The best walks and hikes around Circle Pines
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Hiking around Circle Pines offers routes through a landscape characterized by interconnected lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. The region features diverse natural habitats, including restored prairies, mesic woodlands, and riparian marshlands. Rice Creek meanders through various parks, providing trails that follow its course through wooded and open areas. Most trails are relatively flat, following paved or unpaved paths along creeks and through forests.
Best hiking trails around Circle Pines
- The most popular hiking route is Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Path and Boardwalk, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 47 minutes to complete. This path allows exploration of diverse wetlands and forests, featuring accessible boardwalks.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Rice Creek Loop Trail, an easy 1.8 miles (2.9 km) path. This route follows the course of Rice Creek through a mix of woods and open areas.
- Local hikers also love the Centerville Lake via Golf Course Loop, a 9.6 miles (15.4 km) trail leading through lakeside scenery, often completed in about 3 hours 56 minutes.
- Hiking around Circle Pines is defined by lakeside paths, meandering creek-side trails, and quiet woodlands. The network of parks and trails in Circle Pines, Minnesota offers options suitable for all ability levels.
- The routes in Circle Pines are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. More than 90 hikers have used komoot to explore Circle Pines's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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7.11km
01:48
10m
10m
The Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Path and Boardwalk offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Minnesota's diverse ecosystems. You'll find yourself strolling along an extensive boardwalk system that floats above the wetlands, providing unparalleled views of aquatic life and a unique fen wetland. Beyond the boardwalk, well-maintained dirt and gravel paths lead through wooded areas and meadows, making for an easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) hike with only 35 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, making it a great family-friendly option. While you can enjoy the sanctuary year-round, with winter offering snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, remember that mosquitoes can be active during warmer evenings and mornings. Ample parking is available at the trailhead, and the best time to hike Blaine Wetland Sanctuary depends on what you want to see, from spring wildflowers to autumn colors.
This sanctuary is a true biological supermarket, protecting a unique fen wetland that harbors rare plant species and serves as a haven for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for Great Blue Herons, Sandhill Cranes, and other migratory birds, especially during spring and summer. Interpretive signs along the route enhance the educational experience, highlighting the ecological significance of this special place.
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2.85km
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The Rice Creek Loop Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, winding through woods, along lakes, and amid wetlands. You'll find yourself immersed in surprisingly beautiful scenery, with abundant wildflowers depending on the season, and the chance to spot deer and various bird species from dedicated platforms. This generally flat and paved route is perfect for a quick nature fix, making it accessible for families with strollers or anyone seeking a gentle, refreshing walk.
To plan your visit, head to the Rice Creek North Regional Trail system, where you'll find ample parking. Dogs are welcome on leash, but be aware that an Anoka County Parks vehicle entry permit might be required for entry. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) loop, with a minimal 42 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 43 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight activity or a leisurely weekend outing.
Part of the extensive Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, this trail is a gem for birdwatching and offers a network of dirt spur trails for those who wish to venture off the paved path. The nearby Wargo Nature Center provides additional amenities and trails, making the area a fantastic resource for outdoor enthusiasts. It's a great option if you're looking for a family-friendly, easy hike close to the Twin Cities.
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1
hikers
15.4km
03:56
40m
50m
The Centerville Lake via Golf Course Loop offers a delightful and accessible hike within the expansive Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. You'll enjoy consistent views of Centerville Lake, traverse through sections of deciduous trees, and cross boardwalk bridges over wetlands. The route is largely paved, making it a smooth journey, and you'll even pass through the Chomonix Golf Course, adding an unexpected element to the natural surroundings. It's a great option for a longer, less strenuous outing.
Planning your visit to this popular trail is straightforward. The route is considered moderate, covering 9.6 miles (15.4 km) with a minimal 148 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Dogs are permitted on the trail as long as they are on a leash, making it a family-friendly hike. Keep in mind that the trail is not open for hiking during the winter season, so plan your trip for warmer months to fully enjoy the experience.
This trail is a local favorite, highly rated for its scenic beauty and accessibility, especially for those seeking a longer walk without significant climbs. It's part of the larger Rice Creek North Regional Trail system, offering opportunities to explore more of the park's diverse ecosystems, characterized by lakes and wetlands. Centerville Lake itself is known for its fishing opportunities and features a beach, adding to the appeal of the area within Anoka County.
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00:45
10m
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The Rice Creek North Regional Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, winding through a mosaic of restored prairies, mesic woodlands, and riparian marsh areas. You'll enjoy scenic views of Rice Creek and its associated waterways, with a particularly notable stand of tall red pine trees creating a distinct visual element. This accessible route is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering a chance to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and various birds, especially in the warmer months when wildflowers are abundant.
Planning your visit is simple, as the trail is predominantly paved and rated easy, making it suitable for families and those with strollers. While signage can sometimes be inconsistent, maps are available to help navigate the various intersections. The trail is a popular spot for dog owners, with a large off-leash dog park located near Lexington Avenue, and it's generally accessible year-round, though warmer months offer the best wildlife viewing.
This regional trail serves as a vital connector, linking several cities across Anoka and Ramsey counties and forming an integral part of the larger Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park system. Beyond hiking, it provides access points for paddlers to Rice Creek and connects to other regional trails, expanding possibilities for longer excursions. The ongoing prairie restoration efforts also make it a fascinating example of ecological conservation.
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5.25km
01:21
20m
20m
The Rice Creek North Regional Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, guiding you through a mosaic of restored prairies, mesic woodlands, and riparian marsh areas. You'll enjoy views of Rice Creek and its associated waterways, including a charming footbridge, and pass through notable stands of tall red pine trees. This easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route, with a minimal 67 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly paved and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely outing.
For those planning a visit, the trail is easily accessible with a large parking lot located on Lexington Avenue, which also provides access to a popular dog park. While the trail is generally well-marked, some sections have inconsistent signage, so it's a good idea to have a map handy. The route is multi-use, popular for hiking, biking, and running, and its open sections mean you'll want to consider sun protection or visit during cooler times of day.
Beyond its scenic appeal, the Rice Creek North Regional Trail is a vital connector, linking to other regional trails and offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, various birds like ospreys and kestrels, and butterflies in the grassy sections. The trail's diverse environment and prairie restoration efforts make it a rich habitat, providing a chance to observe local flora and fauna in a tranquil setting.
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Popular around Circle Pines
Tips from the Community
Over 500 acres of wetlands are protected in this sanctuary, with an extensive boardwalk trail that runs through it. There is access to the boardwalk trail directly via Lexington Avenue or through the hard trail that starts on the east end of East Lake Park.
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With a campground, fishing piers, hiking and biking trails, and playgrounds, this 5,500 acre park has something for everyone. Its proximity to the Twin Cities means it does get busy, but its size means you can usually find a quiet spot if you look for one.
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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 dogs allowed on the hiking trails near Circle Pines?
Yes, many parks in Anoka County are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. Most regional trails, like those in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, require dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go, as some natural areas or beaches may have restrictions.
What are some good, easy hikes for families with children?
The area is excellent for family outings. For a shorter, engaging walk, consider the Long Lake Park loop — New Brighton, Minnesota. It's just over a mile long and follows a paved path, making it manageable for little legs. Many regional parks also feature playgrounds near the trailheads.
Are there any paved trails suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
Yes, the Circle Pines area has a good selection of paved trails. The Rice Creek North Regional Trail is a popular choice, offering a smooth surface for strollers and wheelchairs as it winds through wetlands and woods. Many trails within the larger regional parks, such as Long Lake Regional Park, are also paved.
Can I go hiking in the Circle Pines area during winter?
Absolutely. Many trails are maintained for year-round use. The Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor is a well-regarded spot for winter hiking and cross-country skiing. Trails in parks like Bunker Hills Regional Park are also popular for winter activities. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear for potentially icy or snowy conditions.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Circle Pines?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the serene atmosphere of the lakeside paths and the well-maintained trails that meander through quiet woodlands and scenic wetlands. The accessibility for all skill levels is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
Are most of the hiking routes circular loops?
Many of the most popular hikes in the area are loops, which makes logistics simple. For a classic loop experience through lakeside scenery, the Hiking loop from Vadnais Heights is a great option that takes you around Sucker Lake. You can find both loop and point-to-point trails to suit your preference.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The region's mix of woodlands, wetlands, and lakes provides a rich habitat for wildlife. Keep an eye out for waterfowl like ducks and herons near the Rice Creek Water Trail and surrounding lakes. On the trails, it's common to spot deer, squirrels, and a wide variety of songbirds. The prairie sections of parks like Crow-Hassan Park Reserve are particularly good for birdwatching.
How is the parking at the main trailheads?
Most regional parks, including the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve and Long Lake Regional Park, have designated parking lots near the main trail access points. Reviewers for popular trails often mention that parking is generally easy to find, though lots can get busier on sunny weekends.
Are the hiking trails shared with cyclists?
It depends on the trail. Many of the paved regional trails, such as the Rice Creek North Regional Trail, are multi-use and popular with both hikers and cyclists. However, some parks like the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve also offer unpaved, singletrack trails that are designated specifically for hiking. Always be aware of your surroundings on shared paths.
Are there any longer hikes for a more challenging day out?
While most local trails are easy, you can create a longer hike by connecting different paths. The Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park loop is one of the longer self-contained routes at nearly 5 miles. For a true long-distance experience, you can hike sections of the Rice Creek trail system as it connects through multiple parks.
What are some of the most scenic parks for hiking near Circle Pines?
The area is rich with beautiful parks perfect for a day of hiking.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is the crown jewel, a massive 5,500-acre park with a mix of paved and unpaved trails through forests and along lakes.
Elm Creek Park Reserve is another huge, highly-regarded option with extensive trails and a nature center.
For a classic state park experience with camping options, William O'Brien State Park is a local favorite located along the St. Croix River.
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