The best walks and hikes around Brooklyn Park
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Hiking around Brooklyn Park explores a landscape shaped by the Mississippi River, which forms its eastern boundary. The region features an extensive network of parks and trails, encompassing over 1,700 acres of parkland and environmental areas. The terrain is generally flat, characterized by diverse ecosystems including riverbanks, lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. Many trails are paved, ensuring accessibility for various activity levels.
Best hiking trails around Brooklyn Park
- The most popular hiking route is Coon Rapids Loop, a 2.6 miles…
Last updated: September 27, 2026
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hikers
4.13km
01:03
20m
20m
The Coon Rapids Loop offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, guiding you through a wooded oasis and restored prairie sections right along the Mississippi River. You'll enjoy refreshing riverside…
12.8km
03:16
30m
40m
The West Mississippi River Regional Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the west bank of the Mississippi River. You'll hike along a comfortable asphalt surface, transitioning from open…
2.06km
00:31
0m
0m
The Cenaiko Lake Loop offers a delightful, easy stroll around a man-made lake, perfect for a quick nature fix. You'll follow a smooth, paved path that winds past beautifully restored…
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3.37km
00:52
10m
10m
If you're seeking a tranquil escape into nature without a strenuous climb, the Treetop Trail is an excellent choice. This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hike offers a pleasant journey through…
2
hikers
9.37km
02:21
10m
10m
Hike the moderate 5.8-mile Palmer Lake and Shingle Creek Trail Loop in Brooklyn Park, offering natural scenery and connecting two water bodi
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Tips from the Community
This 200-acre park is the largest in the city, with a multi-use loop trail that runs for several miles. Watch for birds and other wildlife around the lake and marshes!
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Coon Rapids Dam, located between Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids, was built by Northern States Power Company in 1913-14 for hydropower generation, operating until 1966. The surrounding 446-acre Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a year-round recreational hub, with scenic views, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, fishing, and boating. The park connects to the Mississippi River Regional Trail, offering biking opportunities between Minneapolis and Ramsey.
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This trail extends over 8 miles and is a well-maintained paved path that takes you through parks and wetlands across most of Brooklyn Center. This section meanders along Shingle Creek, which gives the trail its name.
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Construction of the Coon Rapids Hydroelectric Power Dam began in the early 1900s with the aim of providing electricity to Anoka and Hennepin Counties. The dam is almost half a mile long and about 19 feet tall. This point offers impressive views of the roaring waters.
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The Mississippi River begins in Minnesota at Lake Itasca and flows 2,348 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This particular spot offers close-up views of the usually calm water, providing a peaceful place to take a break.
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North Mississippi Regional Park is a long-reaching park along the Mississippi River. There are bike paths that travel the length of the park and offer great views of the river, bridges, islands, and dense woods. If you hop off your bike and sit by the riverside, you may just encounter some of the park's beaver population or spot some unique birds.
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This park, a 200-acre natural preserve, is the largest in the city. It features a well-maintained paved trail that encircles Palmer Lake, winding through lush trees that provide shade for a portion of your hike. The lake and marshes are home to numerous wildlife species.
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This 67-acre park offers a picnic area, wading pool, and a pleasant walking path. As part of the Urban Bird Treaty, the park has been enhanced with the addition of native plants to create a more welcoming bird habitat. With serene views of the Mississippi River, it's a peaceful place for a hike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails in Brooklyn Park suitable for families with children?
Yes, many trails are perfect for families. The area is known for its flat terrain and paved paths. A great option is the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park loop, which is a short, paved walk with fantastic views of the Coon Rapids Dam that kids will enjoy.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are generally welcome in the regional parks, but they must be on a leash of six feet or less. Always check the specific park regulations before you go. Parks like Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve are popular spots for dog walkers.
Are most of the trails paved?
Brooklyn Park has an excellent network of paved trails, making it very accessible for walkers, cyclists, and strollers. The Rush Creek and Shingle Creek Regional Trails are primarily paved. However, you can also find more rustic, natural-surface paths, such as the wood-chipped spur trails at Palmer Lake Park, if you're looking for a more traditional hiking experience.
Where can I find a quiet nature hike away from the crowds?
For a more tranquil experience, Palmer Lake Park is a 200-acre natural preserve within the city. The loop around the lake offers a peaceful setting, especially on the unpaved side trails. It's a favorite spot for birdwatchers due to its rich marshland habitat.
Are there any long-distance hiking options available?
Yes, the regional trails offer opportunities for longer hikes. The Rush Creek Regional Trail is nearly 10 miles long and connects Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park to the massive Elm Creek Park Reserve. You can combine trail sections to create a hike that suits your desired distance.
What is hiking like in the winter?
Winter hiking is a popular activity in Brooklyn Park. Many of the paved trails are cleared of snow, making them accessible for walking. For a more adventurous outing, other trails are left for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Elm Creek Park Reserve is particularly well-equipped for winter sports, including snow tubing.
Are there any waterfalls on the hiking trails?
The main water feature in the area is the Mississippi River and the Coon Rapids Dam, rather than natural waterfalls. The dam creates a powerful rush of water that is quite dramatic to see from the walkway at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, offering a similar impressive water-based experience.
What are some popular places for hiking in Brooklyn Park?
Several parks are highly regarded by locals for hiking. Mississippi Gateway Regional Park is a top choice for its scenic river views and dam walkway. Elm Creek Park Reserve is a massive 4,900-acre park offering a wide variety of trails and activities. For a more urban nature escape, Palmer Lake Park provides a peaceful loop around a large wetland.
How do I get to the trailheads and is parking available?
Most of the major parks, such as Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve, are best accessed by car and have large, dedicated parking lots. The regional trail system also has multiple access points, some of which may be in residential areas with on-street parking.
Are most of the recommended hikes circular loops?
The area offers a good mix of both loop trails and point-to-point regional trails. Routes like the Coon Rapids Dam loop from Port Riverwalk are circular and bring you back to your starting point. Others, like the Shingle Creek and Rush Creek Regional Trails, are linear, allowing you to cover more ground in one direction.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Brooklyn Park?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths, the beautiful scenery along the Mississippi River, and the abundance of wildlife in the wetland areas like Palmer Lake. The accessibility for all skill levels is another frequently mentioned highlight.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife. Near the Mississippi River and in wetland areas like Palmer Lake, you have a good chance of spotting deer, beavers, minks, and a wide array of bird species, including herons and egrets. Early morning is often the best time for wildlife sightings.
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