Best Trail Running Near Minneapolis – St. Paul
Written by Kailey Lai, PRG Content Contributor, Senior, Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine | Competitive Runner
Reviewed by Aaron Boike, PRG Co-Owner, B.S. Kinesiology| UESCA Certified Running Coach | UESCA Certified Ultrarunning Coach | UESCA Certified Endurance Sports Nutrition Coach | UESCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach | ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Published: August 24th, 2026
Looking for the best trail running near Minneapolis? The Twin Cities area has plenty of options, from wooded singletrack and rolling hills to scenic trails along lakes and rivers. Whether you’re looking for a short trail run or a challenging long run, these six destinations offer some of the best places to get off the roads near Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Where is the Best Trail Running Near Minneapolis?
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Theodore Wirth Regional Park is one of the best places near Minneapolis to experience a variety of running terrain. It features wooded trails, rolling hills, and natural-surface routes that work well for everything from shorter trail runs to challenging hill workouts.
Natural/Dirt Trails: 10+ miles of natural-surface singletrack and off-road trails.
Best For: Hill workouts, trail training, and runners looking for varied terrain.
Recommended Parking: The Trailhead at 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway provides convenient access to many of the park’s trails.
Want a more detailed look at the park? Read our Runner’s Guide to Theodore Wirth Park.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Located in Eagan, Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers wooded trails, lakes, and rolling terrain. The combination of hills and natural surfaces makes it a great option for runners looking for a longer or more challenging trail run.
Natural/Dirt Trails: 20+ miles of hiking trails, with roughly 50 miles of total trails throughout the park.
Best For: Longer runs, hills, and more technical terrain.
Recommended Parking: The Visitor Center provides convenient access to the park’s trail system.
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Murphy-Hanrehan features wooded trails and rolling hills southwest of the Twin Cities. Its wooded setting provides a more secluded running experience while offering plenty of opportunities for challenging trail miles.
Natural/Dirt Trails: Approximately 21 miles of hiking trails, plus additional singletrack trails.
Best For: Trail workouts, hills, and longer runs.
Recommended Parking: The main park entrance provides access to the trail network.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Minnehaha Regional Park is best known for Minnehaha Falls, but runners can also explore scenic paths through wooded areas and along the Mississippi River.
Natural/Dirt Trails: Several natural-surface trail sections run through the gorge and wooded areas, although much of the park’s main trail system is paved.
Best For: Scenic runs, shorter trail outings, and runners who want a combination of nature and city views.
Recommended Parking: Parking is available throughout the park, including areas near Minnehaha Falls. Check posted signs for fees and restrictions.
Mississippi River Trails
The Mississippi River trails offer beautiful views of the water, wooded areas, and the Minneapolis skyline. West River Parkway is especially popular and can be connected with nearby trails for longer runs.
Natural/Dirt Trails: Approximately 2.5 miles of natural-surface trail can be found on the Winchell Trail along the Mississippi River Gorge, with additional connecting paths in the area.
Best For: Scenic runs, longer distances, and runners transitioning between road and trail running.
Recommended Parking: The Stone Arch Bridge area provides convenient access to the riverfront trails.
For more road and paved trail options around city, check out our guide to the Best Minneapolis Running Routes.
Afton State Park
Located southeast of the Twin Cities, Afton State Park offers rolling hills, wooded trails, prairie, and scenic views of the St. Croix River. The varied terrain makes it a great destination for runners looking to challenge themselves outside the city.
Natural/Dirt Trails: Approximately 20 miles of hiking trails, much of which travels over natural surfaces through prairie, wooded ravines, and river bluffs.
Best For: Long trail runs, hills, and scenic weekend runs.
Recommended Parking: The main entrance provides access to parking and the trail network. A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required, check current permit information through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before visiting.
Find Your Favorite Trail Near Minneapolis
Trail running near Minneapolis offers something for almost every type of runner. Whether you’re looking for hills at Theodore Wirth, scenic views along the Mississippi River, or a longer adventure at Afton State Park, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
Remember to adjust your pace based on the terrain, especially when running hills or more technical trails. Lace up your shoes, find a route that matches your goals, and start exploring. Happy running!
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