Girls Gone Hiking USA
Minnesota chapter hiking landscape

MN

Minnesota

Twin Cities & beyond · Est. 2026

Claim a spotJoin the group chat

Who you'll hike with

The Minnesota team

Tap anyone to read her profile — each lead writes and updates her own.

Hike leads

About this chapter

Hiking in MN

Built for every woman and every trail. The Minnesota chapter brings women together across the Twin Cities and beyond for thoughtfully led hikes where all paces are welcome, safety comes before ego, and no one is left behind.

All paces welcome

Come as you are; no one is left behind.

Leave No Trace

Small groups capped to protect the trail.

Safety over ego

Turning around is always a good decision.

Say hello

Message the Minnesota team

Questions about a hike, carpooling, or leading with us? Write to us here.

minnesota@girlsgonehiking-usa.comSend a message via the portal

On Instagram

Life in the Minnesota chapter

Trail photos and day-of updates. New hikes go out to members by email.

Minnesota chapter hiking momentMinnesota chapter hiking momentMinnesota chapter hiking momentMinnesota chapter hiking momentMinnesota chapter hiking momentMinnesota chapter hiking moment

Coming up in MN

Upcoming hikes

Fri, Nov 6 · 3:00 pmbeginner

Wood-Rill Loop

Wayzata, Minnesota
2.8 mi
216 ft gain
3:00 pm start

This trail begins at the parking lot off Old Long Lake Road and takes you to Wood-Rill State Natural Area. It winds through an old forest with boardwalks and offers nice views of small lakes. Be prepared for some slippery sections—sturdy footwear is recommended.

Meeting spot
825 Old Long Lake Rd, Wayzata, MN 55391
Parking
The directions will lead you to the Wood-Rill Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) parking lot. Please see Telegram "Upcoming Hikes" chat for my specific location for when I am there!
What to bring
water, snack if you wish, pack to carry it all, tick protocol if you wish (socks over pants)
Cost
Free
Special notes
As autumn ends, please be prepared for weather and trail conditions to change. I will lead hikes through all weather unless it is unsafe. I will send an updated email closer to the event that will provide any updated gear you may need.
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Bri Parlier
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Sat, Nov 7 · 9:30 ambeginner

Eastman Nature center

Maple Grove, Minnesota
3 mi
—
9:30 am start

A loop with some gradual inclines through trees

Meeting spot
Eastman Nature center 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Parking
Park in the Eastman Nature center parking lot
What to bring
Water, snack (if needed), weather appropriate clothing, tennis or hiking shoes
Cost
Free
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
No
Hike lead
Kim Hanson
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Sun, Nov 8 · 9:00 amintermediate

Hyland & Bush Lakes Loop

Bloomington, MN, Minnesota
5.4 mi
—
9:00 am start

Join Girls Gone Hiking for a scenic 5.4-mile hike through Hyland Lake Park Reserve and the Bush Lake area! We'll enjoy wooded trails, rolling hills, and beautiful natural surroundings while getting some exercise and connecting with other women along the way.

Meeting spot
Outside the main entrance of the Hyland Visitor Center by the picnic tables. Address: 10145 E Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438.
Parking
Park in the main Hyland Visitor Center parking lot at 10145 E Bush Lake Road, Bloomington. We'll meet outside the Visitor Center's main entrance.
What to bring
Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and weather-appropriate layers. Trekking poles are optional.
Cost
Free
Special notes
Please arrive by 9:00 AM for introductions so we can begin hiking promptly at 9:15 AM. This intermediate-level hike covers 5.4 miles with approximately 364 feet of elevation gain. We'll maintain a moderate pace over rolling terrain, with occasional breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery. No one will be left behind! Plan for approximately 1½–2 hours on the trail, depending on conditions. Please dress for November weather and be prepared for potentially muddy or slippery trails.
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Joanna Bailey
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Sun, Nov 8 · 10:00 amintermediate

Afton Interpretive Trail loop

Hastings, Minnesota
2.4 mi
229 ft gain
10:00 am start

A quick loop with a few hill and nice viewpoints

Meeting spot
Afton State Park Visitors Center
Parking
Park in the large afton lot. Follow maps to visitors center and it will bring you to a large lot
What to bring
Water, layers, sturdy shoes, sunglasses
Cost
Parking $7
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
No
Hike lead
Becca Thom
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Sun, Nov 8 · 8:00 ambeginner

LAKE CAMELOT

Plymouth, Minnesota
3.2 mi
—
8:00 am start

Easy like sunday morning hike through an urban area with opportunities for birdwatching and connecting. We will start out with a meditation.

Meeting spot
Trail Head by Pavillion
Parking
Free but limited
What to bring
Water, trekking polls if you'd like. Layers
Cost
Free
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
No
Hike lead
Sarah Heaton
View route on AllTrails
3 of 10 spots left
Hike detailsClaim a spot
Thu, Nov 12 · 5:30 pmbeginner

French lake regional park - Lakeview trail

Plymouth, Minnesota
—
—
5:30 pm start

A lighted trail for fall hiking at dusk

Meeting spot
French lake regional park 12605 Rockford Road Plymouth, MN 55441
Parking
Park at the French visitors center. We will hike the lakeview trail that is lit for fall hiking
What to bring
Water, Snack (if needed), Warm weather clothing, flashlight (optional, the trail is lit), tennis shoes or hiking shoes
Cost
Free
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
No
Hike lead
Kim Hanson
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Sat, Nov 14 · 9:00 amintermediate

Tobies + Jay Cooke State Park

Esko, Minnesota
5.8 mi
554 ft gain
9:00 am start

Let's gather at one of Minnesotas favorite pit stops going north and then head to Jay Cooke State Park to hike the Summer and Silver Creek Trail Loop! Banning was our original plan, but they will be under construction starting November 9 2026 for quite a while. Tobies @ 9AM - 9:30 ish -> Jay Cooke State Park = 56 min drive ~ 10:30 ish ETA ; 5.8 loop ~ 2-2.5 hrs ; end time ~ 12:30PM ish

Meeting spot
Tobie's Restaurant & Bakery; Then, SHT Jay Cooke State Park Trailhead, Esko, MN 55733
Parking
There are many parking spots at Tobies, and we may consider carpooling to our trailhead (56 mins away from Tobies). The trailhead address is: SHT Jay Cooke State Park Trailhead, Esko, MN 55733. You will need a state park permit to enter. If some of us carpool, we can split the cost, or carpool in a vehicle that has a year-round permit, if that is of interest.
What to bring
water, layers, protein and fiber rich snack/lunch if you wish, pack to store it all
Cost
Optional food at Tobies, vehicle permit to enter State Park
Special notes
There is a vehicle permit fee to enter Jay Cooke State Park unless you already have a year-round permit. More information and option to purchase ahead of time here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/permit.html As autumn ends, please be prepared for weather and trail conditions to change. I will lead hikes through all weather unless it is unsafe. I will send an updated email closer to the event that will provide any updated gear you may need. Tobies is optional, you are not required to purchase anything! I will be bringing a friendly leashed dog with me this hike :-).
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Bri Parlier
View route on AllTrails
5 of 11 spots left
Hike detailsClaim a spot
Sat, Nov 14 · 11:00 ambeginner

Frontenac State Park Hiking Club Trail

Frontenac, Minnesota
2.6 mi
341 ft gain
11:00 am start

The trail offers some truly great views of the Mississippi River and surrounding area from on top of the bluffs.

Meeting spot
Frontenac Day Use Area, Frontenac, MN 55026
Parking
Park in the day use area
What to bring
Water, snacks, layers, and good shoes
Cost
Minnesota State Park Pass Required
Special notes
Optional stop at Red Wing Brewery after the hike for those who are interested!
Pace
Leisurely
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Kate Kiekhaefer
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Tue, Nov 24 · 6:30 pmbeginner

Easy Hike Night by Full Moon Light

Maple Grove, MN, Minnesota
3.2 mi
75 ft gain
6:30 pm start

Trade the usual Saturday night for something a little more magical. We're taking an easy, leisurely loop around Eagle Lake as the sun goes down — good company, easy pace, and (fingers crossed for clear skies) some beautiful moonlight to hike by.

Meeting spot
Eagle Lake Fishing Pier
Parking
Limited — arrive early to snag a spot
What to bring
Water, sturdy shoes, a hiking stick if you'd like one, and bug spray
Cost
Free, limited parking
Special notes
This will be a full loop, not the out-and-back shown on AllTrails. Sending good vibes for clear skies and no cloud cover for the moonlight!
Pace
Leisurely — frequent stops, chatty, no one's left behind
Dogs
Yes
Hike lead
Sarah Heaton
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Wed, Nov 25 · 8:00 ambeginner

Thanksgiving self-care send-off at Sunfish Lake

Lake Elmo, Minnesota
2.3 mi
—
8:00 am start

Have a family member in town that you'd like to bring? Heck yeah, just make sure they register! Need an excuse to get out of the house for some self-care the day before Thanksgiving dinner? You got it, I'm here for you! Have any holiday treats that need a taste test before you present it? Bring it! This multi-use loop winds through the park's three main ecosystems: wetlands, grasslands (including a restored prairie), and deciduous forests.

Meeting spot
Sunfish Lake Park Mountain Bike Trailhead, 3554 Kelvin Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Parking
Park at the lot at the trailhead
What to bring
water, layers, snack if you wish, a pack to store it all, immaculate vibes
Cost
Free
Special notes
As autumn ends, please be prepared for weather and trail conditions to change. I will lead hikes through all weather unless it is unsafe. I will send an updated email closer to the event that will provide any updated gear you may need.
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Bri Parlier
View route on AllTrails
5 of 10 spots left
Hike detailsClaim a spot
Fri, Nov 27 · 9:00 amintermediate

Black Friday: Opt outside hike at Afton State Park

Afton, MN, Minnesota
7 mi
551 ft gain
9:00 am start

Skip the Black Friday shopping crowds and opt outside! Join us for approximately 7 miles of wooded trails, rolling hills, and scenic views of the St. Croix River valley. Expect some challenging climbs, fresh air, and great company!

Meeting spot
Afton State Park — north end of the main Visitor Center parking lot, near the trailhead toward Junction L on the official DNR park map. Address: 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings, MN 55033
Parking
Park in the main Visitor Center parking lot, toward the north end (far end), near the trailhead. Since it’s Free Park Friday, the parking lot may be busier than usual.
What to bring
Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and weather-appropriate layers. Trekking poles are recommended, and traction devices may be needed if trails are icy.
Cost
Free Park Friday — no vehicle permit required
Special notes
Please arrive by 9:00 AM for introductions so we can begin hiking promptly at 9:15 AM. This intermediate-level hike covers approximately 7 miles with 551 feet of elevation gain, including hills and uneven terrain. We'll maintain a moderate pace with regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. No one will be left behind! Plan for approximately 3–3½ hours on the trail, depending on conditions. Please dress for late-November weather, including possible mud, snow, or ice.
Pace
Moderate
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Joanna Bailey
View route on AllTrails
Waitlist only
Hike detailsJoin waitlist
Fri, Nov 27 · 10:00 ambeginner

Eagle Point Lake Trail-Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Lake Elmo, Minnesota
4.5 mi
187 ft gain
10:00 am start

Rolling hills present a bit of a challenge, but worth it for this post holiday hike

Meeting spot
Meet in the parking lot by the boat launch of off Keats Ave
Parking
Park by boat launch off of Keats Ave, use Keats Ave entrance
What to bring
Water, snacks, layers
Cost
Free, normally a cost but free the day after Thanksgiving
Pace
Leisurely
Dogs
No
Hike lead
Ali Clements
View route on AllTrails
3 of 10 spots left
Hike detailsClaim a spot
Sat, Nov 28 · 4:00 pmSocialbeginner

Fire Circle and Girl Dinner

St. Paul, Minnesota
—
—
4:00 pm start

Join Bri and hike lead Kim at Como Park Fire Pits for a potluck-style Girl Dinner! This is a great event to socialize and meet other Girls Gone Hiking members while enjoying food next to a mesmerizing fire. Please consider signing up to bring and share food, beverages (NA, please), and/or fire pit-related utensils (such as roasting sticks, pudgy pie cooker, etc.) on our Google Doc sign-up sheet! I know you outdoor enthusiasts, Thanksgiving leftover queens, at-home chefs and baking fairies will make this memorable! Got a smudgy pie recipe? Bring it! Want to offer a spin off the classic smores? Be my guest! Trader Joes meal hack for something that looks like a lot of work but actually isn't? My favorite! The more, the merrier! There is potential for lawn games, low-key volleyball, crafts, and conversation starter cards to be present... stay tuned!

Meeting spot
Como Park Fire Pits
What to bring
- water - chair (if you can) - food, beverage, or fire pit-related utensil (if you can) - good vibes
Cost
Free
Special notes
Google sign-up sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OrXSsDzs8XKG0u8u8I-QHYlx7H3SmMOpR0NS_cZtsok/edit?usp=sharing
Dogs
Yes, leashed
Hike lead
Bri Parlier
Co-lead
Kim Hanson
13 of 30 spots left
Event detailsClaim a spot

FAQs

Minnesota questions, answered