Minnesota
Twin Cities & Beyond • Est 2026
A hiking community built for women who want to get outside.
All paces. All levels. All women. Come as you are.
Built for Every Woman.
Every Trail.
GGH started with one trail and a group chat in Utah and it’s grown into a community of women who show up for each other on and off the trail.
Now we’re bringing that same energy to Minnesota. Whether you’ve never hiked before or you’re already planning your next North Shore adventure, there’s a place for you here.
No experience required. No ego allowed. Just women, fresh air, and good company.
All Paces Welcome
No one gets left behind. We hike together, always.
Leave No Trace
We respect the trails we hike. Groups capped at 10.
Safety Over Ego
We are honest about difficulty. No gatekeeping.
Meet Our Team
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Ali Clements
HIKE LEAD
Ali was born in NC and raised in GA til she was 13, then life took her to MN where she remained until 18, then life, lifed and she moved all over until settling back in MN in 2017. Ali's professional background is in business, and volunteer coordination.
My love of the outdoors is multifaceted, and includes everything from bird watching to climbing mountains, to stargazing. My love for all things nature really solidified over the last decade as I learned to navigate this world sober and saw the sparkly of life with little to no filter. My newest favorite hobby is getting all the Hiking Club trails in and currently I am at 38 or so miles.
When I'm not hiking or outside I love a good cup of coffee, being on my paddle board, hanging out with my nieces and nephews, heading to the State Fair, and watching a MN sports team disappoint me yet again (unless we're talking the Frost or Lynx cause they don't let me down.
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Sarah Heaton
HIKE LEAD
Hi everyone! I’m Sarah. I grew up right here in Minnesota, where Voyageurs National Park was literally my backyard (shoutout to my hometown of International Falls, the "Ice Box of the Nation"!).
My background is in Human Relations, Women's Studies, and Community Health, so combining a passion for health and wellness with a deep love for nature is second nature to me.
For me, the stillness and fresh air of the trails are the ultimate ways to clear your mind and reset, even after the hardest of days. I love connecting with people and helping others connect with the outdoors to build true community.
When I’m not hiking, you can find me camping, practicing yoga, reading, checking out a local brewery or planning my next adventure—I’ll try almost anything once! I’m always trying to drag my family out onto the trails (they appease me some days), so I am incredibly excited to find my tribe out here and hit the trails with you all!
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Maddy Schwabe
HIKE LEAD
Maddy is a Wisconsin native and former travel nurse who traded west coast adventures for the lakes and trails of Minnesota. When she's not leading hikes, you'll find her with a book in hand, biking, or chasing a good sunset from the water's edge. A true boundary waters girl at heart, she's completed five trips to the BWCA… so yes, she knows her way around a canoe. At home, she's kept very busy by her rabbit, who runs the house.
Maddy brings the same adventurous spirit and genuine warmth to every trail she leads. We couldn't be more excited to have her on the GGH team!
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Kim Hanson
HIKE LEAD
Minnesota born and raised, I’ve always loved being outdoors and finding new places to explore. Over the past 2 years, hiking has become a huge part of my life, especially after losing 110 pounds and discovering just how much I enjoy the challenge and peace that comes with hitting the trail. I’d love to get more involved in the hiking community, meet people who share the same passion, and keep combining my love of hiking with traveling and new adventures.
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Bri Parlier
HIKE LEAD
A midwest girlie that hikes through all seasons (weather AND life) because I firmly believe moving outside is invaluable! Nature gives me time to decompress, ignite inspiration, process, and simply, just be. I am a Montessori Toddler Guide and a cat mom, who loves womens sports, the privilege of good food, sunsets, and a good laugh. Community and inclusivity are core values I hold tight. I can’t wait to join you in adventure!
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Joanna Bailey
HIKE LEAD
The outdoors are where I feel most alive, capable, and fully myself. I’m happiest hiking, camping year-round, kayaking, skiing, chasing storms and sunsets, enjoying photography, or adventuring with my rescue dog, Lolli. I’m curious by nature, love to laugh, enjoy meeting new people and sharing meaningful conversations, and am always looking forward to my next adventure - especially in the Boundary Waters or a national park.
I want to lead hikes because I believe the outdoors can change how women see themselves. I hope to create a welcoming space where women can try new things and challenge themselves, trust their own strength, and discover they are capable of far more than they realize. Hope to see you on the trail!
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Our MN team is still forming!
We are looking for women in Minnesota who love GGH and want to help lead. We would love to hear from you!
Ready to Join Us?
When you’re ready to RSVP, simply reserve your spot directly through our website. Each event listing includes important details, meeting location information, and helpful notes to help you prepare.
Space is limited to keep group sizes safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone. Please only reserve a spot if you plan to attend. If your plans change, cancel your RSVP so another gal can join!
Important note:
Simply add the event to your cart and complete checkout to secure your spot, it takes less than a minute.
Events will require completion of a liability waiver prior to attending.
August Events
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center Hike 🌲
Easy trails, big payoff — join us for a walk through Lebanon Hills Regional Park starting right at the Visitor Center. It's an easy 3.1-mile loop through peaceful woods and past Schulze Lake, perfect if you're just getting into hiking or want a chill morning outside with good company.
The Details:
📅 Sunday, August 9, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Meet in front of the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
🥾 3.1 miles, easy difficulty
👥 Limited to 10 hikers — RSVP required
💵 Free!
What to bring: water and proper footwear.
Parking: Park in the lot closest to the Visitor Center. If it's full, there's an adjacent lot just a short walk away.
No experience needed, no pressure to keep a certain pace — just come as you are and meet your new trail friends. Save your spot before it fills up! Dogs allowed.
Trail info:Lebanon Hills East Loop on AllTrails
Ritter Farm Park Hike 🌳
Wind down the week with an easy evening hike through Ritter Farm Park's woods, prairie, and lake views. This one's mellow, social, and a great way to close out the day outside and yes, your dog's invited too!
The Details:
📅 Monday, August 10, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Meet at Ritter Farm Park — park in the lot
🥾 3.1 miles, easy difficulty
🐾 Dogs welcome
👥 Limited to 10 hikers — RSVP required
💵 Free!
What to bring: water, hiking shoes, snacks, and bug spray.
No experience needed, no rush, no pressure, just fresh air and good company. Save your spot!
Trail info: Ritter Farm Park on AllTrails
Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Path Hike 🌿
A golden-hour walk through one of the Twin Cities' hidden gems, join us on the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Path for an easy evening stroll along a beautiful boardwalk through wetlands and quiet trail. Bring your leashed pup, this one's dog-friendly!
The Details:
📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Meet in front of the boardwalk
🥾 3 miles, easy difficulty
🐾 Dogs welcome
👥 Limited to 10 hikers — RSVP required
💵 Free!
What to bring: water and appropriate footwear.
Parking: Free lot right off Lexington Ave.
An easy, breezy evening hike, perfect for winding down the day outdoors with good company. Come as you are, no pressure, just save your spot!
Trail info: Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Path on AllTrails
Lebanon Hills — Friday Night Picnic & Easy Hike
August 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Kick off your Friday night the GGH way
Join us at Lebanon Hills Regional Park for a laid-back potluck picnic followed by an easy stroll around Jensen Lake. Bring a dish to share, bring your appetite, and bring your dog, this one's low-key, social, and exactly what a Friday evening should be.
We hike together. We leave no one behind.
The Trail
📍 Jensen Lake Trail — Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan, MN
🥾 2.2 miles | ~108 ft elevation gain | Easy
🌳 Shaded path around the lake, mix of packed dirt and wooden boardwalk
🐾 Dogs welcome on leash
This one's flat, shaded, and scenic, a loop right along the shoreline of Jensen Lake. Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, turtles, and the occasional otter as the sun starts to dip. A great one for beginners, dog owners, or anyone who just wants an easy evening outside.
What to Expect
Potluck picnic first at the Visitor Center picnic area, then an easy hike around the lake
A relaxed, social evening, no pressure, no pace to keep
Golden hour lake views and good company
Ali will send an official potluck sign-up closer to the date so we don't end up with ten bags of chips
What to Bring
A picnic item to share (sign-up coming soon!)
Water bottle
Bug spray
A blanket or camp chair for the picnic
Leash for your pup 🐕
Logistics
📅 Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
⏰ Start Time: 6:00 PM
🗺️ Meeting Point: Lebanon Hills Visitor Center — 860 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN
👥 Group Size: Capped at 10 participants
🐕 Dogs: Welcome, must be leashed
💵 Cost: Free
Interstate State Park Hike 🌲
Ready to explore one of Minnesota's most stunning river gorges? Join us for a hike along the Walter F. Mondale River Trail and Railroad Trail Loop at Interstate State Park — think dramatic cliffs, glacial potholes, and views of the St. Croix River that'll make you stop every five minutes for photos.
The Details:
📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Meet at the Interstate State Park Visitor Center — park there!
🥾 3.1 miles, moderate difficulty
👥 Limited to 10 hikers — RSVP required
💵 MN State Park pass required ($7)
What to bring: sunscreen, good shoes, water, snacks, and a hat.
Whether you're new to hiking or just new to us, come as you are, we go at a pace that works for the group, and you'll leave with new trail friends. Save your spot before it fills up! Dogs allowed.
Trail info:Walter F. Mondale River Trail and Railroad Trail Loop on AllTrails
Holland and O'Brien Lakes Trail — Sunday Evening Hike
August 16, 2026 · 5:00 PM
Join us at Lebanon Hills Regional Park for a 5.7-mile loop around Holland and O'Brien Lakes — a solid Sunday evening hike through woods, rolling terrain, and quiet lakeside stretches. This one's got a little more distance and elevation than our usual easy hikes, so come ready to move.
We hike together. We leave no one behind.
The Trail
📍 Holland and O'Brien Lakes Trail — Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan, MN
🥾 5.7 miles (might shorten depending on daylight) | ~344 ft elevation gain | Moderate
🌳 Natural surface trail through woods, some rugged and rolling terrain
🐾 Dogs welcome on leash
Starting from the Holland Lake Trailhead, this loop winds along the western shore of Holland Lake and continues through shaded woods and open stretches. Keep an eye out for deer, turtles, and other wildlife along the way. At 2–2.5 hours, this is a longer outing, so pace and footwear matter here.
What to Expect
A moderate 5.7-mile loop with rolling hills and varied terrain
Shaded woods mixed with open lake views
Wildlife sightings, deer, turtles, and more if you're lucky
What to Bring
Water
Bug spray (optional)
Phone for pictures 📸
Comfortable shoes or boots — this one's long enough to matter
Snacks
A bag or pack to carry it all
Logistics
📅 Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
⏰ Start Time: 5:00 PM
🗺️ Meeting Point: Holland Lake Trailhead, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
👥 Group Size: Capped at 10 participants
🐕 Dogs: Welcome, must be leashed
💵 Cost: Free
Bunker Hills Activity Center Hike 🌲
Flat, easy, and full of good vibes — this hike takes us through Bunker Hills Regional Park's oak savannas and prairie on the Rustic Loop, starting right at the Activity Center. A great one if you're easing into hiking or just want a relaxed morning outside.
The Details:
📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
⏰ 9:30 AM
📍 Meet in front of the Bunker Hills Activity Center
🥾 2.4 miles, easy difficulty
👥 Limited to 10 hikers — RSVP required
💵 Free! (parking is free too)
What to bring: water.
Come as you are, no experience needed, no pressure to keep pace. Just good trails and good people. Dogs allowed.
Trail info: Bunker Hills Rustic Loop Campground on AllTrails
Easy Like Sunday Morning — Fish Lake Hike ☀️
Ease into your weekend with a mellow morning walk along Fish Lake. This one's fully paved and out-and-back, perfect if you're getting back into movement or just want a low-key start to your day.
The Details:
📅 Sunday, August 23, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM
📍 Fish Lake East Trail
🥾 4.6 miles, easy difficulty (all paved, out-and-back)
🚫 No dogs on this one
👥 Limited to 10 hikers — RSVP required
💵 Free!
What to bring: water, bug spray, a light layer in case of a chilly morning and a smile. Ready to ease into getting that heart rate up!
The route follows Fish Lake and winds through some residential areas, flat, paved, and easy on the joints. Great one for easing back into a walking routine. Come as you are!
Trail info: Fish Lake East Trail on AllTrails
Join the GGH Minnesota Community
Get hikes before anyone else. Join our Telegram community, it's where new hike releases drop first, before they hit social media. Spots fill fast, so this is the best way to stay in the loop.
FAQ - Minnesota Chapter
📍 About the Minnesota Chapter
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The Minnesota chapter is based in the Twin Cities but we'll be exploring trails all across the state. From urban paths along the Chain of Lakes to state parks, the North Shore, and beyond. If it's a great trail in Minnesota, we'll find our way there.
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GGH Minnesota is led by your state ambassador, a Twin Cities woman who built this chapter for every woman who's been looking for her outdoor community and couldn't find one. Her team personally vets every trail before leading groups on it, your safety is always the first priority.
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The Minnesota chapter launched in 2026 as part of GGH's national expansion. We're brand new, and you're getting in on the ground floor. The founding chapter in Utah has been running since 2025 and everything we do here is built on what's worked there.
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Yes! GGH Minnesota is part of the Girls Gone Hiking national community, founded by Mel Jeske in Utah in 2025. Each chapter is locally led but shares the same values, standards, and sisterhood. One community, many trails.
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That's the plan! Minnesota has incredible four-season outdoor opportunities. Snowshoe hikes in winter, wildflower trails in spring, long summer evenings, and stunning fall colors. We'll adapt to the seasons and make the most of every one of them
🥾 Events & RSVPs
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Yes, all hikes require an RSVP through our website. Our groups are intentionally small (capped at 10) so everyone gets a real community experience. Spots fill up fast, so grab yours early!
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We cap every hike at 10 participants. This keeps groups manageable, safe, and genuinely connected, it's a community hike, not a crowd.
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No, all hikes are free; However, we do have some paid events. Pricing is always listed clearly on each event page before you RSVP. There are no surprise fees.
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Life happens, we get it. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can open your spot to someone on the waitlist. Paid event refund policies vary by event and will always be stated clearly at the time of registration.
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The best ways to stay in the loop:
Follow @girlsgonehiking.ut on Instagram
Follow Girls Gone Hiking - Minnesota on Facebook
Join our email list using the form on this page
Check back here, all upcoming hikes will be posted on the Minnesota events section
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Safety is always first. If conditions make a hike unsafe, we'll cancel or reschedule. You'll be notified by email and we'll post updates on Instagram. We never hike in conditions that put participants at risk.
👥 Who Can Come
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Not at all. GGH Minnesota is built for women of all experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned hikers. Each event listing includes a difficulty rating and description so you can choose what fits your current level.
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Our hikes are women-only events. GGH is a space created specifically for women to connect, build confidence outdoors, and feel safe on the trail. We welcome all women, including trans and non-binary women who feel comfortable in women-centered spaces.
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It depends on the trail and the event. Dog-friendly hikes will always be noted clearly in the event description. If it's not listed as dog-friendly, please leave your pup at home for that one.
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All participants must be registered in advance, no walk-ups, please. If your friend wants to join, have them RSVP through the website. Spots are limited and we need an accurate headcount for safety.
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No one gets left behind. Our hikes are led at a pace that works for the group. We're not racing, we're connecting. If you're unsure whether a hike's pace is right for you, reach out before registering and we'll help you figure it out.
🗺️ Trails & Locations
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We'll be exploring a mix of urban trails, state parks, and regional adventures. Think Chain of Lakes, Minnesota state parks, and eventually North Shore trips. Each trail is personally vetted by our team before any group hike is scheduled..
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Mileage and elevation vary by event and will always be listed in the hike description. We offer a range (from casual urban walks to longer trail hikes) so there's something for every level.
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Yes. We intentionally plan hikes across a difficulty range so newer hikers always have options. Look for hikes labeled 'Easy' or 'Beginner-Friendly' in the event description if you're just getting started.
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Some state parks and trailheads require a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit or day pass. This will always be noted in the event details so you know what to bring or purchase before the hike.
🧳 What to Bring
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Layers are your best friend in Minnesota, weather can change fast, especially in spring and fall. We recommend:
Moisture-wicking base layer (no cotton)
A light jacket or windbreaker
Sturdy, comfortable footwear — trail shoes or hiking boots for anything beyond paved paths
Sunscreen and a hat for sunny days
Rain layer if there's any chance of precipitation
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For most hikes, pack:
Plenty of water (at least 2L for longer hikes)
Snacks or a lunch depending on hike length
A small first aid kit
Sunscreen and bug spray
Your phone (charged) and any medications you need
A light layer even on warm days — Minnesota weather is unpredictable
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For most hikes, no. The event description will always list if anything specific is needed (like microspikes for winter hikes or trekking poles for steep terrain). Start simple and build your kit over time, you don't need to show up fully outfitted on day one.
🧡 Community & Connection
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Follow @girlsgonehiking.mn on Instagram for trail updates, hike announcements, and community highlights. Sign up for our email list for direct updates straight to your inbox.
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Yes, details on how to join will be shared once you've attended your first hike. We use a group chat to keep the community connected between events.
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GGH Minnesota is a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or background. Anyone who doesn't uphold these values may be asked to leave and restricted from future events.
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Absolutely, you're part of the GGH family, not just the Minnesota chapter. Check out other active chapters at girlsgonehiking-usa.com and reach out to that chapter's Ambassador if you're visiting their state.
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We love that energy. As the Minnesota chapter grows, opportunities to co-lead hikes and support events will open up. Keep an eye on our Instagram and email list for announcements, or reach out to Mel directly at mjeske@girlsgonehiking-usa.com.