The best walks and hikes around St. Paul Park
4.9
(10)
76
hikers
20
hikes
Hiking trails near St. Paul Park MN are primarily located in the surrounding regional parks and preserves. The area's landscape is characterized by the Mississippi River, with routes following its banks, bluffs, and wooded bottomlands. The terrain is generally composed of gentle gradients, featuring a mix of paved greenways and unpaved natural surface paths through forests and wetlands.
Best hiking trails around St. Paul Park
- The most popular hiking route is Spring Lake Park loop & the Mississippi River Trail — Spring Lake Park, a 8.2 mile (13.2 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 28 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows the Mississippi River Trail within the park.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Aspen Loop & Dan's Path — Harmon Park Reserve, an easy 4.3 mile (6.9 km) path. The trail offers a straightforward walk through the Harmon Park Reserve.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Mississippi River Trail & Schaar's Bluff loop — Spring Lake Park Preserve, a 3.6 mile (5.8 km) trail leading through the preserve, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around St. Paul Park is defined by riverside paths, forested trails, and routes through regional park preserves. The trail network provides options suitable for different fitness levels, from short, easy walks to longer, moderate hikes.
- The routes in St. Paul Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 5 reviews. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore St. Paul Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
4.24km
01:06
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.57km
01:13
50m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
7.60km
01:59
60m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.31km
02:09
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10.2km
02:37
20m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The did some work on the trail, it's smoother now, not SMOOTH but smoother.
2
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Here is some more info on the sculptures https://www.artistdalelewis.com/ Dale Lewis is the artist, one of these days it'd be fun to catch him around the sculptures and find out more about this passion of his.
2
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Love this park especially the bike path and the archery range
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Didn't get to see them tonight, they must have been hiding
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Neat park with probably one of the biggest rental spaces in Dakota County Parks. Nice new playground, fishing pond, restrooms, disc golf, etc.
0
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Fun bike with my family. Lots of wildflowers and different birds to see. Awesome views!
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Several nice sitting areas and picnic setups with informative signs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes near St. Paul Park?
Yes, the area has several options for beginners. A great choice is the Kaposia Landing loop — West Saint Paul, which is a mostly flat, paved trail. Many of the regional parks, like Crosby Farm Regional Park, also offer gentle paths perfect for a relaxed walk.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Most regional parks in the Saint Paul area are dog-friendly, but they generally require dogs to be on a leash of no more than six feet. Parks like Battle Creek Regional Park even have designated off-leash dog areas. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls?
Definitely. Hidden Falls Regional Park is a popular spot named for its main attraction, a charming spring-fed waterfall accessible via the park's trail system. For a quieter experience, Shadow Falls Park offers a short but steep hike down to another scenic waterfall.
What are the best options for family-friendly or kid-friendly hikes?
For a family outing, consider the trails at Hidden Falls Regional Park, which offer paved paths, picnic areas, and a waterfall to discover. The River to River Greenway from Simon's Ravine to Thompson Lake loop is another excellent, easy option that is suitable for all ages.
Where can I find paved trails for walking or hiking?
Many parks near St. Paul Park feature paved trails. Crosby Farm Regional Park has an extensive network of over 6 miles of paved paths through woodlands. Hidden Falls Regional Park and the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park also provide paved options along the river, ideal for an easy-going hike or stroll.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails around St. Paul Park?
The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the scenic views along the Mississippi River, the well-maintained paths through lush forests, and the variety of trails available within the interconnected regional park system.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are loops, allowing you to enjoy a continuous journey without backtracking. The Mississippi River Trail & Schaar's Bluff loop in Spring Lake Park Preserve is a great example, offering a complete circuit with lovely views.
What is the best time of year to hike in the St. Paul Park area?
Hiking is enjoyable from spring through fall, with each season offering a different experience. Summer provides lush green scenery, while autumn is spectacular with fall colors along the river bluffs. Winter opens up opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on many of the same trails.
Where can I find hikes with the best scenic views?
For impressive views, head to the trails along the Mississippi River bluffs. Schaar's Bluff in Spring Lake Park Preserve offers panoramic vistas of the river valley. The trails in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park also provide beautiful scenery of the river and its wooded banks.
Is parking available at the main trailheads?
Yes, the major regional parks like Crosby Farm, Hidden Falls, and Battle Creek all have designated parking areas for visitors. These lots can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea to secure a spot.
Are there any long-distance hiking options?
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Spring Lake Park loop & the Mississippi River Trail is an 8.2-mile moderate hike. You can also connect various trails within the larger parks, like Battle Creek Regional Park, to create a custom long-distance route.
What kind of terrain should I expect on the trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from flat, paved greenways perfect for a gentle walk to unpaved, rustic dirt paths that wind through forests and wetlands. The trails along the Mississippi River often include some gentle to moderate climbs up the bluffs.
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