The best walks and hikes around Savage

The Large wooden bridge – Hanrehan Lake loop offers a dynamic hiking experience, winding through dense forests and opening up to views of Hanrehan Lake. You'll navigate rolling hills and frequent twists, encountering the distinctive large wooden bridge and sections with uneven terrain, rocks, and roots. This moderate 5.7-mile (9.2 km) loop with 324 feet (99 metres) of elevation gain typically takes around 2 hours and 26 minutes, providing a good workout for those ready for a varied path.

To access this trail, head to Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, where ample parking is available. Given the park's reputation for challenging hills, ensure you bring enough water and wear appropriate footwear. The diverse scenery makes it a great option for a morning or afternoon hike, allowing you to enjoy the mix of woodland and open spaces.

What makes this Hanrehan Lake loop stand out is its challenging, hilly, wooded terrain, which can be a pleasant surprise for hikers used to flatter routes in the Twin Cities area. The park's extensive forests are also home to woodland songbirds, contributing to its designation as an Important Bird Area. It's a peaceful wilderness experience, characterized by glacial ridges and lush forests, offering scenic viewpoints and a true escape.

This Kelleher Park – Hanrehan Lake loop offers a delightful blend of serene parkland and expansive prairie. You'll start amidst Kelleher Park's impressive oak trees and wooded sections, crossing a neat wooden bridge, before the landscape opens up into the rolling hills and restored prairie of the Hanrehan Lake area. While direct lake views can be elusive, the vistas from the hilltops across the prairie are a standout feature, providing a sense of openness and tranquility.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight, as some sections of the Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, which includes the Hanrehan Lake area, can have seasonal closures. For instance, certain routes might be closed from April 1 to August 1, and winter often brings closures for cross-country skiing. Dogs are welcome on leashes for most of the Hanrehan Lake route, but always confirm specific restrictions before you go.

This moderate 9.2-mile (14.9 km) hike, with 439 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes to complete. It's an excellent option for those in the Burnsville and Savage area looking for a varied and accessible trail that transitions from community park amenities to the unique beauty of Minnesota's restored prairie landscape.

The Views of Murphy Lake loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through forests and open prairie with picturesque views of Murphy Lake. You'll follow singletrack dirt paths that traverse gentle rolling terrain, providing a sense of remote wilderness even though you're close to Prior Lake, Minnesota. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that makes this trail a local favorite.

Planning your visit to this easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) hiking loop is straightforward, as it requires no fees or permits. With only 126 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, you can comfortably complete the route in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. The trail is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering flexibility for your schedule, and ample parking is available at the trailhead.

What makes this Murphy Lake loop trail hiking experience special is its ability to transport you into a tranquil natural setting, despite its suburban location. It's a great option for beginners or families looking for family friendly hikes near Murphy Lake, and depending on the season, you might spot waterfowl or even bald eagles. The trail also serves as a connector to other paths within the larger Lebanon Hills Regional Park system.

The Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve loop from Savage offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, winding through diverse landscapes of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. You'll experience a mix of natural trails, hard and soft surfaces, and a prominent boardwalk that crosses a wetland, complete with a viewing platform. Keep an eye out for turtles from the bridge over water and enjoy the prairie wildflowers and various bird species.

This easy hiking route is a quick 2.0 miles (3.2 km) with minimal elevation gain of 48 feet (15 metres), making it ideal for a leisurely 48-minute walk or a light run. The trails are generally well-maintained, but it's wise to stick to marked paths due to potential dense wood nettle in some areas. The preserve is located in Burnsville, near Savage, and provides a great option for a short, scenic outing.

Beyond the natural beauty, the preserve is notable for its commitment to habitat restoration, featuring a self-guided nature trail with educational stops and a chimney swift tower designed to support these declining bird populations. This makes the Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve loop a great choice for families or anyone interested in learning more about the local ecosystem while enjoying a peaceful stroll.