Fall colors along the Sugar Loaf bluff in Winona
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Where to Hike in Bluff Country

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Fall colors along the Sugar Loaf bluff in Winona  / Visit Winona
Hiking // Southern Minnesota // Bluff Country // Article

Where to Hike in Bluff Country

Take sightseeing to new heights with a hike in Southeast Minnesota's Bluff Country, part of the Driftless Area that's free of glacial erosion and full of deep valleys and steep, rocky walls. From Red Wing to Winona, here is where you can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, spectacular fall colors, and the eagles, hawks and migrating birds that soar along the river flyway....

Fall hike up Barn Bluff in Red Wing

Hike up Barn Bluff in Red Wing for spectacular views of the city and Mississippi River

RED WING

The historic and charming town of Red Wing is home to several bluffs that are just an hour’s drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul. The most prominent of which is Barn Bluff. This landmark looms over downtown, the Mississippi Riverand the river valley.

Hikers can choose from a relatively easy south trail and slightly more difficult north trail (slightly more difficult) to reach the two scenic overlooks and additional trails. A trip to the top and back takes one to two hours. Serious rock climbers ascend the bluff’s north face, considered among Minnesota’s best climbs.

Those interested in area history will want to take a short trail on the northeast side of the bluff to the G. A. Carlson Lime Kiln, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Frontenac State Park fall colors

Frontenac State Park / Minnesota State Parks and Trails

FRONTENAC STATE PARK 

Frontenac State Park is another rewarding Bluff Country destination. The park has over 14 miles of hiking trails, including sections along the cliff edge that feature breathtaking overlooks of where the Mississippi River widens into Lake Pepin. 

One trail landmark is the natural limestone arch "In-Yan Teopa" (Dakota for "rock with opening"), perched on top of the bluff. In addition to stunning views and great picnic sites, bird watching at Frontenac is spectacular. If you've forgotten your binoculars, request a birding kit at the park office.

Scenic overlook of the Mississippi River from Great River Bluffs State Park

Morning fog over the Mississippi River at Great River Bluffs State Park

GREAT RIVER BLUFFS STATE PARK

Farther downriver in Winona, Great River Bluffs State Park is named for the sheer-sided bluffs that rise 500 feet above the river and valley. The park has more than six miles of easy hiking trails. Four trail overlooks — the North, South, East and King’s Bluff Overlooks — offer spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

Get an expansive view of the park’s interior from the Hill of Many Timbers and Kearn’s Valley overlooks. Hiking trails wind through forests, fields, and prairies that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. More than 100 species of birds can be seen in Great River Bluffs State Park.

Man and dog at Superior Hiking Trail overlook

Sunset on the Superior Hiking Trail / Alyssa Hei

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks. Save time by ordering one online before you arrive at the park.
  • For comfort and safety on the trail, be sure everyone has appropriate footwear (tennis shoes, not flip-flops).
  • Bring a water bottle for each hiker as well as plenty of sunscreen, bug spray and snacks.
  • Pick up a paper map at the park office or load a GeoPDF map before you leave (don’t rely on your phone to navigate because cell and Internet service may not be available in the woods).
  • The accessible trails at Minnesota state parks are stroller friendly as well as wheelchair friendly.
  • Some Minnesota state parks have all-terrain electric wheelchairs for use on unpaved trails.
  • If your dog will be hiking with you, keep it on a leash and clean up after it.
  • Don't pick wildflowers or otherwise disturb the landscape. "Take only photos, leave only footprints."