The best waterfall hikes and walks around Minneapolis
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Waterfall hiking trails around Minneapolis are characterized by the city's unique integration of urban parks with natural waterways and diverse landscapes. The terrain features the iconic Minnehaha Falls within a wooded gorge, along with trails that follow the Mississippi River and its bluffs. While generally flat, the region offers varied environments including woodlands, wetlands, and riverine paths, providing accessible outdoor experiences.
Best waterfall hiking trails around Minneapolis
- The most popular waterfall hiking route is Minnehaha Falls Loop, a 0.9 miles (1.5 km) trail that takes about 25 minutes to complete, offering close-up views of the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Minnehaha Regional Park loop, an easy 2.1 miles (3.3 km) path. This route explores the wider park area, providing additional perspectives of the falls and Minnehaha Creek.
- Local hikers also love the Mississippi River Trail Loop, a 6.6 miles (10.6 km) trail leading through the Mississippi River Gorge, often completed in about 2 hours 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Minneapolis is defined by urban parklands, river gorges, and wooded trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from short, easy loops to longer, moderate paths.
- The routes in Minneapolis are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 1600 hikers have used komoot to explore Minneapolis's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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Start your hike on the Minnehaha Falls Loop, an easy 0.9-mile (1.5 km) route that takes about 24 minutes to complete. You will gain a gentle 78 feet (24 metres) in elevation as you explore Minnehaha Regional Park. The highlight of this short loop is the impressive 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, a stunning sight throughout the year. As you follow Minnehaha Creek, you will pass through a unique sedimentary rock glen, offering picturesque views of the creek and glimpses of the Mississippi River gorge. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including Great Blue Herons, and seasonal wildflowers that add to the natural beauty of the path.
Planning your visit to the Minnehaha Falls Loop is generally straightforward, making it an accessible option for a quick outdoor escape. Be aware that reaching the lower glen often requires descending staircases, which are closed during winter months for safety reasons. If you plan to hike in colder weather, you can still access the trail year-round via alternative entry points such as the Glens Area or the South Plateau Area. Consider starting your hike earlier in the day to enjoy the tranquility before it gets busy, especially on weekends.
The Minnehaha Falls Loop offers a unique opportunity to experience a significant natural landmark within an urban setting. The trail follows Minnehaha Creek, which flows through a distinctive sedimentary rock glen before joining the mighty Mississippi River. This area is not only home to the iconic waterfall but also provides a habitat for various bird species and plant life, making it a valuable ecological spot. It serves as a perfect short excursion to connect with nature without venturing far from the city.
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3.30km
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Embark on an easy hiking adventure along the Minnehaha Regional Park loop, a 2.1-mile (3.3 km) route that takes about 52 minutes to complete. You will gain a gentle 109 feet (33 metres) in elevation as you explore this scenic path. The highlight is undoubtedly the powerful 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, which you can view from multiple perspectives, including from above and at its base. The trail offers a refreshing escape into nature, perfect for a quick outdoor activity.
When planning your visit, be aware that paths close to Minnehaha Falls can be uneven and slippery due to mist, so wear sturdy walking shoes for your comfort and safety. It is also a good idea to check for any local park updates before you go, as some sections of the trail might be closed for maintenance. The park is easily accessible, and you can even reach it conveniently via the Metro Lightrail Blue Line, making public transport a great option.
Beyond the falls, the route follows Minnehaha Creek through a lush river valley, providing a tranquil, wooded setting within the city. You might spot local wildlife, such as Great Blue Herons, as you enjoy this urban oasis. The trail also offers glimpses of the impressive Mississippi River gorge, adding another layer of natural beauty to your hike.
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10.6km
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Hike the moderate 6.6-mile Mississippi River Trail Loop, featuring Minnehaha Falls and scenic river overlooks in Minneapolis.
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4.76km
01:16
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Minneapolis
Tips from the Community
When waters run high, this 53-foot-tall waterfall turns into a thundering cataract. There are picnic tables up top, and a trail that takes you down to nice views of the falls from below. It's well worth parking your bike to spend some time here.
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Minneapolis purchased this park for the state of Minnesota in 1889, giving it its name. The park offers a little of everything, including gardens, statues, waterfalls, creeks, and miles of trails to explore.
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Ford Dam, also known as Lock and Dam No. 1, belonged to the Ford Motor Company and supplied electricity to its Twin Cities Assembly Plant on the east side of the river. When you visit this point, you'll have the opportunity to witness the dam and experience the true power of the Mississippi River.
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Minneapolis purchased this park for the state of Minnesota in 1889, giving it its name. The park offers a little of everything, including gardens, statues, waterfalls, creeks, and miles of trails to explore.
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This small wooden bridge crosses the Minnehaha Creek, offering a unique viewing opportunity as it marks the point where the Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi River.
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This trail follows the winding path of Minnehaha Creek, creating an enjoyable run accompanied by the soothing sound of the creek throughout your journey.
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This 53-foot waterfall offers breathtaking sights and sounds, and it's best to visit after rainfall when the waterfall is even more powerful.
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This statue from the early 1900s depicts the story of Hiawatha, an Ojibwe warrior, and his love for Minnehaha, a Dakota woman, as told in the poem 'The Song of Hiawatha'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general difficulty level of waterfall hiking trails around Minneapolis?
The waterfall hiking trails around Minneapolis are generally quite accessible. Out of the 18 routes available, 14 are rated as easy, and 4 are moderate. This means there are plenty of options for hikers of all experience levels to enjoy the scenic waterfalls and surrounding natural beauty.
Are there any short and easy waterfall hikes suitable for a quick outing?
Yes, for a quick and scenic experience, the Minnehaha Falls Loop is an excellent choice. This easy trail is just under a mile (1.5 km) and can be completed in about 25 minutes, offering close-up views of the impressive 53-foot Minnehaha Falls.
Which waterfall trails are suitable for families with children?
Many of the trails around Minneapolis are family-friendly due to their generally easy terrain. The Minnehaha Regional Park loop is a great option, providing a 2.1-mile (3.3 km) easy path to explore the wider park area and enjoy the falls. The park itself offers amenities like picnic areas, making it ideal for a family day out.
Are dogs allowed on the waterfall hiking trails in Minneapolis?
Many parks in Minneapolis, including Minnehaha Park, are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before you go, but generally, you can enjoy the waterfall trails with your leashed canine companion.
What other natural attractions can I explore near the waterfall trails?
Beyond the waterfalls, Minneapolis offers a wealth of natural attractions. You can explore the Minnehaha Falls themselves, or visit the historic Saint-Anthony-Falls. The region also features the Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and the scenic Minnehaha Creek Flows into the Mississippi River. These areas provide diverse landscapes for further exploration.
What is the best time of year to hike to waterfalls in Minneapolis?
Waterfall hiking in Minneapolis is enjoyable throughout the year, but each season offers a unique experience. Spring brings powerful flows from snowmelt, while summer provides lush greenery. Autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage, and winter transforms the falls into stunning ice formations, offering a magical, albeit colder, hiking opportunity.
Can I reach the waterfall trails using public transport?
Yes, Minneapolis has a robust public transportation system. Minnehaha Park, home to Minnehaha Falls, is well-served by Metro Transit buses and the METRO Blue Line light rail, making it easily accessible without a car. For other trails, checking specific route information on the Metro Transit website is recommended.
Are there any longer waterfall hikes for more experienced hikers?
For those seeking a longer adventure, the Mississippi River Trail Loop is a moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) trail. While not solely focused on waterfalls, it leads through the scenic Mississippi River Gorge, offering beautiful river views and a more extended hiking experience that takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete.
What do other hikers say about the waterfall trails in Minneapolis?
The waterfall trails in Minneapolis are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful scenery, the accessibility of the trails within an urban setting, and the unique experience of seeing the powerful Minnehaha Falls.
Are there any specific trails that offer views of multiple waterfalls or unique water features?
While Minnehaha Falls is the most prominent, the wider Minnehaha Regional Park area, explored via routes like Minnehaha Falls – Minnehaha Falls Viewpoint loop from Nokomis, allows you to experience the main falls from different perspectives and follow Minnehaha Creek as it flows towards the Mississippi River, revealing smaller cascades and rapids along the way.
Are there any waterfall trails that are particularly good for winter hiking?
Minnehaha Falls transforms into a spectacular ice formation in winter, making it a popular destination for cold-weather enthusiasts. Trails within Minnehaha Park, such as the Minnehaha Falls – Hiawatha and Minnehaha Statue loop from 50th Street/Minnehaha Park, are often accessible and offer stunning views of the frozen falls, though caution is advised due to potentially icy conditions.
Where can I find information about the Mississippi River's natural and historical significance while hiking?
Many trails, including those around Minnehaha Park, lead to the Mississippi River. The river is central to Minneapolis's outdoor appeal, and you can find extensive information about its natural, historical, and recreational resources within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which encompasses many of the trails.
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