Must-Experience Hikes in Northern Minnesota

Finden • January 16, 2025

Northern Minnesota is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that traverse vast wilderness, skirt along majestic lakeshores, and ascend rugged bluffs to afford breathtaking views. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual explorer, this region offers diverse trails that promise memorable outdoor experiences. Before you embark on your adventure, consider staying at The Intrepid in Duluth. This boutique hotel combines luxurious comfort with exceptional service, making it the perfect basecamp for your hiking excursions. Heres a list of the best hikes in northern Minnesota

Superior Hiking Trail: Bean and Bear Lakes Loop

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Silver Bay, Minnesota
  • Length: About 7 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Why Hike Here: Known for stunning vistas of Bean and Bear Lakes, this hike provides scenic overlooks and lush forest trails. It’s one of the most iconic sections of the Superior Hiking Trail.

Stay at The Intrepid: Just an hour’s drive from this trailhead, The Intrepid offers luxurious accommodations where you can unwind after a day of hiking.

Devil’s Kettle at Judge C.R. Magney State Park

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Grand Marais, Minnesota
  • Length: 2 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Why Hike Here: The trail leads to the mysterious Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits into two, one side plummeting into a waterfall and the other disappearing into a hole.

Mount Josephine

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Grand Portage, Minnesota
  • Length: 3.5 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Why Hike Here: This challenging hike rewards you with expansive views of Lake Superior, Isle Royale, and the surrounding forests.

Oberg Mountain Loop

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Tofte, Minnesota
  • Length: 3 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Why Hike Here: This trail is famous for its multiple overlooks offering 360-degree views of the North Shore’s autumn colors, Lake Superior, and surrounding mountains.

Eagle Mountain Trail

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Lutsen, Minnesota
  • Length: 7 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Why Hike Here: As the highest point in Minnesota, Eagle Mountain offers a challenging hike with rewarding views over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Sunlit lake with rocky shoreline and distant tree-lined shore at sunset

Cascade River State Park Trails

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Lutsen, Minnesota
  • Length: Varies, multiple loops
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Why Hike Here: The trails wind along the Cascade River with its beautiful waterfalls and lush forest settings—perfect for a relaxing day hike.

Lookout Mountain Trail in Cascade River State Park

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Lutsen, Minnesota
  • Length: About 3.5 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Why Hike Here: Offers extensive vistas of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains, particularly stunning during the fall color season.

Tettegouche State Park Trails

Trail Details:

  • Location: Near Silver Bay, Minnesota
  • Length: Varies, multiple trails
  • Difficulty: Easy to Difficult

Why Hike Here: Explore the rugged beauty of Tettegouche, with its high cliffs, inland bluffs, waterfalls, and breathtaking lake views. Don’t miss the High Falls of the Baptism River, the tallest waterfall entirely in Minnesota.

Northern Minnesota’s trails offer an escape into the wild, with each hike presenting its own set of challenges and rewards. Starting or ending your day at The Intrepid in Duluth adds a touch of luxury and relaxation to your adventure, providing a comfortable and convenient retreat after a day spent in nature. Plan your hiking trip with The Intrepid as your base, and experience the best outdoor adventures that Minnesota has to offer.

What is The Intrepid?

Discover the charm and adventure of Duluth while staying at The Intrepid. Located in the heart of downtown, this newest addition to the Njord family offers eight unique, stylishly appointed units, perfect for adventurers, couples, and wedding parties. Their boutique hotel is an affordable luxury and is located in an ideal location. The Intrepid provides easy access to Duluth’s best attractions including Black Water Lounge, Fitgers and, Canal Park making it the perfect base for exploring the city or relaxing after a special event. Experience comfort designed with your needs in mind and create unforgettable memories at The Intrepid. The Intrepid Duluth has a wide range of great  amenities  that are sure to make your stay one of a kind. Visit us at  www.theintrepidduluth.com  to book your adventure today! If you have any questions make sure to make check out our  FAQ page  found in the header.

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