Excelsior, Minnesota
Looking for the best hiking in Excelsior? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Excelsior. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Excelsior
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Bloomington, Minnesota
Walk the Prairie Loop at Richardson Nature Center
5.00.8 mi / 70 ft gainBegin your hike behind the Visitor's Center and follow the path to the left towards the Prairie Loop Trail. The path quickly breaks out of the woods into an open prairie, looping through the tall grasses and burr oaks. The pond with its boardwalk is a great place to see Canada Geese, Tundra Swans...Read more -
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Run the Lake Harriet Loop
5.03 mi / 10 ft gainThis easily accessible loop takes you on a moderate walk around Lake Harriet, a popular recreational site for cyclers, walkers, runners, and families. You can cycle this trail in the clockwise direction, or opt to walk. Be sure to explore the surrounding park and gardens, afterwards!Read more -
Bloomington, Minnesota
Explore the Minnesota River Bottoms
4.3The "River Bottoms" is an unofficial network of single track, double track and service roads just south of Minneapolis along the Minnesota River flood plane. Flat, fast and easy to navigate, the 11-mile trail system is a popular spot for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers looking to do lon...Read more -
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bloomington Ferry Trail
5.016.94 mi / 814 ft gainBloomington Ferry Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Minneapolis, Minnesota.Read more -
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnehaha Falls
4.10.73 mi / 128 ft gainNamed after a legendary Native American princess, Minnehaha Creek cascades over a cliff in these dramatic falls just minutes from the downtowns of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. A favorite place for summer picnickers, the falls are beautiful all year long. They are strongest in June after the Spr...Read more -
Bloomington, Minnesota
Exploring the Minnesota Valley NWR
4.03.5 miIt is 3.5 miles long one-way from the visitors center (3815 American Blvd. East 55425) to Cedar Ave. Bridge. Whether because of the foreword thinking early Minnesota legislators or simply because of the inhospitality of nature, most of the riverfront on both the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers t...Read more -
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Explore Frozen Minnehaha Falls
3.8Minnehaha Falls Park in South Minneapolis is a big draw during the spring, summer and fall months. Experiencing an urban waterfall and scenic hiking trails in the middle of a major city is a treat. However, come wintertime, the falls freeze and a spectacular scene emerges. Many people flock to th...Read more -
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hike the Winchell Trail
3.65 miThis 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 ...Read more -
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Shadow Falls
4.00.58 mi / 256 ft gainThis easy and accessible hike takes you to a nice little waterfall within a ravine. From the parking lot, walk over to the River Overlook, then continue along the trail to the falls. The trail will drop you down to the base of the falls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. The flow is...Read more -
Unorganized Territory of Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Hike the Pike Island Loop
4.23.88 mi / 66 ft gainThe Pike Island Loop, located in Fort Snelling State Park, is a beautiful urban hike that circles a lush island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in the heart of the Twin Cities. In fact, Dakota leaders who inhabited this land considered the meeting of the rivers to be the...Read more -
Rogers, Minnesota
Hike the Crow-Hassan Regional Park Loop
4 mi / 90 ft gainCrow-Hassan Park Reserve is the largest prairie based park in the Twin Cities metro area. Although there are many ways to experience Crow-Hassan including horseback riding, canoeing on the scenic Crow River, or even staying the night in one of the park's campgrounds, the simplest way to enjoy it ...Read more -
Eagan, Minnesota
Lebanon Hills Blue Trail Loop
2.61 mi / 305 ft gainLebanon Hills Blue Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Saint Paul, Minnesota.Read more -
Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hike the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area Loop
3.83 mi / 110 ft gainGrey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, the largest intact prairie system located within the Twin Cities, is home to a number of rare plants and animals. The SNA has no marked or maintained trails, but there are a few well-worn footpaths that create an easy-to-follow three mile loop through...Read more -
Hastings, Minnesota
Vermillion Falls
4.50.8 mi / 56 ft gainBegin in the Old Mills parking lot located on 18th Street E. Head south along the paved trail running parallel to the railroad tracks. This trail is part of a 10-mile loop that leads out of the park and past the banks of the Mississippi. In approximately ½ mile, you’ll cross a long, wooden bridge...Read more -
Hastings, Minnesota
Hike the Afton State Park Trail
3.63.5 mi / 740 ft gainThis diverse, 2,702-acre park has trails for both day hikers and backpackers – some with scenic views of the St. Croix River, others which drop into quiet ravines. For the best views of the valley, explore off-trail, where you may find hidden bluffs with panoramic views.The park also offers horse...Read more -
Faribault, Minnesota
Straight River Trail and Alexander Park Trail
0.67 mi / 20 ft gainStraight River Trail and Alexander Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Faribault, Minnesota.Read more