Backpacking/hiking

[Toasty_Duck]

does anyone know of any backpacking or hiking clubs in MN? I would like to get out there and spend more time in the woods with my family. I live in Prior Lake down by shakopee.

Thanks

[TML]

Here's a couple of options that I know of.

Too bad you missed our full moon hike at Salem a few weeks ago. . . Next time. :)

The minnesota rovers outing club
MN Rovers (http://www.mnrovers.org/)

and

The Superior Hiking trail association
SHTA (http://www.shta.org/index.php)

[Toasty_Duck]

Cool I will have to check these out. Thank you

[FSSS]

Definitely check out the Superior Hiking Trail if you never have!! One of the best hiking trails in the US.

"The Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail" is a pretty good resource and any decent outdoor shop in the state should have a copy for sale.

Stop in to the store in Two Harbors and drop some $$... the SHTA is a non-profit and does a TON of trail maintenance. Sounds kinda familiar, huh?

[Buck]

Definitely check out the Superior Hiking Trail if you never have!! One of the best hiking trails in the US.

"The Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail" is a pretty good resource and any decent outdoor shop in the state should have a copy for sale.

Stop in to the store in Two Harbors and drop some $$... the SHTA is a non-profit and does a TON of trail maintenance. Sounds kinda familiar, huh?

Yeah I've done a 5 dayer on the SUperior trail, awesome the whole time even saw some bears!
L8R
Buck

[Thewavebb]

If you want more family based type or want a more relaxing camping trip just check out any of the bigger campgrounds up there. The larger ones have more facilities, I prefer more rustic myself. Some of my favorite larger ones are: Temperence, Tettegouche, split rock and gooseberry. There are tons of awsome trails around these campgrounds for day hikes. My favorite weekend backpacking park is George Crosby Manitou state park. The campgrounds are secluded and backpack only. The trails are steep and a little more challenging. The Manitou river is beautiful and has some cool waterfalls.

I would warn you though that northern MN get nasty blackflies. I avoid the area from june to early july if i'm going to be in the woods for great amounts of time.

[flombe]

For a quick weekend getaway, try Afton State Park. Pack in only to some nice bluff top sites. No car camping here although my first trip there I was fully under-prepared and fully over-packed with a 5 Y.O., a 2 Y.O. and coolers, etc. I carried it all in and up over several trips on a super hot summer afternoon and we had a great time (cold beer!), but woud definitely backpack in next time (Crown Royal!). Afton is a gem so close to town! Nice hikes in the park and good swimming area at the river.

[bigwheel]

Another nice park for weekend car camping is Banning State Park, about 10 miles north of Hinkley on I35. It's only about an hour north of the twin cities, but has nice hiking trails and steep bluffs if you get the urge to climb around on some rocks.

If you are into whitewater kayaking, it is also a great place to paddle. Depending on river level, Hells Gate rapids can be anything between moderate Class-3 to downright dangerous Class-5 rapids. Every inch of rain brings the river up a foot, so it changes quickly.