Winchell Trail
A stunning urban oasis along the Mississippi River, famous for its vibrant fall foliage and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Winchell Trail
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning urban oasis along the Mississippi River, famous for its vibrant fall foliage and scenic beauty.
"This Minneapolis hiking trail is at PRIME leaf peeping colors this week."
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail can be uneven in spots. Opt for sturdy walking or hiking shoes for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
🚗 Parking Options
Several parking lots are available, including near Minnehaha Academy and along residential streets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Autumn Foliage Spectacle
Along the Mississippi River
Witness a breathtaking display of vibrant fall colors painting the riverbanks. A must-see for leaf peepers!
Mississippi River Views
Various points along the trail
Enjoy scenic vistas of the mighty Mississippi River, offering a peaceful escape within the city.
Historic Walking Trail
Minneapolis Park System
Explore the oldest walking trail in Minneapolis, steeped in local history and natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Colors
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail can be uneven in spots. Opt for sturdy walking or hiking shoes for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
🚗 Parking Options
Several parking lots are available, including near Minnehaha Academy and along residential streets.
🚶♀️ Customize Your Hike
The 5.4-mile trail is out-and-back, but you can easily shorten or lengthen your walk by using various on/off points.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The fall colors and river views are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail can be uneven in spots. Opt for sturdy walking or hiking shoes for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
🚗 Parking Options
Several parking lots are available, including near Minnehaha Academy and along residential streets.
🚶♀️ Customize Your Hike
The 5.4-mile trail is out-and-back, but you can easily shorten or lengthen your walk by using various on/off points.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The fall colors and river views are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Winchell Trail's stunning beauty, especially its vibrant fall colors and scenic Mississippi River views, calling it a 'beautiful gem' right in the city. While the trail offers a peaceful escape, some note that parts can be uneven, requiring careful footing.
"Love this trail. I converted the south end only so far starting at 44th Street parking North to Longfellow Beach. Beach was quiet on a Sunday.
There were some downed trees on trail to go under or over. Plenty of other walkers and runners and dogs not feel unsafe."
Carmi Anderson
"I hiked the total 5.4 miles out along the river where I could and stayed on the river road walking path coming back. There is a small parking lot at the south end of the trail, but plenty of parking on the residential streets nearby. You can make the trail as short or as long as you like as there are multiple on/off trails. The trail isn't far from the river road trail on the southern end but you feel far more removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Would be great in the fall!"
Trypp Adams
"Beautiful gem of a trail right in the city along the Ole Miss."
Tricia W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Winchell Trail is located along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. You can access it from multiple points, with popular starting locations including near 44th Street and West River Parkway, and across from Minnehaha Academy.
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, you can likely reach nearby bus routes and then walk or bike to the trail. Check local transit schedules for routes serving the West River Parkway area.
The Winchell Trail is conveniently located just a short drive, approximately 20 minutes, from downtown Minneapolis, making it an accessible outdoor escape.
Popular parking areas include a small lot at the south end of the trail and multiple lots further north along West River Parkway. Some visitors also find parking on residential streets near the trail entrances.
The Winchell Trail is primarily a hiking-only trail, with some sections being better trafficked than others. While some parts might be paved, it's generally recommended for walking and running rather than cycling to ensure a safe experience for all users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Winchell Trail is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy the natural beauty and river views free of charge.
As an outdoor trail, the Winchell Trail is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no specific operating hours, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking or tickets are required to access the Winchell Trail. It's a free, open-access public trail.
No special permits are required for individuals or small groups to visit and hike the Winchell Trail.
The trail is open for public access, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Winchell Trail is approximately 5.4 miles out and back. However, you can customize your hike by turning around at any point or utilizing the various on and off-trail access points.
The trail offers a mix of paved sections and uneven natural paths. Some areas have steps leading down to the river, and there can be downed trees to navigate.
While some parts of the trail are paved and might accommodate strollers, the uneven terrain and steps in other sections make it less ideal for wheelchairs and some strollers.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Winchell Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. It's a popular spot for dog walkers.
The trail offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River throughout. The steps leading down to the river provide particularly breathtaking vantage points, especially during autumn.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography on the Winchell Trail, especially when combined with the fall foliage.
Look for areas with vibrant fall colors along the riverbanks, the steps leading down to the Mississippi, and scenic overlooks offering expansive river views.
Drone usage in Minneapolis parks may be restricted. It's best to check the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide river vistas and closer details of the foliage. A wide-angle lens can also be great for capturing the expansive scenery.
While fall is spectacular, spring offers blooming trees, summer provides lush greenery, and winter can bring a serene, snow-covered landscape. Each season offers unique photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic to enjoy by the river, further saving on costs. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The interplay of vibrant colors against the backdrop of the Mississippi River offers endless opportunities for stunning shots. Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Don't forget a versatile lens to capture both sweeping landscapes and intricate details of nature. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Autumn on Winchell Trail
+1 It's a prime destination for leaf peeping, offering a serene yet visually dramatic experience right within the city limits. To make the most of your fall visit, consider timing your trip for early to mid-October when the foliage is at its most vibrant. While this period is popular, visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful stroll.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections of the trail can be uneven, and be prepared for the possibility of downed trees after windy weather. Navigating the Winchell Trail: Practicalities and Perspectives
Parking is generally available at several designated lots along West River Parkway, including near Minnehaha Academy and at the southern trailhead.
+1 For those looking for a more secluded experience, the trail offers a sense of being removed from the city's hustle and bustle, even though it's located within Minneapolis. 
Social
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