Spring Hiking

[sjohnnie26]

With Spring approaching and people getting outside more and more I thought this would be a good place for people to post some of their favorite day hikes or walks.   

Any ideas for hikes or nature walks in the metro area?

[Mayfly]

Today we got out around como park. The daughter like just running around. We also frequent a couple nature centers, with tamarack being our favorite. They have nice trails and a decent atmosphere.

[robdoar]

There are 3 that I love to do for a quick hike.

1. Fort Snelling State Park
       Close to the airport, but a great 3-4 mile hike on an afternoon.
       Was just there with my family:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U6PgHsHgTQ[/youtube]

2. Bloomington Ferry Trails - My Favorite Metro Hike.
      Access: Auto Club Road and Bloomington Ferry Circle
(Trailhead located down the hill by parking lot area.)
Three trails stemming from parking lot area:
• Minnesota River Trail (3 miles)
• Blue Lake Trail (3 miles)
• State Corridor Trail (2 miles)
Terrain: All trails are packed earth

3. Afton State Park
OK, not really a merto hike, about 1-1.5 hours west of the cities, but has the best trails and scenery for a day trip.

I have heard good things about Minnesota Valley State Park.  Have not made it out there yet.  Probabally will this spring.  Keep forgetting about it.

[JCAMERON]

Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids one of our favorites close to home.
Rum river regional in Ramsey is also a good one.

[fishercz20]

7 mile creek just outside of Mankato. Numerous trails.

[sjohnnie26]

Went to the Fort Snelling trails today, and did the Pike Island loop.  Good trails, thanks for the advice Rob we had a great time.  I even managed to find a small shed from a fork buck.

[Mayfly]

Went to the Fort Snelling trails today, and did the Pike Island loop.  Good trails, thanks for the advice Rob we had a great time.  I even managed to find a small shed from a fork buck.

There is a ton of deer down there! Was there a few weeks ago and they were like squirrels. Took the daughter down and she liked to see the deer.

[robdoar]

Went to the Fort Snelling trails today, and did the Pike Island loop.  Good trails, thanks for the advice Rob we had a great time.  I even managed to find a small shed from a fork buck.

Glad you had a good time. I love that pike island loop!

How was the snow/slush/ice ?  Was pretty slushy for us last week.

[sjohnnie26]

Robdoar,
Trails were pretty much melted off, some mud/water in low spots but overall pretty good.