The best walks and hikes around Mounds View
4.9
(9)
156
hikers
47
hikes
Hiking around Mounds View explores a landscape of urban parks, restored prairies, and riverside woodlands. The area is characterized by a network of paved and unpaved nature trails, many of which follow local waterways like Rice Creek and the Mississippi River. Most routes are generally flat and accessible, with minimal elevation change across the region.
Best hiking trails around Mounds View
- The most popular hiking route is Locke County Park Loop, a 2.0 miles (3.2 km) trail that takes 49 minutes to complete. This route features minimal elevation gain within a park setting.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Rice Creek Loop Trail, an easy 1.8 miles (2.9 km) path. The trail follows a section of Rice Creek, offering views of woodlands and marshlands.
- Local hikers also love the Rice Creek North Regional Trail, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail leading through woodlands and marshlands, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Mounds View is defined by lakeside paths, restored prairies, and riverside woodlands. The network of nature trails offers accessible options for different ability levels, with most routes being flat and well-maintained.
- The routes in Mounds View are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 9 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Mounds View's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
4
hikers
3.15km
00:49
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
2.85km
00:44
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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18.8km
04:50
80m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.09km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
5.25km
01:21
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Manomin County Park covers 15 acres at the confluence of Rice Creek and the Mississippi River, hosting diverse wildlife, including various bird species such as Great Blue Heron. The park features the historic Banfill Tavern, home to the Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, along with amenities like a picnic gazebo, benches, tables, and an observation deck. It's a popular spot for family gatherings, graduation parties, and weddings in summer, and offers shoreline fishing along both waterways.
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The Rice Creek Regional Trail near Mounds View is split into a northern and a western section. The northern section follows the name-giving Rice Creek and encircles two little ponds while passing through woodlands and open meadows.
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The Rice Creek Regional Trail near Mounds View is split into a northern and a western section. The northern section follows the name-giving Rice Creek and encircles two little ponds while passing through woodlands and open meadows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Mounds View area?
Yes, the region is great for family outings. Most trails are flat and accessible. A particularly good option is the Langton Lake Park loop in nearby Roseville. It's a short, paved walk around a lake, perfect for little legs.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near Mounds View?
Many parks in the area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. For a dedicated off-leash experience, Battle Creek Regional Park is a highly-regarded local favorite with extensive space for dogs to run freely. Always check specific park regulations for on-leash requirements before you go.
Where can I find paved walking trails suitable for all fitness levels?
The Mounds View area has an excellent network of paved trails. The Mississippi Gateway Regional Park loop is a popular choice, offering smooth surfaces and scenic views of the river. Additionally, Crosby Farm Regional Park features over 6 miles of paved trails through woodlands.
Are there any good circular or loop hikes for beginners?
Absolutely. The area specializes in accessible loop trails. The Silverwood Park loop is a perfect example, offering a short and scenic walk around a lake that takes about 35 minutes to complete.
What is the typical terrain like on the trails around Mounds View?
The terrain is generally flat and accessible, with minimal elevation change. You'll encounter a mix of paved paths in urban parks and unpaved nature trails that wind through restored prairies, woodlands, and marshlands, especially along waterways like Rice Creek.
Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls near Mounds View?
Yes, for a hike featuring a waterfall, you'll want to visit Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul. This charming park, a short drive from Mounds View, has trails that lead to a scenic waterfall, especially after recent rainfall.
What are the most challenging hikes available near Mounds View?
The immediate Mounds View area is known for its easy, flat trails. For more of a challenge, you would need to travel further out. Blue Mounds State Park, for instance, offers more rugged terrain with hikes along a 100-foot Sioux quartzite cliff, providing a more strenuous workout.
What are some of the most scenic hikes for photography?
For beautiful scenery, the Rice Creek North Regional Park loop is a top choice. It meanders through diverse landscapes of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, offering great opportunities to photograph wildlife and nature. The views of the Mississippi River at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park are also very picturesque.
How many hiking trails are there around Mounds View?
There are nearly 30 curated hiking routes to explore in and around Mounds View. These range from short park loops to longer sections of regional trails, offering plenty of options for different outings.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the Mounds View area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the well-maintained paths through diverse landscapes like prairies and wetlands, and the peaceful scenery found along Rice Creek and the Mississippi River.
When is the best time of year to hike in Mounds View?
Hiking is possible year-round, but the most popular seasons are summer and fall. Summer offers lush greenery, while autumn provides spectacular fall colors, especially in the wooded areas along the rivers and creeks. Spring can be muddy, and winter is suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on many of the same trails.
Is it possible to hike to a viewpoint in the area?
While the local terrain is mostly flat, you can find rewarding views. For a dramatic vista, the Eagle Rock Vista in Blue Mounds State Park offers expansive views over the prairie landscape, though it requires a drive from Mounds View. For riverside scenery, the trails at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park provide excellent viewpoints over the Mississippi River.
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