Trail guide author recommends five great hikes

Rob Bignell recommends outings, some kid-friendly, some challenging, all interesting.

September 18, 2015 at 1:25AM
Entrance free on Black Friday to Shovel Point in Tettegouche State Park. and all Minnesota state parks.
Shovel Point in Tettegouche State Park (Robert Timmons — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Lace up, and check out these five hikes:

Rob Bignell, shown above with son Kieran at Fairy Falls, suggested several hikes. Below is a description with links to more details on his blog: hikeswithtykes.blogspot.com.

Best with young kids

Shadow and Angle Rocks lookout trails

(Interstate State Park)

There is something to see around every corner in this glacier-made wonderland.

Best birding

Ridge Loop Trail

(Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth)

A high spot to see migrating raptors (and great views of Lake Superior).

Best challenge

Eagle Mountain Trail

(Superior National Forest)

Rewarding views for a steep, challenging climb to Minnesota's highest point (2,301 feet). Round-trip hike is 7 miles.

Best kept secret

Fairy Falls Trail

(St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Stillwater)

Silver Creek is all but dried up this time of year, but the deep gorge is worth investigation.

Best view

Shovel Point Trail

(Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay)

A short hike (1.1 miles round-trip) made better by fall colors and an arresting view of Lake Superior.

about the writer

about the writer