Top Dog Trails near Minneapolis, MN

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Top Dog Trails near Minneapolis, MN

Introduction

Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, might as well be called the City of Trails. With miles of canine-friendly pathways to explore, doggos who set paw in Minneapolis are in for a woofin’ good time! The rest of the state is brimming with puptastic trails, too. Many of them are less than a couple of hours away from the Twin Cities, giving Minneapolis pups myriad hiking options to choose from! So leash up your pooch, fill up your water bottles, and make sure your doggie waste bag holder is stocked—adventure awaits you and Fido on these top trails in and around Minneapolis!

#10 Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail

Running from downtown Minneapolis to Hopkins, the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail is an excellent spot for stretching your legs with your four-legged friend. Stroll alongside native prairie grasses as you and Fido follow this old railroad line past industrial areas and into the western suburbs. Most of this 5-mile route is shaded, so you can still take it on hot summer days. Regardless of the season, always bring enough water for you and your furry hiking buddy!

#9 Luce Line State Trail

Covering 75 miles from the western suburbs of Minneapolis to the town of Cosmos in west central Minnesota, the Luce Line State Trail is pawfect for pups who don't mind a slightly rugged hike. Featuring a mix of asphalt, grass, and crushed stone surfaces, this former railroad line ventures into the Minnesota countryside, leading you and your adventurous pup across wetlands, near lakes, and through tallgrass prairie remnants!

#8 Big Rivers Regional Trail

A scenic journey awaits you and your pup on the Big Rivers Regional Trail! Built on one of the oldest rail beds in Minnesota, this 4.5-mile paved trail winds along the northern edge of Dakota County, treating hikers, cyclists, skaters, and four-legged travelers to furbulous views of Pike Island, Fort Snelling, the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. You and Fido can access this trail from Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, and Eagan.

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#7 Gateway State Trail

For a rural hike that's close to the metro, hit the Gateway State Trail! This paved, multi-use path begins in nearby Saint Paul, and runs for 18 miles northeast to Pine Point Regional Park, passing several urban areas, parks, fields, wetlands, and lakes along the way. It is wheelchair accessible and connects to many local and regional trails, allowing the Gateway State Trail to be used by all, so make sure your pooch has furrific leash manners!

#6 Medicine Lake Regional Trail

Go on a pawsome journey with your furry pal on the Medicine Lake Regional Trail! Spanning 15.6 miles from Maple Grove to Plymouth, this paved pathway travels past a number of parks and lakes, including Elm Creek Park Reserve, Fish Lake Regional Park, Rice Lake, and Medicine Lake. Much of the trail diverges from traffic, but there are some portions that intersect with major roadways, so always keep your canine buddy on a leash!

#5 Winchell Trail

Meandering along the west bank of the Mississippi River, the Winchell Trail is great for a nature hike with Fido without leaving Minneapolis. Spanning 2.5 miles between 44th Street and Franklin Avenue, this hiking-only path will take you and your pooch past an oak savanna restoration project and a white sand beach. You'll also come across stairs that lead to the adjacent bike path, and unpaved spur trails that go into the woods.

#4 Sam Morgan Regional Trail

Experience the sights and sounds of the Saint Paul urban area with Fido on the Sam Morgan Regional Trail! Running 9 miles alongside the Mississippi River, this paved path links the Crosby Farm Regional Park to the Indian Mounds Regional Park, passing several residential communities, commercial areas, and points of interest in between. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the river with your pupper with the downtown skyline as your backdrop!

#3 Midtown Greenway

A pawpular urban bike trail in south Minneapolis, the Midtown Greenway isn't just for cyclists—canine travelers are welcome here, too! With designated lanes for two- and four-legged pedestrians, and connections to other trails, this 5.5-mile path is pawfectly suited for getting some exercise and getting around town with Fido. It's even lit at night and plowed during the winter months for puptastic year-round walking.

#2 Lake Nokomis Loop

For a pleasant lakeside stroll with your canine BFF, head to Lake Nokomis Loop in the heart of south Minneapolis! Spanning 2.7 miles around the lake, this paved trail features beautiful wildflowers and offers pawsome views of the city skyline. Head out early during the weekends as it can get busy. Part of the loop is a bridge that is also used by cars, so be sure to keep your pooch on a leash at all times!

#1 Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Trail

Get some fresh air and brush up on your local history on the Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Trail! Looping around the Minneapolis riverfront, this 1.8-mile, self-guided route will take you and your canine pal to various points of interest, including Nicollet Island, historic Main Street, the West Side Mills District, and the one-of-a-kind Stone Arch Bridge. Pawse for photos on the bridge, where the view of Saint Anthony Falls is puptacular!