Local hikes and special events are listed here — hikes are always free. Each one has a set number of spots — claim one and it's yours, and if it's full you can join the waitlist. A signed waiver is needed before your spot is confirmed.
Rise and hike! We're meeting bright and early at Hyland Lake Park Reserve for a moderate 5.4-mile loop past Hyland and Bush Lakes — expect a few hills to keep it interesting, plus dogs welcome to tag along.
Meeting spot
Hyland Lake Park Reserve Visitor Center
Parking
Free lot — walk over to the Visitor Center to meet
What to bring
Water, snacks (optional), bug spray (optional), phone for pictures (optional), and a bag to carry your things
Cost
Free
Special notes
Bri mentioned this one's hilly, so come ready for some elevation.
Don't let the mileage fool you — this one's a hidden gem with a little bite to it. Terrace Oaks West feels way more secluded than you'd expect for the south metro, with peaceful woods, rolling terrain, and enough hills to get your heart pumping.
Meeting spot
Terrace Oaks West Park, 12801 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337 — meet in the main West parking lot near the trail entrance (there's also an East lot, so double-check you're at West)
Parking
Main lot at Terrace Oaks West off County Road 11 — there's also a Terrace Oaks East lot, so make sure you're at the West park
What to bring
Water, sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, weather-appropriate layers, bug spray, and trekking poles if you'd like them
Cost
Free
Special notes
This is a wooded natural-surface trail with repeated hills and loose gravel, especially on descents — good traction matters, and sections can get muddy after rain. A porta potty is available at the trailhead, plus picnic tables and a covered shelter, but no permanent restroom.
A classic lakeside loop, easy pace, big payoff. We're meeting up at Lake Harriet for a flat, scenic 2.8-mile stroll around the water — perfect if you want fresh air and good conversation without the burn. Bring the pup, bring a friend, bring yourself. All are welcome.
Meeting spot
4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55410 — meet at the bandshell
Parking
Street parking or the East Lake Harriet Parkway parking lot
Trade your evening scroll for golden hour on the trail. We're taking on Afton State Park's Hiking Club Trail — a steady, moderate loop through woods and grassy stretches with a few rolling hills to keep it interesting. Come shake off the day and catch some sunset vibes with us.
Meeting spot
Visitor Center
Parking
Enter the park and follow the road to the main parking area — the Visitor Center is right nearby
What to bring
Water (1–1.5 liters), hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction, sunscreen, bug spray, hat/sunglasses, phone, a small first-aid kit, tissues, a snack, and a light rain jacket if rain's in the forecast
Another easy midweek escape with Kim! We're taking on a flat, 4-mile loop through Elm Creek Park Reserve — low-key pace, pretty scenery, and dogs welcome to join the fun.
Meeting spot
Elm Creek Loop, 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Parking
Park at Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369 (overflow lot) — it's a short walk from there to the Elm Creek Loop meeting point
Chase the sunrise with us on Butler Fork Loop. We're starting early — headlamps and all — to beat the heat and catch that golden morning light along the ridge line. Fair warning: the first half is a real climber, but the views (and the summit snack break) make every step worth it.
Meeting spot
Butler Fork Trailhead
Parking
First come, first served along the side of the road (spots on both sides, a bit further up too) — Sara will be there around 6/6:15 to snag a spot
What to bring
3L of water, a summit snack, a jacket for cool mornings, a headlamp (dark start!), sunscreen, bug spray, sun protection/clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and good vibes
Cost
No cost — first come, first served parking
Special notes
The first half of this trail is a steady elevation climb, but it pays off on the ridge line at the top. Want to carpool? Reach out to Sara — she's meeting at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon at 6 AM and can drive up.
Pace
Leisurely — frequent stops, chatty, no one's left behind
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
Coffee, donuts, and good company — is there a better way to start a Sunday? We're meeting up for a sweet treat from local YoYo Donuts, then taking a light, leisurely stroll around Lone Lake to enjoy it together.
Meeting spot
Lone Lake Park basketball courts
Parking
Enter Lone Lake Park and take a left, follow the road past the soccer fields and mountain bike parking lot, and park in the lot next to the pickleball and basketball courts
What to bring
Water, weather-appropriate clothing, and (if you'd like) a coffee creamer to share
Cost
Free
Special notes
Bri provides the coffee and donuts (from YoYo Donuts) — let her know about any food allergies in the week-of email so she can plan accordingly.
Pace
Leisurely — frequent stops, chatty, no one's left behind
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, the largest in Dakota County, features habitats such as forests, grasslands, marshes, lakes, and wetlands. It is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and hiking.
Meeting spot
Holland Lake Shelter (1100 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN 55123)
This Superior Hiking Trail out to the summit of Pincushion Mountain provides visitors with breathtaking views over Lake Superior and Superior National Forest. Hikers will traverse a good mix of terrain, including boardwalks, rocks and dirt, with a few tree roots to navigate.
Meeting spot
Pincushion Mountain Trail System
Parking
The parking lot is a decent size. The Gunflint trail also has a wide enough shoulder for overflow parking if needed
The Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop Trail offers stunning prairie landscapes, a major body of water, and a large play area. Located in Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park, this area provides year-round outdoor fun with beautiful hiking trails that showcase spectacular vistas and abundant wildlife.
Meeting spot
Hyland Lake Park Reserve Visitor Center 10145 Bush Lake Road Bloomington, MN 55438 Meet outside the Visitor Center near the main entrance.
Parking
Free parking is available in the main lot at the Hyland Lake Park Reserve Visitor Center. Meet outside the Visitor Center near the entrance.
What to bring
Water, sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, and trekking poles if desired.
Cost
Free
Special notes
This route includes several hills and a mix of wooded and lakeside terrain. Much of the trail is shaded. Trail surfaces may be muddy or covered with wet leaves depending on recent weather.
This trail takes you to Wolf Creek Falls via Quarry Loop and Wolf Creek Trail in Banning State Park. The trail passes by the Banning State Park Campground, offering nice river views, rapids, and a little waterfall with rock steps at the end.
Meeting spot
Teacher Overlook Parking and Picnic Area
Parking
Large gravel lot. Follow the signs to the day use area
What to bring
Water, snacks, warm layers, and good shoes
Cost
Minnesota State Park Pass Required
Special notes
The AllTrails route isn't exactly right. We'll loop along the river on the Quarry Loop Trail. Send good vibes for peak fall colors!
This challenging loop route travels on several unmaintained trails along ridgelines to Mount Tuscarora, Mount Wolverine, and Mount Millicent. Scrambling may be required, so be prepared. Because this trail lies within protected watershed, dogs and swimming are not allowed.
Meeting spot
Brighton resort parking lot
Parking
Parking is free
What to bring
Jacket for in the morning & hat/gloves. Layers to shed through the day. Hiking poles. 3L of water. Sun protection. Good shoes. Great attitudes. Crampons just in case. Sunscreen
Cost
Free
Special notes
We have the option to skip uphill and pay $35 per person to ride the lift up - totally indifferent and down for a group vote of what to do. If you have Brighton summer pass - lift is free. Weather permitting as winter might come sooner than later and this has us doing bare peaks. Might not do the 3rd peak as it’s the biggest scramble and rated the hardest. It’s also the last peak before coming down
Get to know this 6.4-mile loop trail near Logan, Utah. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 3 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and trail running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through July. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Meeting spot
Willow Creek Loop Trailhead
Parking
Park at trailhead, can carpool up canyon if needed, dirt road but well maintained
This trail begins at Snowbird Center and includes an option to ride the tram down.
Meeting spot
Big Cottonwood Canyon Parking Lot
Parking
We'll plan to meet at the park and ride at the bottom of Big Cottonwood Canyon, where parking is free, free roadside parking is also available at the trailhead, bring your wallet if you'd like to order beers or pretzels
What to bring
Your Snowbird Oktoberfest stein(s)- you can thrift one for cheaper than you can get one at the event, but they only serve beer in their Snowbird steins, trekking polls (optional), warm layers, at least 1-2 liters of water, snacks (don't skip breakfast before this one!), rain jacket, gloves & hat & microspikes (weather depending), ID & wallet if you plan to drink
Cost
Free
Special notes
We'll meet at the park-n-ride at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, feel free to Uber to be dropped off at this location if you plan to imbibe, don't forget your Snowbird Stein (you can purchase one at the event if you don't have one to but you could also look at thrift stores for a cheaper option) Don't forget cash or card + your ID if you'd like to purchase any food or drinks at the event. We'll monitor weather conditions and cancel if necessary, this is the second to last day of Oktoberfest at Snowbird and snow can be unpredictable. If snow comes early, microspikes will become required, and if conditions are dangerous, we'll cancel.
There is a natural spring at the trail head where you can fill up with fresh spring water.
Meeting spot
Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, 18700 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Parking
Park at small lot that all trails link will lead you to, or address provided for meeting point
What to bring
comfortable shoes, 1 L water, snack if you'd like, phone for pictures, pack to carry items, tick protocol if you wish to prevent contact (socks that are high enough to be worn over cuff of pants)
Cost
Free
Special notes
Hills and stairs on this hike! Some reviews say there is some overgrowth. Tick protocol if people with to protect themselves
Elm Creek Park Reserve is the largest in the Three Rivers Park District. It is a popular park with a variety of facilities, including camping and picnic areas, a dog off-leash area, and more.
Meeting spot
Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Parking
Park in the lot, watch telegram "upcoming hikes" chat for specific meeting place
What to bring
comfortable shoes for mostly pavement trail, water, snacks, phone, pack to store things in
This trail starts at the Burch Hollow parking area off Mill Creek Canyon Road and climbs until intersecting the Pipeline Trail.From there, follow the trail until reaching the intersection with Grandeur Peak Trail. The trail is shared with hikers, runners, and bikers. In winter months, expect to find snow and ice covering the trail.
Meeting spot
Burch Hollow Parking Area / https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkazA4mmCdkpWnNG6
Parking
Burch Hollow parking area is a small pull off in Millcreek Canyon. There is another trailhead parking lot across the street if parking is full
What to bring
Sun protection, water, possibly bug spray, layers
Cost
$5 parking for Millcreek Canyon
Special notes
Dogs are allowed in Millcreek Canyon. Odd days are off-leash days
This out-and-back combines the Red Pine and White Pine Trails, with Red Pine Lake as the ultimate destination and a short aside to Gloria Falls. Because this trail lies within a protected watershed, dogs and swimming are not allowed.
Meeting spot
White Pine Trailhead/Gloria Falls Trailhead
Parking
Park at the Gloria Falls/White Pine Trailhead parking lot in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The lot is decently sized, but people park along the road when it fills up
What to bring
Layers, sun protection, head lamp or flashlight (starting in the dark), snacks
Cost
$10 parking pass, ATB annual pass, or Wasatch-Cache-Uinta annual pass
Special notes
Dogs are not allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The trail has the option to take a small detour to Gloria Falls. We can leave it up to the group whether we take it or not
This trail offer a lot of variety in terms of views, terrain, and canopy. It is also highly informative with signs along the way which describe the variety and history of the birds, trees and other wildlife.
Meeting spot
Lowry Sledding Hill, Carver Park, Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Parking
Free at both - find a spot, and we will meet 1)at nature center at lowry sledding hill, then 2) entrance to LuceLine Orchard - keep updated on telegram "upcoming hikes" chat
What to bring
Comfortable shoes to hike 3.4 miles, water in reusable water bottle, reusable bags (if planning to purchase anything at orchard!), snack if you wish to have your own (otherwise money to buy variety of food at orchard!), ID if you plan to partake in trying an alcoholic bev.
Cost
Free
Special notes
Link for Orchard:
https://www.lucelineorchard.com/
745AM meet up, 8 AM hike, 1-1.5 hr hike, drive ~ 20 mins to Orchard, park, meet, 10AM entrance to Orchard
This trail offer a lot of variety in terms of views, terrain, and canopy. It is also highly informative with signs along the way which describe the variety and history of the birds, trees and other wildlife.
Meeting spot
Lowry Sledding Hill, Carver Park, Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Parking
Free at both - find a spot, and we will meet 1)at nature center at lowry sledding hill, then 2) entrance to LuceLine Orchard - keep updated on telegram "upcoming hikes" chat
What to bring
Comfortable shoes to hike 3.4 miles, water in reusable water bottle, reusable bags (if planning to purchase anything at orchard!), snack if you wish to have your own (otherwise money to buy variety of food at orchard!), ID if you plan to partake in trying an alcoholic bev.
Cost
Free
Special notes
Link for Orchard:
https://www.lucelineorchard.com/
745AM meet up, 8 AM hike, 1-1.5 hr hike, drive ~ 20 mins to Orchard, park, meet, 10AM entrance to Orchard
Try this 5.3-mile loop trail near Marine On St Croix, Minnesota. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 54 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Meeting spot
Visitor Center
Parking
Park at the main lot near the visitor center
What to bring
1.5–2 liters of water
1–2 snacks
Hiking shoes/trail runners with good traction
Lightweight fleece or warm layer
Packable rain jacket
Hat/beanie
Light gloves
Phone
Small first-aid kit
Tissues/hand sanitizer
This trail offer a lot of variety in terms of views, terrain, and canopy. It is also highly informative with signs along the way which describe the variety and history of the birds, trees and other wildlife.
Meeting spot
Lowry Sledding Hill, Carver Park, Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386
Parking
Free at both - find a spot, and we will meet 1)at nature center at lowry sledding hill, then 2) entrance to LuceLine Orchard - keep updated on telegram "upcoming hikes" chat
What to bring
Comfortable shoes to hike 3.4 miles, water in reusable water bottle, reusable bags (if planning to purchase anything at orchard!), snack if you wish to have your own (otherwise money to buy variety of food at orchard!), ID if you plan to partake in trying an alcoholic bev.
Cost
Free
Special notes
Link for Orchard:
https://www.lucelineorchard.com/
745AM meet up, 8 AM hike, 1-1.5 hr hike, drive ~ 20 mins to Orchard, park, meet, 10AM entrance to Orchard
This is an out-and-back trail that travels on an unmaintained portion of trail. Follow the White Pine Trail for most of this route, turning onto the Red Pine trail at the junction. Turn left after crossing the bridge.
Meeting spot
White Pine Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Parking
White Pine Trailhead has a $10 parking fee per vehicle. I’d like to coordinate an optional carpool beforehand so we can limit the number of cars and split parking costs. Carpool details will be sent out once we know who is attending.
What to bring
Water, hiking shoes with good traction, layers, snacks and poles if preferred.
Cost
Parking is $10 per vehicle, unless the driver already has an accepted recreation pass. But I’d like to organize carpools beforehand so our girls don't pay for anything!
Special notes
Evening hike — headlamps or flashlights required since it may be getting dark on the way back. Please arrive by 5:50 PM so we can check in and be ready to start hiking at 6:00 PM sharp. Bring layers since it may cool down quickly in the evening.
This is going to be a very leisurely hike. Although it is rated hard, I do believe it is moderate, I’ve done it in the morning before work. There’s a lot to see on the way up and down. Old mines. At the very top there is an old cast-iron oven that was never moved and I believe it is from the 1800s. And you can look down into the old mine. Lots of history on this hike. Very safe as well. The mine is caged off. Also, the top has gorgeous views of both little cottonwood and big cottonwood There is one very steep section and we will take our time I love this hike and the aspens will be pretty too 🙃
Meeting spot
Alta - above Albion basin but before the road up to Cecret lake
Parking
When you get to Alta you will see parking along the side of the road. We will park there. I plan to arrive 15 minutes before start time.
What to bring
Layers for in the morning. 3L of water. Snacks. Hat. Good shoes. Hiking poles. Crampons just in case the ground is cold (big if). Sunscreen. Sun protection. Light jacket for when the sun comes up. Open minds.
Cost
Free
Special notes
Weather pending. I see a lot of change in the atmosphere when I watch the news and there’s a possibility we could have a very early snow.
The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a paved 1.8-mile loop along the Minneapolis riverfront within the St. Anthony Falls National Register Historic District.
Costume Hike!
Let’s take our Halloween spirit to the trail! Join us for a hike along the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail — and yes, costumes are encouraged!
Come dressed as your favorite character, something spooky, something ridiculous, or whatever makes you smile.
We’ll hike, enjoy the fall scenery, take in the river views, and hopefully get some good costume photos along the way.
And because the fun doesn’t have to end when we leave the trail…
Post-hike hangout at Modist Brewing Co.!
Come for the miles, stay for the laughs, and let’s make a day of it!
Costume + hiking shoes + good vibes = the perfect Girls Gone Hiking adventure.