The best walks and hikes around Robbinsdale
4.5
(43)
1,590
hikers
112
hikes
Hiking around Robbinsdale offers access to a network of urban parks and interconnected regional trails. The area is characterized by mostly flat terrain, with routes that follow lakeside paths, wind through woodlands, and traverse unique ecosystems like bogs. Many of the trails Robbinsdale Minnesota offers are paved, making them suitable for year-round use and accessible for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Robbinsdale
- The most popular hiking route is Theodore Wirth Parkway & 45 North Trail loop — Theodore Wirth Park, a 4.4 mile (7.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This route explores the largest park in the Minneapolis park system.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Luce Line Regional Trail & North Loop — Theodore Wirth Park, an easy 2.5 mile (4.1 km) path. This hike combines sections of a well-known regional trail with loops inside the park.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Crystal Lake Regional Trail loop — Lakeview Terrace Park, a 1.3 mile (2.1 km) trail leading through Lakeview Terrace Park, often completed in about 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Robbinsdale is defined by paved parkways, lakeside paths, and wooded park trails. The network of interconnected routes provides options for different ability levels, from short walks to longer excursions.
- The routes in Robbinsdale are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 1,200 hikers have used komoot to explore Robbinsdale's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
1
hikers
4.39km
01:10
50m
50m
The Area 36 Trail in Theodore Wirth Park offers a delightful hiking experience, characterized by its flowing singletrack and winding paths through lush greenery. You'll navigate numerous rollers and tight switchbacks, with some sections providing pleasant hillside views, all while enjoying the smooth dirt underfoot. This 2.7-mile (4.4 km) route, with its 170 feet (52 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a refreshing outdoor adventure.
When planning your visit to Area 36 Trail, remember that it's located within the popular Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. The trail is well-maintained and also sees use from mountain bikers and trail runners. A crucial detail for hikers: the trail is closed to all users when wet to prevent damage, so be sure to check conditions before you go to ensure a dry and enjoyable outing.
Opened in June 2018, the Area 36 Trail was designed with a focus on a smooth, flowing experience, even accommodating racing events. It's part of a larger network within Theodore Wirth Park, which is known as a premier mountain biking location in the Twin Cities. While rated "easy" for hiking, its "Blue" difficulty for other sports indicates a moderately engaging physical demand, making it a great option for those seeking a good workout.
2
hikers
4.09km
01:03
20m
20m
The North Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through a section of the Luce Line Regional Trail within Theodore Wirth Park. This 2.5-mile (4.1 km) route is mostly flat, with a minimal 65 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed stroll. You'll enjoy a pleasant journey through urban parkland, ideal for unwinding and getting some fresh air without any strenuous effort.
Planning your visit to the North Loop is straightforward. The trailhead is easily accessible within Theodore Wirth Park, and parking is typically available nearby. Given its short duration of about 1 hour and 3 minutes, it's a great option for a quick escape, whether you're looking for a morning walk or an afternoon break. No special gear or extensive preparation is needed, just comfortable footwear.
This trail is a fantastic example of accessible outdoor recreation right in the city, offering a peaceful natural setting within a bustling urban environment. It's particularly well-suited for families, casual walkers, or anyone seeking a gentle, easy-to-navigate path. The Luce Line Regional Trail section provides a smooth surface, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
Sign up for free
1
hikers
3.79km
00:58
20m
20m
The Bassett Creek Regional Trail offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic hike, primarily on a paved asphalt surface that winds through a pleasant mix of urban and park-like settings. You'll follow the gentle course of Bassett Creek, enjoying the foliage and green spaces that provide a welcome break from city streets. This easy route is perfect for a leisurely stroll, connecting you to major regional parks like French Regional Park and Theodore Wirth Regional Park.
Planning your visit to the Bassett Creek Regional Trail is straightforward, as it's designed for easy access. You won't need any permits or have to pay fees, and its paved surface makes it enjoyable in most seasons. With multiple access points throughout Plymouth, New Hope, Crystal, and Golden Valley, finding parking is generally convenient. It's an ideal trail for a quick outing, especially if you're looking for a low-effort way to get outdoors.
What truly sets the Bassett Creek Regional Trail apart is its vital role as a regional connector, linking not just parks but also several other significant trails. It ties into the Medicine Lake Regional Trail, the Luce Line Trail, the Grand Rounds Trail, and the Cedar Lake Trail, opening up possibilities for much longer journeys. Ongoing construction aims to complete a continuous off-street route all the way to the Grand Rounds Trail, further enhancing its appeal as a multi-use pathway.
2
hikers
7.11km
01:51
50m
50m
This 4.4-mile (7.1 km) loop through Theodore Wirth Regional Park offers a delightful blend of urban parkland and natural forest, making it an easy hike that feels surprisingly adventurous. You'll transition from the smooth, paved Theodore Wirth Parkway Path, with its open views and distant cityscapes, to the more rugged singletrack of the 45 North trail, winding through dense woods with gentle rollers and occasional rock gardens. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and foxes, and don't miss the unique quaking bog with its floating boardwalk or the marker for the 45th parallel.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as Theodore Wirth Park is a well-established urban oasis. The route is rated easy and takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes to complete, with a modest 162 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain. The park is family-friendly and dog-friendly, particularly on the paved sections. You'll find amenities like restrooms and food at The Trailhead building, making it easy to refuel before or after your hike.
What makes this trail truly stand out is its ability to transport you from the city into a diverse natural environment. Theodore Wirth Regional Park is the largest park in Minneapolis, offering a significant natural escape. It's a hub for year-round activities, showcasing its multi-functional trails, and its historical significance dates back to 1889. This loop provides a perfect taste of the park's varied landscapes and unique features, all within easy reach.
1
hikers
5.70km
01:26
10m
10m
The Centennial Park and Shingle Creek Trail Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the picturesque Shingle Creek, which is the headwaters of the Everglades. You'll find yourself immersed in diverse scenery, from wetlands and cypress swamps to wooded areas and pine flatwoods, with a particularly scenic loop around Lake Fran. The trail is largely paved, though some sections within Centennial Park feature unpaved or woodchip surfaces, making for a varied and pleasant journey.
This easy hiking route covers 3.5 miles (5.7 km) with a negligible 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. Centennial Park provides amenities like picnic areas and a playground, making it an ideal starting point for families. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring a straightforward and enjoyable experience for all fitness levels.
Part of the larger Shingle Creek Regional Trail, this loop is notable for its multi-use design and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species and even alligators in the lakes and ponds. It offers a chance to connect with nature and experience the unique Central Florida landscape, providing a refreshing contrast to urban surroundings.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Part of Theodore Wirth Park, The Trailhead is a hub for outdoor recreation in the community. Here, you'll find ski passes and all the essentials for your adventures in the park. There are lockers, a drinking fountain, restrooms, concessions, and equipment rentals.
0
0
This well-maintained, paved trail extends over 8 miles, taking you through parks and wetlands. This section runs from Lions Park to Centennial Park along the creek, offering scenic views of the water, including small cascades that add to its beauty.
0
0
This park features a paved trail connecting to Palmer Lake Park and circling around Centennial Park. It includes amenities such as picnic areas, a playground, softball fields, soccer fields, and a woodchip trail.
0
0
The creek that lent its name to this park was named for Joel Bassett, the first settler on the creek's bank in 1872. The park offers a playground, sports fields, picnic tables, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a stunning walking path. The fall is an ideal time to visit when the leaves are changing colors.
0
0
This nicely paved path winds through a beautiful park adorned with lush greenery. The area offers a wide range of activities throughout the year, from cross-country skiing to disc golf.
0
0
This trail spans over 63 miles, connecting the urban and rural areas of the town. This section, running through Theodore Wirth Park, maintains a relatively flat terrain, offering beautiful greenery, especially during the fall when the leaves change color.
0
0
Great location for a refuel on air, food and amenities.
0
0
Awesome trails right in the heart of the city. They’ve added a couple new loops over the last year. Definitely worth shredding on a mountain bike. Make sure the trails aren’t wet when you ride!
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Robbinsdale?
Yes, many parks in the Robbinsdale area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. For example, Bassett Creek Park is a popular spot for dog walkers. Walter Sochacki Park is also known to be a great place to walk your dog. Always check the specific park's regulations and keep your dog on a leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area.
What are some good family-friendly or easy hikes in the area?
The region is excellent for families, with many easy, flat trails. The Crystal Lake Regional Trail loop is a short, paved walk of just over a mile, making it perfect for little legs. Most of the 95 routes around Robbinsdale are rated as easy, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
Are there any paved trails suitable for strollers?
Absolutely. Many of the trails in and around Robbinsdale are paved, making them ideal for strollers. The Crystal Lake Regional Trail and Victory Memorial Parkway offer smooth, accessible surfaces for a comfortable walk. The Centennial Park loop is another great paved option for a relaxed outing.
What is the terrain like on the trails near Robbinsdale?
The terrain is generally flat and accessible. You'll find a mix of paved parkways, like the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, and unpaved but well-maintained paths through woodlands and around lakes. A unique feature is the Quaking Bog in Theodore Wirth Park, which has a floating boardwalk trail over a spongy, acidic bog ecosystem.
Which trails connect to other regional parks?
Several trails serve as important connectors for longer adventures. The Bassett Creek Regional Trail links French Regional Park with the extensive network in Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Similarly, the Crystal Lake Regional Trail connects you to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, opening up miles of interconnected paths throughout the Twin Cities.
Can I hike in Robbinsdale during the winter?
Yes, winter hiking is a popular activity here. The paved trails, such as those along Victory Memorial Parkway and the Crystal Lake Regional Trail, are often cleared, making them accessible year-round. For a more rustic experience, trails in Theodore Wirth Regional Park are also used for winter walking and snowshoeing, offering a different perspective on the landscape.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The parks around Robbinsdale are home to a variety of wildlife. In wooded areas and near water, it's common to see squirrels, rabbits, and various songbirds. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is a hotspot for birdwatching, attracting around 130 species. Near the Quaking Bog, you might spot dragonflies, frogs, and other wetland creatures.
Are there any particularly scenic or unique trails?
For a truly unique experience, visit the Quaking Bog in Theodore Wirth Park. A floating boardwalk takes you across a rare acid bog ecosystem, offering close-up views of carnivorous plants and unique mosses. For classic lakeside scenery, the paths around Crystal Lake in parks like Lakeview Terrace and Hollingsworth Park are excellent choices.
How difficult are the hiking trails in Theodore Wirth Park?
Theodore Wirth Park offers a range of difficulties, but most trails are considered easy to moderate. You can choose from wide, paved parkways for a gentle walk or explore more rustic, unpaved singletrack paths that wind through the woods. The Theodore Wirth Parkway & 45 North Trail loop is a good example of an easy, longer walk that showcases the park's diversity.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Robbinsdale?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved trails that are perfect for all-season use and the peaceful atmosphere of the lakeside and woodland paths. The accessibility and variety of routes so close to the city are frequently mentioned as major highlights.
Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls nearby?
While the immediate Robbinsdale area is characterized more by lakes and wetlands than significant elevation changes, you are not far from notable waterfalls. A short drive will take you to parks along the Mississippi River, like Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, where you can find scenic river views and smaller cascades, especially after rainfall.
Where can I find more information about the city's parks?
The City of Robbinsdale manages fourteen parks. For details on specific park facilities, amenities, and current regulations, you can visit the official Robbinsdale Parks & Facilities website.
Most popular routes around Robbinsdale
Most popular attractions around Robbinsdale
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
