Essential gear for every adventure: Outfit Your Mind¿ Take a Hike! Who says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike? Covering forty of the best hikes within an hour¿s drive of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this guide offers something for every hiker¿from easy nature walks to strenuous day hikes. Each featured hike includes a route description; at-a-glance data such as distance and difficulty level; thorough directions to the trailhead; directional cues; and a detailed, accurate trail map. Known for spectacular summer weather, the Twin Cities boasts an unbelievable variety of hiking trails ranging from short after work jaunts to wilderness adventures for weekend exploring. Within a few minutes of the concrete towers of downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, hikers can experience diverse landscapes such as wetlands, wildflower meadows, oak forests, and the banks of major rivers like the Mississippi, Minnesota, and Crow. Inside yoüll find full-color photos and maps; information on approximate hiking times, canine compatibility, and fees and permits required; and sidebars on local lore, points of interest, and area wildlife.