It is almost June. In Minnesota that means we are in our shortest season: spring. It seems that overnight we went from slush and ice to green plants and baby animals. I especially enjoy wind on my face with the scent of lakewater. The water is not ice and the wind is not cold. It is a welcome contrast.
Signs everywhere remind us to social distance and I appreciate that. In my experience, people on the trails are considerate and give each other space. There are lots more people on the trails than ever before and I think that is a good thing. Nature is healing.
Here are some trails in the Northern Suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Paved bike trails intersect with grass cross-country ski trails. Rice Creek winds through this park. Dirt trails make the miles more like a hike, less like a walk.
A nice spot to watch wildlife. Distance markers every tenth of a mile on the paved trail. Plenty of casual trails here. Minnesota’s largest Butternut tree!
10 mile suburban hike Snail Lake Blvd in spring Island Lake Park Valley Park at the south end of this hike standing on a culvert in Valley Park Grass Lake trail in autumn Grass Lake is the wetland in the northeast portion of this hike.
I know that there are lots of people starting to return to their normal traveling. I’m not yet comfortable with that risk yet. Hopefully I’ll be exploring northern Minnesota trails this summer. In the meantime I am enjoying finding new places close to home and planning more 10 miles suburban hikes. I hope everyone reading this is finding their joy today.
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