1.
Long Meadow Bridge – Hogback Pond loop from Mall of America
6.92km
01:48
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best hikes from bus stations around Bloomington
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 10, 2026
If you've ever tried planning a hiking trip around Bloomington, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails, it's hard to tell which popular hiking trails are genuinely worth your time, especially when you're looking for routes accessible by public transport. We get it – you want to spend your time on the trail, not sifting through endless lists. That's where komoot comes in. Our community has walked, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've curated a shortlist of the best bus station hikes around Bloomington that are truly worth your legs.
Hiking around Bloomington means stepping into a landscape defined by dense woodlands, rolling hills, and numerous lakes. You'll find everything from mature forests and wetlands to unique limestone bluffs, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy strolls to more demanding routes. The area truly shines in spring with blooming trees and in winter when frozen waterfalls add a unique charm, making it a great destination year-round.
If you're looking for a moderate challenge with rewarding views, we'd start with the View of Hyland Lake – Hyland Lake loop from 102 St W, a 4.9 miles (7.9 km) route that delivers beautiful lake vistas. For something a bit easier, the Nine Mile Creek Bridge – River Valley Park loop from Bloomington, at 3.3 miles (5.3 km), is a fantastic choice for a pleasant urban natural escape. With over 2,700 hikers having already explored Bloomington's varied terrain with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and discover your next favorite trail!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Meadow Bridge – Hogback Pond loop from Mall of America | 6.92 km | 50 m | Easy |
| Little Pond loop from 94 St W | 4.89 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Hiking loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge | 3.74 km | 30 m | Easy |
| View of Hyland Lake – Hyland Lake loop from 102 St W | 7.86 km | 50 m | Moderate |
| Nine Mile Creek Bridge – View of the Minnesota River loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge | 7.33 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Tierney's Woods loop from Utah Av S | 3.48 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Richardson Nature Center – Wood Duck Pond loop from Bush Lake Rd E | 8.68 km | 60 m | Moderate |
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2.
Little Pond loop from 94 St W
4.89km
01:15
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Hiking loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
3.74km
00:59
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
View of Hyland Lake – Hyland Lake loop from 102 St W
7.86km
02:03
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Nine Mile Creek Bridge – View of the Minnesota River loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
7.33km
01:53
40m
40m
The Nine Mile Creek Bridge – View of the Minnesota River loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers a captivating journey through diverse ecosystems. You'll start on the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, traversing extensive boardwalks over wetlands, then transition to gravel paths that lead into the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Here, natural-surface trails wind through floodplain forests and tallgrass prairies, providing picturesque views of the Minnesota River and ample opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially migratory birds.
This moderate 7.0-mile (11.2 km) hike involves about 318 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes just under 3 hours. Parking is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Education and Visitor Center or along the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. While generally accessible, be prepared for varying trail conditions, as paths can be muddy or icy, particularly in spring. Fall is a fantastic time to visit for vibrant foliage.
This area is a critical habitat for hundreds of migratory birds and various other wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching and nature photography. The Nine Mile Creek itself holds historical significance, believed to be named for its distance from Fort Snelling. The trail's unique boardwalks allow passage through sensitive wetland ecosystems, offering a distinctive nature-based experience.
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6.
Tierney's Woods loop from Utah Av S
3.48km
00:54
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
7.
Richardson Nature Center – Wood Duck Pond loop from Bush Lake Rd E
8.68km
02:16
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
tcbscott
August 7, 2026, Long Meadow Lake Unit Trailhead
Another lake to check out, probably gets good bird traffic during migrations.
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tcbscott
August 7, 2026, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
A nice big parking lot and rest room building at the starting point of crossing the bridge or going on one of the bike paths.
2
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tcbscott
August 7, 2026, Long Meadow Bridge
This is a different name for the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.
2
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Renner Anderson
June 13, 2026, River Valley Park
River Valley Park is located in the lowlands of southern Bloomington, Minnesota, within the Minnesota River floodplain. Visitors to River Valley Park will not enjoy views of the Mississippi River, which lies several miles to the east, but rather, lovely bankside views of the Minnesota River. Because the park is preserved as an undeveloped natural area, its boundaries are defined by natural features and major infrastructure. To the north, the park is bordered by steep river bluffs that rise toward Bloomington’s residential neighborhoods, roughly parallel to Auto Club Road and West 106th Street. To the south, it ends at the Minnesota River, which also forms the city boundary between Bloomington and the cities of Savage and Shakopee. On the east, the park reaches the I-35W Minnesota River Bridge. On the west, it extends to the U.S. Highway 169 corridor near the Bloomington Ferry Unit. This highlight is located on a trail along the east bank of Nine Mile Creek, which runs parallel to Interstate 35W and the eastern boundary of River Valley Park.
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tcbscott
March 17, 2025, Hidden Falls on Nine Mile Creek
Nice quiet falls just a short walk from the parking lot
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Renner Anderson
March 16, 2025, Hidden Falls on Nine Mile Creek
This small falls is located in one of the most scenic section of Nine Mile Creek as it flows from Moir Park to the Minnesota River. Looking at the beautiful scenery, one can hardly believe they are in the middle of a metropolitan area. This small waterfall is situated in one of the most picturesque sections of Nine Mile Creek, as it flows from Moir Park to the Minnesota River. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, it's hard to believe that you are in the heart of a metropolitan area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are accessible from bus stations in Bloomington?
There are 11 hiking routes in this guide that are easily accessible from bus stations around Bloomington. These trails offer a convenient way to explore the area's natural beauty using public transport.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus-accessible hikes in Bloomington?
The bus-accessible hikes in Bloomington offer a diverse range of landscapes. You'll find trails winding through woodlands, past serene lakes, and along creeks. The region is known for its rolling hills, mature forests, and unique geological features like limestone bluffs and ravines, providing a varied outdoor experience.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hiking options from Bloomington bus stops?
Yes, most of the routes in this guide are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. For example, the Normandale Lake Trail – Nine Mile Creek Bridge loop is an easy 5 km hike, perfect for a leisurely outing with children. Many trails feature relatively flat terrain and well-maintained paths.
Can I find circular hiking routes that start and end at a bus station?
Absolutely. Many of the trails in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish your hike at the same bus stop. The Hyland Lake – View of Hyland Lake loop is a great example, offering a scenic circular route around Hyland Lake.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails accessible by bus in Bloomington?
Many trails in the Bloomington area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park or preserve regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on a leash in most public outdoor spaces. Always remember to clean up after your pet.
What interesting natural features or landmarks can I see along these bus-accessible trails?
While hiking these routes, you can discover several natural highlights. You might encounter beautiful waterfalls like Minnehaha Falls, or enjoy views of significant waterways such as the Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The region also features unique geological formations and serene natural monuments like the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.
What is the best time of year to hike the bus station trails in Bloomington?
Bloomington offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings abundant wildflowers and blooming redbud trees, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Summer is ideal for enjoying the lakes, and even winter hikes can be magical, especially after a fresh snowfall. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any longer or more challenging routes accessible by bus?
While most routes in this guide are easy, there is one moderate trail available. The Long Meadow Bridge – Hogback Pond loop from Mall of America is a longer 6.9 km route that offers a slightly more extended experience, though still manageable for most hikers. For more rugged terrain, you might explore areas within the Hoosier National Forest, though these may require additional travel beyond the immediate bus stops.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the bus-accessible trails in Bloomington?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in Bloomington, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 137 ratings. Hikers often praise the accessibility of these trails via public transport, the peaceful natural surroundings, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable outing.
Where can I find more information about Bloomington's outdoor recreation opportunities?
For a broader overview of outdoor recreation and trails in the area, you can visit the official Bloomington tourism website. They offer comprehensive resources on various trails and activities. You can find more details at visitbloomington.com.
Are there any trails that offer good opportunities for birdwatching or wildlife spotting?
Yes, the natural areas around Bloomington are rich in wildlife. Places like the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve, known for its wetlands, are excellent for birdwatching. Many of the trails near lakes and through forested areas provide opportunities to spot various bird species and other local wildlife, especially during quieter times of the day.
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