The best city hikes and walks in Scott County
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Urban hiking trails in Scott County offer a mix of river valleys, wooded expanses, and glacial formations. The region features diverse terrain with gentle elevation changes, making many paths accessible for various activity levels. Hikers can explore trails winding through forests, along lakes, and through wetlands. These urban routes often connect parks and natural areas within the county's developed landscape.
Best urban hiking trails in Scott County
- The most popular urban hiking route is Lake Smetana Loop, a 2.1…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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1.84km
00:28
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Embark on the Round Lake Beach Loop for an easy hike that offers pleasant scenery and a quick escape. This route winds through a lovely picnic area with tall, widely-spaced…
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3.47km
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The Lake Smetana Loop offers an easy hike around a scenic urban lake, perfect for a quick escape. You will follow a paved path that winds for 2.2 miles (3.5…
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6.00km
01:31
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Hike the easy 3.7-mile Nine Mile Creek Trail from Heights Park to Fred Richards Park, featuring boardwalks and diverse urban scenery.
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40
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2.41km
00:37
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An easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) paved loop around a scenic lake in Edina, Minnesota, perfect for a relaxing hike.
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11.2km
02:49
20m
20m
Hike the moderate Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, a 6.9-mile route through wetlands and woodlands with scenic views of Nine Mile Creek.
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Tips from the Community
Lake Smetana is a perfect location for a lunch break. It features a paved 1.6-mile loop, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, yellow bullhead, yellow perch, common carp, white sucker, and golden shiner. The South Fork of Nine Mile Creek flows through Lake Smetana before joining Nine Mile Creek, which eventually empties into the Minnesota River.
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Nine-mile Creek is making its way to its confluence with the Minnesota River.
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Nine Mile Creek flows year-round, with its levels influenced by rainfall and snowmelt throughout the year. This spot offers a great place to stop and enjoy views of the creek, making it an ideal break point.
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Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail is a paved trail that is 15.3 miles long. It mostly parallels its namesake creek, Nine Mile Creek, as well as meadows and prairies.
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This pier extends out onto Round Lake, providing excellent fishing opportunities and some of the best views of the water in the park. It's a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy nature.
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Round Lake, part of the Purgatory Creek Chain of Lakes, features a trail that circles the entire lake, offering waterfront views along the way. In the winter, you can enjoy activities like ice skating on the rink found here.
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There's a paved bike trail all around the lake, at this end there's a wooden platform on the water you can go on.
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Right before or after you cross Highway 100 in Edina, you will see Edina Lake. It is a shallow lake with poor water quality, not meeting state standards for shallow lakes. Therefore, it's advisable not to engage in activities involving direct contact with the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in Scott County?
Scott County offers 5 dedicated urban hiking trails, providing a variety of options for exploring the area's natural beauty within urban settings.
What makes urban hiking in Scott County unique?
Urban hiking in Scott County, particularly in the Minnesota region, is characterized by diverse landscapes featuring river valleys, glacial formations, and wooded expanses. Trails often wind through forests, open spaces, and alongside lakes and wetlands, offering a blend of natural scenery and urban convenience. The terrain generally features gentle elevation changes, making many paths accessible.
Are there easy urban hikes suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, most urban hikes in Scott County are considered easy. For instance, the Lake Smetana Loop and Round Lake Beach Loop are both easy options, perfect for a relaxed stroll. The Centennial Lakes Park loop is another accessible choice, offering pleasant scenery.
What are some popular loop trails for urban hiking in Scott County?
Several urban trails in Scott County offer convenient loop options. You can enjoy the scenic Lake Smetana Loop, the shorter Round Lake Beach Loop, or the popular Centennial Lakes Park loop for a circular walk.
What do other hikers say about urban trails in Scott County?
The urban hiking trails in Scott County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.59 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful atmosphere, and the accessibility of nature within an urban setting.
Are the urban trails in Scott County suitable for families with children?
Yes, many urban trails in Scott County are ideal for families. The gentle terrain and shorter distances of routes like the Lake Smetana Loop and Centennial Lakes Park loop make them perfect for walks with kids. Many parks also feature amenities that enhance a family outing.
Can I bring my dog on urban hikes in Scott County?
Many parks and trails in Scott County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash, allowing you to enjoy the urban trails with your canine companion.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on urban hikes?
Given the region's wooded areas, lakes, and wetlands, urban hikers in Scott County may encounter various birds, small mammals like squirrels and rabbits, and occasionally deer. Areas near water bodies are particularly good for birdwatching.
Are there any urban trails that offer scenic views or natural features?
Absolutely. Trails often feature scenic views of lakes and wooded areas. For example, the Lake Smetana Loop offers pleasant lake views. Many trails also traverse areas with glacial landforms and riverine landscapes, providing interesting natural backdrops.
Where can I find parking for urban hiking trails in Scott County?
Most urban parks and trailheads in Scott County offer designated parking areas. For specific routes like those around Cleary Lake Regional Park or Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, ample parking is typically available at the park entrances. You can find more information about parks and their facilities on the Scott County Parks website.
Are there any longer urban hiking options for a more extended walk?
For a longer urban hike, consider the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, which is a moderate 11.16 km route. Another good option is the Heights Park to Fred Richards Park via Nine Mile Creek Trail, which covers nearly 6 km.
What are some interesting places to explore near the urban hiking trails?
Near the urban hiking trails, you can explore several natural attractions. Cleary Lake Regional Park offers diverse terrain and scenery, while Hanrehan Lake provides a peaceful setting. You might also find interesting viewpoints like Rocks to sit on and overlook the lake.
Most popular routes in Scott County
Most popular attractions in Scott County
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