5 Best Hiking Trails in Rochester, MN

Just a few years ago, the push to reach 10,000 steps a day was the focus to be healthier. According to Harvard Health Publishing, 8,000 to 12,000 steps a day does help you maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular fitness, and supports metabolic health.

If you want to just go out for a nice hike or take a loop on a walking path, 4,000 to 6,000 steps per day has perks too. That amount of walking improves your mood, helps prevent cognitive decline, and reduces the stress you may be experiencing.

Next time you want to get a few extra steps in, check out these top 5 scenic spots to go for a walk in Rochester.

Top 5 Spots in Rochester, Minnesota For A Fun, Easy Hike

Quarry Hill

Where You Can Walk: There are about 8 miles of trails that you can explore. All ages and abilities can enjoy this area which has about 329 acres.
What You'll See: a restored oak savanna, historic limestone fossil quarry, sandstone caves, and a pond for nature watching.
Learn more at Quarry Hill Nature Center's website

Root River Park

Where You Can Walk: enjoy the 2-mile looped hiking trail that winds along the Root River. Enjoy this park 365 days a year at 4012 80th Street SE in Rochester.
What You'll See: trees, the Root River, great places for fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Learn more at Olmstedcounty.gov
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Douglas State Trail

Where You Can Walk: this trial is a full 12.5 mile long destination that starts in Rochester and finishes in Pine Island. You can walk, hike, or ride your bike.
What You'll See: Forests, rolling fields, pastures, and a paved trail system.
Learn more at MN Department of Natural Resources website

Cascade Lake Park

Where You Can Walk: enjoy this 2.4 mile trail that follows a lake.
What You'll See: lake views, wildflowers, many bird-watching opportunities, and a natural edge habitat
Learn more at alltrails.com

Northern Heights Trail

Where You Can Walk: built by volunteers, this is a great 1.4 mile loop that takes you through a neighborhood setting.
What You'll See: fields and woods. To enter the trailhead, go to the gravel parking lot at the top of Northern Hills Drive. You'll see the trailhead across the street from that.
Learn more at kroc.com

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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio