Hiking
One of the best ways to explore the Twin Cities year-round is to go hiking on the extensive trail system in Three Rivers. Trails wind through the woodland, grassland and wetland habitats of many species of wildlife. You’ll be amazed at what you might see along the way.
In the spring, summer and fall, hikers can choose between paved bike/hike trails and unpaved hiking-only trails. In the winter, plowed and snow-packed trails are available.
The Natural Resources division oversees the operations of these trails to maximize their scenic beauty while minimizing any environmental impact.
Partial Outage Notice at French Park
A section of lights on the Skyline Trail at French Regional Park is temporarily out of order for fall hiking. Park staff are working to address the issue.
Where To Go Hiking
- Anderson Lakes
- Baker Park Reserve
- Bassett Creek Regional Trail
- Big Woods Regional Trail
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
- Carver Park Reserve
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
- Cedar Lake Regional Trail
- Cleary Lake Regional Park
- Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
- Crystal Lake Regional Trail
- Dakota Rail Regional Trail
- Doyle-Kennefick Regional Park
- Eagle Lake Regional Park
- Elm Creek Park Reserve
- Fish Lake Regional Park
- French Regional Park
- Gale Woods Farm
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Kingswood Park
- Lake Independence Regional Trail
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
- Luce Line Regional Trail
- Medicine Lake Regional Trail
- Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
- Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
- Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
- Noerenberg Gardens
- Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail
- North Cedar Lake Regional Trail
- North Mississippi Regional Park
- Northeast Diagonal Regional Trail
- Rush Creek Regional Trail
- Shingle Creek Regional Trail
- Silverwood Park
- Sochacki Park
- Spring Lake Regional Park
- The Landing
- Tierney's Woods
- Twin Lakes Regional Trail
- West Mississippi River Regional Trail
All Programs & Events
Upcoming hiking programs and events.
Miles of Hiking Trails
The following mileage is for spring, summer and fall months.
Anderson Lakes, 2.1
Baker, 19.8
Bryant Lake, 4.5
Carver, 25.7
Cedar Lake Farm, 1
Cleary Lake, 5.9
Crow-Hassan, 10
Doyle-Kennefick, 3.4
Eagle Lake, 1.8
Elm Creek, 12.7*
Fish Lake, 3.3
French, 10.4
Gale Woods Farm, 3.5
Hyland Lake, 17.8
Kingswood Park, 1.4
Lake Minnetonka, 3.5
Lake Rebecca, 19.7
Mississippi Gateway, 5.9
Murphy-Hanrehan, 21.4
North Mississippi, 1.6
Silverwood Park, 1.6
Sochacki Park, 1.3
Spring Lake, 3
Tierney's Woods, 1.8
Fall Hiking — Lighted Trails
Enjoy fall hiking under the lights. The following trails have lights on 5 AM until sunrise and sunset until 10 PM during the fall until winter trail operations begin (typically after 2-3" of snowfall):
Winter Hiking
Even if there is snow on the ground, you can still hike in the parks! See in-park trail mileage below. Three Rivers also has miles of regional trails available for walking in the winter. See complete winter trail maintenance information.
Please note: Hiking is not permitted on cross-country ski trails.
- Anderson Lakes: 2.1 miles
- Baker: 9.8 miles (1-mile campground road plowed/packed; 5.2 miles packed)
- Bryant: 4.5 miles
- Carver: 5.3 miles
- Cedar Lake Farm: 3 miles
- Cleary: 5.6 miles (2.7 miles plowed/packed)
- Crow-Hassan: 13.5 miles (2 miles packed; minimal maintenance)
- Doyle-Kennefick: 3.4 miles
- Eagle Lake: 1.7 miles (plowed)
- Elm Creek: 7.2 miles (4.5 miles packed)
- Fish Lake: 4.1 miles (2.5 miles plowed, 1.6 miles packed)
- French: 2.6 miles (plowed)
- Gale Woods Farm: 4.8 miles
- Hyland: 8.6 miles (1-mile loop and 2.5 miles of regional trail plowed/packed)
- Kingswood: 1.3 miles
- Lake Minnetonka: 1-mile loop around the swim pond (plowed)
- Lake Rebecca: 15 miles (2.2 miles packed; minimal maintenance)
- Mississippi Gateway: 4 miles
- Murphy-Hanrehan: 5.7 miles
- North Mississippi: 1.3 miles
- Silverwood: 2 miles (1 mile plowed)
- Sochacki: 1.3 miles
- Spring Lake: 4.5 miles (plowed; minimal maintenance)
- The Landing: 1.7 miles (0.7-mile Village Trail plowed)
- Tierney's Woods: 1.8 miles
It pays to be nice! Learn how to Share the Trail with bicycle, pedestrian, horse and other traffic.
Birding
Three Rivers parks are excellent for birding. Take this checklist and observation guide with you and see how many you can spot.
Accessibility
Three Rivers Park District allows appropriate Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) in parks and trails to assist persons with mobility disabilities to more fully enjoy park areas, facilities and trails. Review OPDMD Guidelines.
In Three Rivers, having fun doesn't have to cost a thing. From free parking to free activities to free programs and events, find your adventure!
Trails at Your Pace feature short, gentle trails designed to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to begin a walking program. These trails are especially great for people with arthritis or other health conditions, those just starting a fitness program, parents with small children and employees who want to take a quick lunchtime stroll.
The Three Rivers Blog
Three Rivers Parks guest Bev Moe shares the story of a hiking community built in the early days of the pandemic at her favorite hiking spot: Hyland Lake Park Reserve.
Best Trails for Winter Hiking
By: Erin Korsmo
With over 100 miles of winter hiking trails, we've got you covered for your next outdoor adventure! Read on to see some of our favorite short, mid-length and long hikes in Three Rivers.
Dryland Training: A New Way To Work Out In The Parks
By: Tyler Thompson
While dryland training is commonly used to prepare for winter sports, anyone can benefit from it. Learn what dryland training means and what kinds of exercises you can incorporate into your visit to the parks.
Other Things To Do
Formal Gardens
Take in the beauty of the colorful blooms. Smell the sweet, fragrant flowers. Breathe in the fresh air. Relax to the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Our formal gardens at Noerenberg are meticulously maintained to offer visitors a spot of breathtaking beauty and serenity.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure.
Horseback Riding
If you have a horse and are looking for a place to ride, Three Rivers has miles of scenic horse trails to choose from. Natural woodlands and grasslands provide a beautiful setting for horseback riders.
Picnic Areas
Make new memories eating al fresco at a Three Rivers park picnic area in a beautiful, natural setting. All sites have picnic tables, and most sites have other basic amenities including water fountains and permanent grills. Look for a peaceful, serene location or set up just steps from a rip-roaring play area.
Snowshoeing
Three Rivers offers trails of varying difficulty for snowshoers of all skill levels. It’s a great way for the entire family to take in the scenes of a Minnesota winter. Please note: Snowshoeing is not permitted on cross-country ski trails unless otherwise noted.
New This Season: Snowshoe rentals require advanced reservations. Availability will vary by location.
