A great way to take a break from work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life is to get outside and take a hike. The Grand Forks and surrounding area has some really great trails that can be enjoyed by you; your family and friends; and of course, your pets!  I spend a lot of time on the Greenway with my husband and dog at all times of the year but we have some really awesome locations nearby as well!

1. Turtle River State Park

Head west on Highway 2 and in no time, you will be at Turtle River State Park. This has been one of my favorite get-a-way places during the summer and fall. There are over 12 miles of trails winding through the forested hills and along the Turtle River.  After a nice long hike, you can rest your feet in the river to cool off or find some trees to hammock in. Turtle River State Park is open year round with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails in the winter. This is one location that will not disappoint for hiking in greater Grand Forks!

2. Agassiz Recreational Trail

Southeast of Grand Forks, you will find the Agassiz Recreational Trail. This hiking trail extends over 53 miles in Minnesota from Crookston to Ulen. The trail runs along an abandon railroad that crosses over the Sand Hill and Wild Rice Rivers which offers some great photo opportunities.  Be sure to watch for ATVs and snowmobiles while hiking as this is a multi-use trail.

3. Pembina Gorge Recreation Area

Take a day trip and go northwest to the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area (about 114 miles) to experience the great North Dakota outdoors! The Pembina Gorge is mix of valley cliffs carved out by the river, prairies, and wetlands; a true beauty you don’t want to miss! In my opinion, the best time of year is to go at peak autumn season to see the stunning colors of the changing leaves! The 26 miles of hiking trails offers you something new at every turn, making the Pembina Gorge a top destination for adventure seekers. One of the reasons I think the Pembina Gorge is so special is that the area has the largest undisturbed forests in North Dakota. Don’t just take my word for it, go check it out!

4. The Greenway

With over 20 miles of multi-purpose trails, the Greenway offers you a variety of options for enjoying the outdoors. An accessible paved path with multiple access points allows you to casually walk amidst hikers, runners, walkers, rollerbladers, and bicyclist. Take a more adventurous route in the south end by hiking the unpaved trail next to the Red River in the summer and by skis in the winter. This is great option for dog owners to give their furry friend an opportunity to explore and meet other dogs on the trails – my dog loves spending time on the Greenway! I love going out to the Greenway after work or on a weekend when I just need to get outdoors but don’t really want to go more than 10 minutes from home. I like to say the Greenway is in Grand Forks’ backyard!