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by Tom Watson (Author)
It's Time to Take a Hike in the Twin Cities!
The best way to experience Minneapolis and St. Paul is by hiking them! Get outdoors with Minnesota author and naturalist Tom Watson as he helps you find and enjoy the top hikes within 60 miles of the Twin Cities. A perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring waterways of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. Experience the breathtaking views at Afton State Park and Barn Bluff. Go bird-watching on the slopes and hills at Frontenac and Lake Maria state parks. Immerse yourself in history along the old railroad routes of the Douglas State Trail and Cannon Valley Trail. With an award-winning outdoors writer as your guide, you'll learn about the area and experience nature through 60 of the Twin Cities' best hikes!
Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail. Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you're going. Tips on nearby activities further enhance your enjoyment of every outing. Whether you're a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor to the area, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul provides plenty of options for a couple hours or a full day of adventure, all within about an hour from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities.
Author Biography
Tom Watson was born in California and moved to the Twin Cities from Missouri at age 7. He remained in Minnesota until he graduated from the University of Minnesota's College of Forestry with a B.S. in forest resource management and recreation. Then, in the mid-1980s, he moved to Kodiak, Alaska, where he spent 15 years operating a sea-kayak touring business and began working as a freelance writer and photographer. Published in several national magazines and an award-winning, active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, Tom is also the author of Best Minnesota Camper Cabins (Adventure Publications) and Best Tent Camping: Minnesota (Menasha Ridge Press). In addition to hiking, he enjoys photography, music, gardening, bird-watching, paddling, and camping.
