Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is always on the ground and in the know when it comes to our state’s trails—and two projects are reaching important milestones.
Thirty years ago, construction began on the Mesabi Trail. After decades of planning and persistence, it has finally been completed.
On September 15, 2026, the Mesabi Trail had a momentous ribbon cutting to mark the opening of its final segment, marking the completion of the trail development that started in 1995. With this final 6.5-mile stretch between the cities of Embarrass and Tower, the paved, multi-use trail now runs for 165 miles, making it the longest continuously paved trail in Minnesota. The previous record holder was the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which runs for 115 continuously paved miles from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park.
The wait is over and trail-goers can now enjoy the Mesabi Trail as one continuous paved route. Many have waited years for its completion and are eager to experience the finished product.
The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail will pass through Beaver Creek Valley State Park and near the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center area, pictured here.
Minnesota’s southeastern region is known for its vast bluffs, valleys, and streams. Soon the area may have a long-distance hiking trail for visitors to enjoy.
The dream of a 120-mile hiking trail in southeastern Minnesota is steadily becoming a reality. Dubbed the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail (MDHT), it started when a demand for more hiking trails in Houston and Fillmore counties was identified and quickly caught on with local support. In 2023, the MDHT incorporated as a nonprofit and in 2024 they secured a $426,000 grant from the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and hired the organization’s first Director. The western terminus will be near Chatfield and use the current 6.5-mile Lost Creek Hiking Trail, which has been built by the Bluff Country Hiking Club. Heading east, plans call for it to run through Beaver Creek Valley State Park. The group is working with willing private landowners, local governments, and the state to obtain trail access.
If completed as planned, MDHT will give hikers a 120-mile route through one of the state’s most distinctive landscapes. For nearby communities this could bring possibilities of new visitors and a stronger connection to the outdoors.
Want all the details on existing trails? Explore our interactive state trail map with in-depth data on trail conditions, parking locations, on-street segments and more!