Oh my gosh, please don't make me pick. If I had to choose, I really like Bluff Country. 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 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 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 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.

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. 

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.  

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

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, 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 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. 

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

Westwood Hills, Springbrook, and Wood Lake 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, 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.