I want to know how many #52HikeChallenge participants have braced the midwest winds and snowstorms while getting their hikes in, because I am just about done with winter hiking. As much as I love living the in the North, going for a hike and risking frostbite is not always my cup of tea!
Nevertheless, I got creative and embraced Minnesota’s craziest season to get outside and hike.
THE HIKES
Week 31: Dakota Park; St. Louis Park, MN
Week 32: Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden; Minneapolis, MN
Week 33: Zumbro South Trail; Rochester Trail System; Rochester, MN
Week 34: Devil’s Punchbowl Nature Area; Menomonie, WI
Week 35: Birchwood Park; St. Louis Park, MN
Week 36: Dakota Park; St. Louis Park, MN
Week 37: Prairie Trail; Richardson Nature Center, Three Rivers Park; Bloomington, MN
Week 38: Aspen Trail; Richardson Nature Center, Three Rivers Park; Bloomington, MN
Week 39: Shovel Point; Tettegouche State Park; Silver Bay, MN
Week 40: High Falls; Tettegouche State Park; Silver Bay, MN
Week 41: Caribou Falls State Wayside; Silver Bay, MN
Week 42: Sugarloaf Cove; Schroeder, MN
Week 43: Temperance River State Park; Schroeder, MN
REFLECTIONS
Prairie Trail // Richardson Nature Center. This hike was my second time snowshoeing (and my first time in 5+ years) and I forgot how fun it is! When there are fluffy layers of snow, it’s ideal. We loved this park, part of the Three Rivers Park District – highly recommended because snowshoe rentals are only $5.
High Falls // Tettegouche State Park. Took a winter trip to the North Shore (read all about it here) and hiked my absolute favorite trail in Minnesota. We had hiked to High Falls on past trips, but took a different trail route. This trail spanned hills and valleys of Tettegouche and we walked in woodsy covered areas as well as open land. The fluffy snow and pine trees make for a scenic hike in the winter!
Sugarloaf Cove // North Shore. I had never found this secret spot on past trips at the North Shore, but it was amazing! We went off the beaten path a bit (sorry Sugarloaf) and stood on a small stretch of land that had the calm cove on one side and the rushing waters of Lake Superior on the other.
It’s hard to believe my next 52 Hike Challenge post will be my last! I’m not going to lie – I thought I would give up when Minnesota hit me with its hardest and coldest weather. It’s been cool to explore new trails and find ways to follow Eric Dayton’s mantra: embracing all that Minnesota’s winters have to offer, snow and all.
Rachel Enerson 