With the temperature drop in the fall, Minnesota’s parks and trails still have plenty to offer. 

From scenic views to camping, there is a lot to do before winter sets in.

Sara Joy Berhow, public relations supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said fall is one of the best times to explore the state’s parks and trails.

“I’m a longtime user of our state parks, and I’m always excited to talk about them,” Berhow said.

For those wanting scenic views, Berhow said the North Shore along Lake Superior remains one of the most popular destinations.

“It’s probably not surprising that the North Shore is a really popular place to hike,” Berhow said. “If you want to go hiking, this is the place to go, the beautiful scenery, the Sawtooth Mountains, elevation changes and stunning views of Lake Superior.”

For Minnesota native Lucas Ralston, hiking is not just an outdoor activity; it is a way to connect with people.

Ralston spent his summer working as the resource director at Camp Nathanael, a Christian boys’ camp near Hinckley.

“The main hike that every camper gets to do is somewhere between a half mile to three or four miles,” Ralston said. “We go out into the wilderness around camp.”

Ralston said he enjoys hiking on his own. His favorite spot is Eagle Mountain, located near Grand Marais.

“Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota,” Ralston said. “It’s one of my favorite trails because you can do it all in a day. I like day hikes more than overnight ones, and I prefer to keep the camping and hiking separate.”

Ralston said hiking gives him a needed break from city life.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Ralston said. “You get to experience the natural world and take a respite from the mundane nature of everyday city life. It connects us back to what we used to be.”

For University students looking for something closer, Berhow recommends Fort Snelling State Park, located off Snelling Avenue in St. Paul.

“Fort Snelling State Park is an easy place for people to get to if they’re on campus,” Berhow said. “Whether you’re on the St. Paul or Minneapolis campus, it’s pretty easy to get there.”

At the southern tip of Pike Island, located in St. Paul, hikers can see where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet, a site with cultural importance to Dakota people.

“It’s a very sacred site with a lot of history, and it’s an interesting place to hike,” Berhow said.

Berhow also suggested Afton State Park, east of St. Paul, for those wanting to camp overnight.

“Afton has some really nice hiking trails along the Mississippi River and great scenery,” Berhow said. “Unlike Fort Snelling, Afton does have camping, so if people want to make a bigger trip out of it and stay overnight, Afton might be a good choice.”

First-year Gunnar Hardison said hiking has become one of his favorite fall activities.

“Recently I got into hiking,” Hardison said. “My friends and I decided we were going to go on a bunch of trips this fall, finding nature.”

Hardison’s favorite spot is Cascade River State Park, north of Duluth.

“Absolutely, without a doubt, Cascade River is my favorite,” Hardison said. “You wake up in the morning, there’s fog, it’s dense forest and rivers, just everything that Minnesota is.”

When it comes to safety, Ralston said preparation is key. For first-time hikers, Ralston recommended bringing a flashlight, lighter, shovel and a fixed-blade or hatchet. 

Ralston added that another important safety aspect is to never leave a fire burning.

“You’ve got to completely put it out by step on it, sprinkle water, mix the coals around, and cover it with dirt,” Ralston said. “You don’t want to burn down the forest.”

For students on a budget, the DNR offers several free and low-cost ways to visit.

“State parks require a vehicle permit $7 for a day or $35 for a year, but we have four free park days each year,” Berhow said. “The fall free park day is the Friday after Thanksgiving, and the winter one is on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January.”

Another option is to check out a free seven-day pass from local libraries, which can be checked out from participating libraries or here.

Hardison said growing up in Minneapolis sometimes makes it easy to forget how close nature can be.

“Once you can explore more, it truly is a beautiful state,” Hardison said. “I just wish there were more nature spots everywhere.”