The best walks and hikes around South St. Paul

Yes, a significant number of trails around South St. Paul are paved, making them accessible for walking, running, and cycling. The Mississippi River Trail is a prime example, offering a flat, paved path along the river. Many parks, like Crosby Farm Regional Park and Kaposia Landing, also feature extensive paved trail networks through woodlands and along the riverfront.

Most parks and trails in and around South St. Paul are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Popular spots for dog walkers include the expansive trail systems at Fort Snelling State Park and Battle Creek Regional Park. Always check specific park regulations before you go, as some sensitive natural areas may have restrictions.

The region is excellent for beginners and families due to its many flat, accessible trails. The Kaposia Landing loop — West Saint Paul is a very easy and short walk along the river. For a slightly longer but still gentle option, the trails at Crosby Farm Regional Park are a local favorite, winding through scenic river-bottom forests.

Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. Hidden Falls Regional Park is a popular destination named for its charming, spring-fed waterfall tucked into the river bluffs. The park offers paved trails that lead to both the base of the falls and an upper viewing area. Shadow Falls Park also features a small, scenic waterfall in a more intimate setting.

Several highly-regarded parks offer excellent hiking. Fort Snelling State Park is a vast, popular area with numerous trails at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Hidden Falls Regional Park is a local favorite for its scenic trails and namesake waterfall. For a more rugged experience, Battle Creek Regional Park provides a mix of paved and unpaved paths through a large, wooded valley.

There are over 35 hiking routes to explore in and around South St. Paul. The majority of these are rated as easy, featuring paved greenways and flat riverside paths, but there are also several moderate trails that explore the region's wooded bluffs and ravines.

The trails around South St. Paul are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths, the beautiful views of the Mississippi River, and the peaceful atmosphere of the connected park system.

Yes, the interconnected trail system allows for longer hikes. The Mississippi River Trail and the River to River Greenway serve as spines that connect multiple parks. You can create extended routes by linking trails between places like Kaposia Park, Kaposia Landing, and Simon's Ravine. The Aspen Loop & Dan's Path — Harmon Park Reserve offers a good example of a longer loop at over 4 miles (6.9 km).

Many trails offer excellent river views. The Mississippi River Trail, built atop a levee, provides open vistas of the water. For elevated views, the trails in Cherokee Regional Park run along the bluffs, offering panoramic scenes of the river and the St. Paul skyline. The overlooks at Kaposia Landing are also great spots for watching river activity.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find many flat, paved greenways, especially along the Mississippi River. However, parks like Battle Creek Regional Park and Hidden Falls Regional Park feature trails that wind through steep, wooded ravines and up river bluffs, offering more challenging inclines and natural surfaces.

Many of the major parks and trailheads within St. Paul city limits, such as those for Hidden Falls and Cherokee Regional Parks, are accessible via Metro Transit bus routes. It's best to use a transit planning app to find the most direct route to a specific park entrance or trailhead on the day of your hike.