The best family-friendly hikes and walks around New Brighton
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Family friendly hiking trails around New Brighton are characterized by accessible suburban parks and green spaces, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more moderate trails. The landscape predominantly features lake loops, creek-side paths, and well-maintained park trails. These areas generally have minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for various fitness levels and families.
Best family friendly hiking trails around New Brighton
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Rice Creek West Regional Trail, a 11.7 miles (18.8 km) moderate trail that takes 4 hours 50 minutes to complete. This path offers varied terrain and scenic creek views, ideal for birdwatching.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Rice Creek West Regional Trail, an easy 1.2 miles (2.0 km) path. This shorter route passes through woodlands and open meadows, providing a quick and enjoyable outing.
- Local hikers also love the Long Lake Park loop from New Brighton, a 4.4 miles (7.2 km) trail leading around a lake, often completed in about 1 hour 51 minutes.
- Hiking around New Brighton is defined by lake loops, creek-side paths, and well-maintained park trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family strolls to more moderate routes.
- The routes in New Brighton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 900 hikers have used komoot to explore New Brighton's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
18.8km
04:50
80m
100m
The Rice Creek West Regional Trail offers a delightful mix of natural and urban scenery, predominantly on a paved surface that makes for easy going. As you follow the path, you'll meander alongside Rice Creek through serene wooded areas, providing a refreshing escape, before transitioning through residential and commercial zones. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including eagles and herons, especially near Long Lake Park and where the trail connects to the Mississippi River at Manomin Park.
This multi-use trail is open year-round, making it accessible in any season, and you'll find amenities like benches, picnic shelters, and bathrooms at parks such as Locke Park and Long Lake Park. It's a dog-friendly route, though leashes are required, and safety features like underpasses for roads and railways ensure a continuous journey. Given its popularity, arriving earlier in the day might offer a quieter experience.
Connecting to the broader Mississippi River Regional Trail, this route serves as an important green corridor in the Twin Cities Metro Area. It's a moderate 11.7-mile (18.8 km) hike with a gentle 271 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 49 minutes. While mostly flat, some sections feature gentle rolling hills and occasional steep slopes, adding a bit of varied terrain to your adventure.
1.98km
00:30
10m
10m
This easy 1.2-mile hiking trail in Long Lake Regional Park offers a paved path, slight rolling hills, and views of woods and wetlands.
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7.16km
01:51
40m
40m
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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Long Lake Park is a popular park in St Paul. There are sandy beach areas and several trails to choose from within the park. There are also restrooms and picnic areas.
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Long Lake is the main feature and the namesake for the park that it's located in. The lake is a great spot for a refreshment in the summer and features meadows and sandy beach areas. While hiking along the trails in the area, make sure to enjoy the waterfront and have a nice break.
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Long Lake is in New Brighton, Minnesota. This large lake is a popular swimming spot in the summer; there is a large grassy park, a sandy beach, outdoor showers and bathrooms, a playground, and clear water. This is a great place to stop as you ride around the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around New Brighton?
New Brighton offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over 80 routes specifically curated for families. Most of these, around 70, are considered easy, making them perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Are there easy trails suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes, many trails around New Brighton are ideal for families with young children or strollers. Routes like the shorter section of the Rice Creek West Regional Trail offer gentle terrain and minimal elevation changes, perfect for an easy outing. The area's suburban parks often feature well-maintained paths suitable for strollers.
What kind of landscapes can we expect on family hikes around New Brighton?
You can expect a variety of accessible suburban park landscapes, featuring beautiful lake loops, serene creek-side paths, and well-maintained park trails. The region is known for its woodlands and open meadows, particularly along the Rice Creek Regional Trails, offering opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Are there any circular routes for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. For example, the Long Lake Park loop from New Brighton is an easy circular hike that allows you to start and end at the same point, making it convenient for family outings.
Can we bring our dog on these family-friendly trails?
Many parks and trails in the New Brighton area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on a leash, allowing your furry family members to join in on the adventure.
What are some interesting natural attractions or landmarks to see along the trails?
The New Brighton area is rich with natural beauty and interesting sights. You can explore various lakes like Como Lake, East & West Vadnais Lakes, and Island Lake. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Coon Rapids Dam or the impressive Saint-Anthony-Falls, which are popular highlights in the wider region.
Are there options for longer family hikes, or are they all short?
While there are many short and easy options, you can also find longer trails for families seeking more of a challenge. The full Rice Creek West Regional Trail, for instance, offers a moderate 11.7-mile hike with varied terrain and scenic creek views, suitable for older children or more experienced hiking families.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in New Brighton?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails around New Brighton, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 25 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful natural settings, and the accessibility for families with children.
Are there trails accessible by public transport, or with good parking?
Many parks and trailheads in the New Brighton area offer convenient parking facilities. While public transport access can vary, the suburban nature of the region means that many popular spots are easily reachable by car, often with dedicated parking lots at trail entrances.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in New Brighton?
Spring, summer, and autumn are generally the most popular seasons for family hiking in New Brighton. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Even winter can be enjoyable for a crisp walk, especially on well-maintained paths, though you should always check trail conditions.
Are there any hidden gem family trails in the New Brighton area?
While many trails are well-known, exploring some of the smaller local parks can reveal delightful hidden gems. Locke County Park in Fridley, for example, offers a charming 2.0-mile loop with diverse paths and views of Rice Creek, providing a quieter experience away from the busiest spots.
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