape.

Escape the headlines—and the rest of the population—at one of these seven sites.

Forest meets prairie meets river in this northern haven.

The scenic 310+ mile trail is perfect for hikes of all lengths and adventures of all sizes.

Nestled in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota's highest point is a uniquely beautiful day hike.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

Go where paddlers can't on this overnight loop through Boundary Waters. BY JASON DRURY

Snowshoe through the Northwoods on this winter overnight to a shelter along the St. Croix River. BY KOREY PETERSON

Leave your canoe and hike through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, in Minnesota, your legs will appreciate the exercise on the Sioux-Hustler Loop.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota

By Joseph Friedrichs

This 3.5-mile circuit explores a lakeside community of marshlands, meadows, and spotted forests rich in wildlife and intimate picnic spots.

Airy ledges offer splendid views of Lake Superior and the northern backwoods on this 18.6-mile stretch from County Road 6 to Silver Bay.

Tag the highest peak in Minnesota on this 6.6-mile hike, which courses under a coniferous forest and past a glacial lake with nice backcountry campsites.

Paddle past wooded islands while perfecting your loon call on this 13.6-mile weekend trip across four lakes to an isolated campsite.

Sheltered camps with bugling moose. Coves with ancient rock art. A raging waterfall. You'll find even the portages delightful as you paddle this 38-mile, 3-day route through Minnesota's million-acre water park into Canada's Quetico Provincial Park.

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.

A convenient city escape along the St. Croix River, this easy 4-mile hike in Wild River State Park skirts healthy wetlands with prime waterfowl viewing.

Catch the light rail to this loop to see the confluence of two rivers and circle a lush island in the heart of the Twin Cities.

This 4.1-mile dayhike tours countless cascades and tags a wooded hill with swell views of Lake Superior.

Hike past rushing creeks, numerous overlooks, and verdant hills on the Superior Hiking Trail, then bike back on the Munger Trail on this 14.4-mile loop near Duluth.

Stroll shady trails and see geologic wonders on this 2.6-mile hike along the St. Croix River.

Scramble around beaver dams, trek through timber wolf territory, and ford countless creeks on this 30.1-mile loop that skirts 15 backcountry lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Take in big views of Lake Superior and Sawmill Valley on this 28.3-mile, two-day hike.

Trek Minnesota’s bottomlands to an old stone farmstead on this 4.5-miler.

Tour old quarry country and the hardwood forests of Banning State Park on this 7.2-mile lollipop loop that passes a waterfall payoff--twice!

From 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.

Restorations-in-progress add an educational twist to this easy, 2.6-mile hike outside of Minneapolis in Carleton College's Cowling Arboretum.

Hike or bike this 2.9-mile sampler of St. Paul's Bruce Vento Regional Trail. Easy access paths are perfect for families and for sampling the city's recent restoration efforts.

This 10-mile loop overlaps with the North Country Trail and visits a thundering falls along the St. Louis River.

Glide through back-to-back lakes on this classic, 35-mile North Country paddling trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Wander through maple-birch-pine forest with pace-slowing views of the world’s largest freshwater lake.

Wander through maple-birch-pine forest with pace-slowing views of the world's largest freshwater lake.

Glide through back-to-back lakes on a classic North Country canoe trip.

Want to vanish into the quietest, wildest corners of the Boundary Waters? Say these magic words: Primitive Management Area.

Three ways to hike, bike, and paddle your way to freedom in the Twin Cities.

Find this high point in the largest national forest outside of Alaska.