Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking at Sylvan Lake

The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.

Hiking at Sylvan Lake
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking Oberg Mountain

Oberg Mountain is a 2.5-mile loop hike with a gradual elevation gain of 500ft. This is a relatively easy hike with amazing views around the entire loop of the surrounding hills, Lake Superior, and Oberg Lake.

Hiking Oberg Mountain
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.

Hiking Caribou Falls
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Vacation Ideas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Plan a trip for your family.. This post includes favorite hikes, places to visit, and ideas on where to camp.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Inspiration
Kimberly Clark
Why I Hike

Plan your next hike, reduce some stress, and fall in love with Nature

Why I Hike

MN State Parks

Exploring Ely, Minnesota

Exploring Ely, Minnesota

While Ely, MN, may be best known for its entry location into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), there are also two nearby state parks, an International Wolf Center, and one of Minnesota’s prettiest waterfalls. Bear Head Lake State Park offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals in addition to hiking trails, while Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers tours of the state’s first and deepest iron mine. Tours include riding a cage down almost a half mile into the mine and then taking a train out to the last excavation site. For another option into BWCA closer to Lake Superior than Ely, enter near Tofte, along Sawbill Lake.

Hiking at Jay Cooke State Park - Minnesota

Hiking at Jay Cooke State Park - Minnesota

At Jay Cooke State Park, wander downstream of the St. Louis River from the parking lot to get the best pictures of Swinging Bridge. Cross Swinging Bridge and hike upstream to the rapids. For a two-mile hike, walk back to the bridge, and enjoy an out-and-back along River Trail. For a longer hike, head towards Lost Lake and enjoy the valley, streams, and meadow.

Hiking at Judge CR Magney State Park

Hiking at Judge CR Magney State Park

Judge Magney is a lesser known Minnesota State Park, but is worthy of a stop to hike the 2.0 mile out-and-back trail to Upper Falls and Devil’s Kettle. Note that there are 175 steps as you get close to the falls. If you are looking for a second hike nearby, stop at the Kadunce River Trailhead to the Superior Hiking Trail, and enjoy a quiet out-and-back hike to a smaller waterfall.

Hiking at Temperance River State Park

Hiking at Temperance River State Park

The Temperance River Gorge Trail includes six stunning waterfalls in just under one mile. Several of these waterfalls are formed from potholes, and this hike is a hidden Minnesota treasure. For a longer hike (two miles), add the Upper Falls trail on the west-side of Temperance River. For a long day hike, head to Cross River along the Superior Hiking Trail. Don’t forget to stop at Cross Falls along MN-61 - no hiking is required to experience this gushing falls. Britton Peak is the shortest hike to see fall colors along the North Shore. Extend that hike to Carlton Peak and Britton Overlook for a longer day of hiking.

Hiking at George Crosby Manitou State Park

Hiking at George Crosby Manitou State Park

If you are looking for a hidden waterfall in a secluded and rugged MN State Park, check out Cascades Waterfall in George Crosby State Park. The easiest option to access the waterfall is a 2.0 mile out-and-back hike along the Middle Trail. If you prefer a longer day of forest bathing, hike out along the Manitou River Trail or head out to Caribou Falls.

Hiking Caribou Falls

Hiking Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.

Hiking at Tettegouche State Park

Hiking at Tettegouche State Park

Written to be a complete overview of hiking trails at Tettegouche State Park, this post includes the must see views at Shovel Point, High Falls, and Palisade Head, as well as the lesser known secrets including the Cascades, Mt. Trudee, Mt. Baldy, Crystal Bay, Sea Caves, and some tips for winter hiking. Read through to the end of the post to learn about the 7 mile loop of Bear and Bean Lakes along the Superior Hiking Trail.

Hiking at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Hiking at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Looking for a place to stroll, sit quietly and enjoy the sound of nature without any crowds? Or maybe you are looking for a challenging place to climb up and down bluffs and ignore the traces of civilization? Both are options at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in MN, where you will lose cell phone coverage and be able to walk away from some of the stress in your life. Read more for recommendations on the best hikes in the park.

Hiking at Whitewater State Park

Hiking at Whitewater State Park

My favorite non-North Shore MN State Park, Whitewater is in southeastern MN, and is worth a full weekend visit. There is so much to do between swimming, hiking, jumping for rock to rock in the river crossings, exploring inside of chimney rock, and climbing up and down a lot of steps. Consider park hoping to nearby Carley State Park, or for a longer excursion, head over to Niagara Cave to see a 60ft waterfall inside of a cave.

Hiking at Afton State Park

Hiking at Afton State Park

Afton is a charming park to hike with close proximity to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, but does not have the feeling of being near any city development. There are beaches to play at, bluffs to hike, streams to cross, and prairies to enjoy. At the end of the post, there is also a map of nearby Vermillion Falls.