?? minnesota trail tips from an outdoor enthusiast





explore minnesota | minnesota outdoors | retail (crossed out) trail therapy | view of a cascading waterfall amongst fall leaves and rocky tan cliffs [ [link removed] ]





interview with suzanne nelson

Hiking is a core memory for Suzanne Nelson. Growing up, her family would take frequent trips to the North Shore – specifically Gooseberry Falls. Getting out into nature has become her go-to when she needs to feel grounded, which led to co-running *You Can Hike with Us [ [link removed] ]*, a hiking group for women. Suzanne and her co-creators, Shannon and Kassandra, began hiking together and, after getting many messages from other women asking to join, the outing eventually blossomed into monthly hikes.

 

While Suzanne was born and raised in Minnesota, many of her friends were not. Hiking groups have been a great way to meet others with similar interests. Always willing to bring more people into the hiking community, Suzanne generously agreed to share some of her top hiking spots, the right parks for specific experiences and plenty of insider tips. 

 






a group of purple bellflowers grow on the side of a small, but well-worn dirt path. [ [link removed] ]





do you have a favorite area to hike?

Oh my gosh, please don't make me pick. If I had to choose, I really like *Bluff Country [ [link removed] ]*. Those parks are not typically as busy as the North Shore [of Lake Superior] — and I love the North Shore, but they can get pretty crowded there. A lot of the parks are close together in Bluff Country, so you can pick your own trail experience. I think people often don't realize what the river bluff views are like. The small towns that are along the river are really cool, too.

 

*Whitewater State Park [ [link removed] ]* has trails with enough terrain and decent elevation. There are some bluff views and water features, which make it worth driving there. *Carley State Park [ [link removed] ]* is nearby as well, so sometimes I'll go to both of those parks on the same trip.

 

Frontenac is actually pretty close to the cities and the drive on the *Great River Road [ [link removed] ]* in the fall is especially pretty. That area is incredibly beautiful in the fall. While everyone seems to stick to the North Shore, I’m down on the Great River Road.

 






a mini waterfall runs into a small pond, fall leaves float outward from the ripples. [ [link removed] ]





how can people find or choose a trail that is best for them?

The Minnesota DNR has a nice *ParkFinder [ [link removed] ]* option on their website. You can filter parks by different things — parks with a waterfall or parks with historical sites or paved trails.  

 

I use *AllTrails [ [link removed] ]* for the majority of my navigation and for park finding. Sometimes it's not completely accurate with mileage, but at least it's really good about terrain. I just make sure to read reviews based on the time of season to find out if a trail is well maintained or if All Trails has rated the difficulty accurately.  

 

I think beginners should stick with an easy trail, go for a couple miles and then gauge how they’re feeling. It still counts, even if you only go for a mile or two. *You Can Hike with Us [ [link removed] ]* always says, “hike your own hike.” If you go in and realize a mile in that you're done, you should just be done. That was a hike. You've just hiked.

 






From a rocky cliff viewing point, smaller cliffs and a shoreline filled with pine trees can be seen below, Lake Superior is a misty blue-grey. [ [link removed] ]





what makes hiking in minnesota special compared to other places?

I've hiked in a few areas of the country and I like how Minnesota has three unique biomes. You've got prairies, hardwoods, and pines, and then some parks that overlap all three of those! I like that I don’t have to drive very far from the cities to experience all three.  

 

I've done a few more *prairie hikes [ [link removed] ]* in the last couple of years and I really appreciate the diversity of a prairie and how important it is to preserve what we have left of our Prairielands. They’re such an important part of our ecosystem and they're just as beautiful as the mountains.  

 

Can’t go without mentioning the *North Shore [of Lake Superior] [ [link removed] ]*, right? That's where I fell in love with hiking. If someone could only hike one place in Minnesota, I’d recommend the North Shore. Honestly, people who don’t know our state think Minnesota is just farm fields. But when I think of our state, I think of the North Shore. It has rock formations and waterfalls — it's where our state gets to show off. Split Rock Lighthouse is beautiful and has some amazing trails that are lesser known. I also love *George H. Crosby Manitou State Park [ [link removed] ]*, tucked between Tettegouche and Temperance River. Grand Portage has a very easy hike where you get a spectacular view of Pigeon River High Falls. 

 

 






left double quotation mark - blue

i do love fall, but winter is the hidden gem season. it’s fun and more challenging.

right double quotation mark - blue










do you have a favorite season for hiking?

My personal favorite has always been early fall, when it starts to cool down and the bugs are a little better. I just feel a little more comfortable, so I can go a little bit further. No matter the season, I always bring a rain poncho even if there's no rain forecasted because I have "definitely" gotten stuck in random rainstorms. It's also good wind protection and adds another layer if it gets too cold. 

 

I never used to be a winter hiker and I've recently made myself go out in those darkest months. I realized I enjoy winter hiking more than I thought I would. Winter is a lot quieter, which is nice. Some parks have different trails in the winter, so you have to be aware that the trails you're used to going on in one season may not be available to you in another.

 

Obviously, you need to dress appropriately in winter, which means you need more layers. I use yaktrax and I have trekking poles. There are also crampons, which are a step up from the yaktrax, that have little teeth to dig into the ice. I highly recommend using those in the winter because you just don't know how slippery things can be. 

 

I do love fall, but winter is the hidden gem season. It’s fun and more challenging. You don’t need to rack up as much mileage as you’re slogging through snow. 

 






Suzanne slightly smiles while covering the password on a Hiking Club sign. [ [link removed] ]





any tips or reminders for hiking in a state park?

Buying a State Park pass pays for itself if you go to at least five state parks. I've noticed that they've expanded their library program, too. You can check out a day pass at libraries if you're not sure you want to commit to a year pass. They also offer *Free Park days [ [link removed] ]* four times a year, where the fees are waived. I have the plates because my goal is to get to all 75 parks and recreation areas — I've gone to 50 so far! 

 

The State Parks also have a *Hiking Club [ [link removed] ]* where you buy a journal to track each hike. There’s a password at each trail and you write that down and then you get free patches as you hit certain mileage points. There's also a special patch for finishing all the Hiking Club trails. It's kind of fun to set goals that way and there's no timeline, so you can take one year to do it or you can take 20 years.

 

Other things to keep in mind at state trails is the leave no trace principle. Respecting all the trail signs and closures so that I'm leaving the wildflowers and other plants for the animals in the park. Keep the park available for everyone — I would hate to have trails closed because we're not enjoying the parks appropriately. Also, clean up after your dogs. We see it quite a bit of discarded dog poop when we do clean-up hikes. AND disposing of all your trash includes those apple cores and orange peels, too. It takes a really long time for apple cores to breakdown. Picking up trash (even if it isn’t yours) helps take care of our spaces, and we're really lucky in Minnesota have to have so many beautiful natural spaces.

 






Rolling fall hills, a taller hill in the background covered in trees with red, yellow, and green leaves. [ [link removed] ]





on the topic of food, what's your go-to snack or meal when you're out on a long hike?

I have quite a few things I always like to bring. I like Uncrustables because they don't get as squished as a regular PB and J. You get a carb source, a little bit of protein, a little bit of fat, which is good when you need to fuel up on a longer hike. I usually take fruit bars, dried fruit, nuts, and protein bars. I don’t pick chocolate-covered protein bars though — they tend to melt and get squished in the process. I try to have a balance of getting enough protein and carbs. 

 

Also, you’ll need more water than you think. Many underestimate the terrain or weather or some other element and they find themselves not feeling well because they didn't drink enough water. People usually need about a liter of water per hour of hiking, which sounds like a lot, but you'll use it quickly. I make sure I have electrolyte packets to mix things up. The Target brand is pretty good — it's where they keep the Pedialyte, so sometimes it's hard to find. Salud also has really good flavors — the Paloma one is amazing. 

 

I also keep a snack and another full water bottle in my car. Nothing is worse than running out of everything on your hike and then getting back to an empty car. You’re hangry and thirsty and sometimes you're out in places where you're not close to your next meal.  

 

 






a hiking trail covered in orange hue from sun shining down on the tree canopy [ [link removed] ]





*CHECK OUT THIS FALL-TASTIC MPLS HIKE* [ [link removed] ]











any trails that you think are especially great for spotting wildlife? 

You’re more likely to encounter wildlife any place where there aren’t as many people, so the *Boundary Waters [ [link removed] ]* is a given. Going anywhere early morning or evening, wildlife tends to be more active.

 

*Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge [ [link removed] ]*, especially during migration time (early springtime). If you're a big fan of birds, it's a cool place to see a lot in one spot.

 

*Fort Snelling [ [link removed] ]* has quite a good wildlife view, too. There are tons of deer down there! You’re also right by the river, so you can usually spot eagles. It’s right in the city, so it’s easy to get to and the trails are nice and flat. 

 






POV from the top of a trail. A red and green tree peaks out from the ledge of a rock, beautiful blue Lake Superior is in the background. [ [link removed] ]





do you have a favorite scenic out overlook that hikers should check out? 

One of my favorite trails is the *Day Hill Loop [ [link removed] ]* at *Split Rock [ [link removed] ]**Lighthouse State Park [ [link removed] ]*. It's a little steep but not very long and there's an incredible view of the lighthouse and Lake Superior while you're amongst some historical remains of an old house. I did this hike with one of my friends, and we didn't see anybody on the trail. We were surprised there was no one around for what a cool overlook it was. 

 






Suzanne pausing to smile while hiking over a snowy path with a trekking post in hand. [ [link removed] ]





what are some ways to make the hiking experience feel more welcoming and less intimidating to those new to hiking?

The outdoors is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If hiking alone seems too intimidating, joining a hiking group could be helpful.  

 

*Westwood Hills [ [link removed] ]*, *Springbrook [ [link removed] ]*, and *Wood Lake [ [link removed] ]* Nature Centers are a great starting spot — they offer really easy trail options and are kid-friendly. They get you out in nature without maybe the intimidation of going to a State Park. Then I recommend just getting in a mile or two and building up from there in small steps. If you're goal-oriented, choosing a certain hike to work towards and finding little trail goals to get there makes it feel less daunting. 

 

I think some of gear can help make hiking feel less intimidating. Trekking poles help keep my balance and actually helps more with downhill than even uphill. Then adding whatever traction devices you need on your shoes are always helpful.  

 

The Parks also have a great *track chair program [ [link removed] ]*, so if mobility is something you're really concerned about, you can reserve a track chair.  Someone I know was recovering from an injury and it was a great way for her to get outside during her healing process. If you don’t feel like you can walk that far, give those a go. No one should have to see other people enjoying something and be unable to participate themselves.

 






ten essentials for hiking

* *Navigation*
* map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger

* *Headlamp*
* plus extra batteries

*

*Sun protection*


*

sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen 


*

*First aid*


*

include insect repellent and foot care – blisters are no joke


*

*Knife*


*

plus a gear repair kit 


*

*Fire starters*


*

matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove 


*

*Shelter*


*

can be a light emergency bivy


*

*Extra food* 


*

leave more in your car / end point


*

*Extra water*


*

more than you think you'll need 


*

*Extra clothes *


*

it's nice to swap into comfy shoes once you're done 











*ENJOY THE BEST FALL HIKES IN MINNESOTA* [ [link removed] ]
















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?? *Hear about Bluff Country’s latest hiking goal >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *Experience family-friendly hikes in the Twin Cities >> [ [link removed] ]*

 

?? *Enjoy state parks for free on Black Friday >> [ [link removed] ]*






"All photos provided by Suzanne Nelson.
from top to bottom: Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage on the North Shore of Lake Superior  |  "Carley State Park in Plainview  |  "Banning State Park in Sandstone  |  ""Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay  |  Schoolcraft State Park in Deer River  |  Maplewood State Park in Pelican Rapids  |  Reel from Explore Minnesota, photo still by Jenny Ekeren-Holm  |  Day Hill Loop at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors  |  Savannah Portage State Park in McGregor"""

"""_
""This interview has been edited for length and clarity."""






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