Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
Spring Hiking in Chippewa National Forest | Visit Grand Rapids
Hiking Trails
The Chippewa National Forest is a wonderful place to enjoy spring hiking. 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 spring hiking. The Chippewa National Forest has several locations that are perfect for day hiking. Learn more about additional places toHike in the Chippewa National Forest.
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.
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.
Directions: Access the Suomi Hills area 26 miles north of Grand Rapids on Highway 38, Avenue of the Pines National Scenic Byway.
Learn why this northeast corner of the Forest is called the Edge of the Wilderness. Check out interpretive displays and area information. Hike the short trail to the fishing pier and picnic area or enjoy a program at the Center or amphitheater.
You can rent kayaks to paddle around on Ranier Lake or bring your fishing pole and fish from the fishing pier.
The flat terrain dirt path makes for an easy hike. Perfect for families with young children. Kids of all ages love learning about the native wildlife, trees, plants, and flowers that are on display at the Discovery Center.
Directions: Take Hwy 38, Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, 44 miles north out of Grand Rapids to the north of Marcell, Minnesota.
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 spring 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.
Additional Resources For Spring Vacation To The Grand Rapids, MN Area
Hiking is just one of the great outdoor recreation activities that you can do while on a Spring Vacation to the Grand Rapids, MN area. Visit Grand Rapids created a website full of wonderful resources that include: places to stay, things to do, outdoor recreation, and events for you to learn more about the Grand Rapids, MN area. This charming small town offers a wide variety of things to do like touring historic sites and beautiful art, enjoy live music and theater performances, and explore a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Learn more below.
