Hiking Trails

With over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres surrounding Grand Rapids, MN there are SO many places that you can hike. This blog will highlight just a few that give several family friendly and moderate level hiking locations. The Chippewa National Forest is a wonderful place to enjoy fall hiking. The mixed hardwood and pine forests are a beautiful contrast to the area lakes, bogs and rivers located within the forest. In the Chippewa National Forest, there are 298 miles of non-motorized trails to hike, and there is no better way to see the Chippewa Forest than on foot. Highlighted for you are four of the trails located in the Chippewa National Forest that are perfect locations for fall hiking. The Chippewa National Forest has several locations that are perfect for day hiking. Learn more about additional places to day hike HERE.

Simpson Creek Trail

In 1907, Sam Simpson’s crew built the first tote roads and trails in the Cut Foot Sioux area. Today, this system makes up the 13-mile Simpson Creek Trail. Enjoy rolling topography through pines and along glacial eskers, with overlooks onto Cut Foot Sioux Lake and journeys into the cedar swamp.

The Simpson Creek Trail system winds through towering pines, around a great walleye fishing lake, and into the rich history of the Cut Foot Sioux area. Enjoy the beautiful drive on the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway where the Simpson Creek Trail is located.

Directions: Access is at the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center or Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198) 23 miles northwest on the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway.

Suomi Hills Trail

The remote and stunning Suomi Hills has nineteen miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails and is part of a semi-primitive nonmotorized area. The rolling topography offers mountain bike trails for intermediate and advanced cyclists.

The Suomi Hills Recreation Area is named for the small Finnish community of Suomi, Minn., situated on the northern edge of the Suomi Recreation Area located near Grave Lake, Minn. The area was logged from 1905 to 1910, with people settling in the area about 1916. The Day Lake Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, a prisoner of war camp during World War II, is located on the north end of Suomi Hills.

Scenic State Park

 The park has 10+ miles of easy/moderate hiking trails. The best trail for visitors to hike is Chase Point Trail. It is known for the stunning views of Coon and Sandwick Lake. As you hike along look for bald eagles, loons, jays, woodpeckers, and a variety of songbirds.

During your fall hike at Scenic State Park check out the interpretive signage and historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp sites. The signage gives information about the history and landscape of Scenic State Park

Rentals such as boats, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks are available at the park office.

Directions: Take Scenic Hwy 7 for 10 miles then turn onto Scenic Hwy 75 for 33 miles.

Legion Trail

 Legion Trail is a great in town trail that is located on the north end of Grand Rapids next to the Reif Center. The Legion Trail is an approximately 7 mile loop that wraps around Hale Lake. This trail is well groomed and maintained throughout the year. It is also a place where you can mountain bike with approximately 4 miles of single-track mountain bike trails running through it. There is also a disc golf course located within the Legion Trail. In the winter you can cross country ski at night on the Legion Trail.

Directions: Take 4th Street west to 3rd Avenue heading north (at the mall) for approx 8 blocks, and then you turn left onto 16th Street. Take into the Reif Center (also the Grand Rapids High School parking lot) and park on the far right and walk into the Legion Trail. Map signs are posted.

More Hiking Resources

Cozy Lodging

In the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area there is a lot of cozy lodging options that will give you the opportunity to rest, relax, reconnect and recharge this spring. LAKES. TRAILS. FRESH AIR… and SO much more! You will find in town Hotels, Motels, Vacation Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts that are close to the in town trails, lakes, shops, and places to eat & drink. And then there are Resorts and Vacation Rentals that are located on beautiful area lakes near the trails and in an off the beaten path location in Minnesota’s nature. Find Cozy Lodging

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

When you have worked up an appetite while out in Minnesota’s nature, we have lots of options for you to consider for eating and drinking local. From the places that the locals go to get the best bar burger, homemade wild rice soup or the best pizza in town. Find Fun Places to Eat & Drink