Gentle Hikes of Minnesota's North Shore: The North Shore's Most Scenic Hikes Under 3 Miles

by Ladona Tornabene, Melanie Morgan, Lisa Vogelsang

Some of the best scenery in Minnesota is along Lake Superior. Use this book to find great hikes under three miles. It's ideal for anyone with limited time in the area, senior citizens, families with small children and people with physical challenges.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2002

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve always wanted to get out there and explore nature, but have been put off by the idea of a strenuous hike, then gentle hikes are just the thing to get you out the door and on the trail. This book touts itself as the hiking guide for everyone and I have to agree. Gentle hikes are scenic hikes less than 3 miles roundtrip and are for people of all abilities. They allow for seeing the most scenery in the shortest amount of time.

In addition to detailing the various hikes, there’s also information on short strolls (called almost hikes), waysides and scenic locales, and picnic areas. No matter your ability level, it’s possible to experience several of these locales and make a day out of it. By mixing up your activity level, you’ll have a great time seeing this area of the state without having a strenuous activity filled day. Take in a hike, stop to view a scenic vista, and then enjoy a picnic while surrounded by nature. Hop back in the car and do it all again and you’ve soon spent a pleasant day taking in some of the best highlights of the area’s scenic beauty.

This updated edition is enhanced with color photos and a more modern feel and provides all the information you need for your gentle hike right down to a step-by-step description of what to expect on the trail. If you’re planning a trip to Minnesota’s North Shore, Gentle Hikes of Minnesota's North Shore: The North Shore's Most Scenic Hikes Under 3 Miles and 61 Gems on Highway 61: Your Guide to Minnesota’s North Shore, from Well-Known Attractions to Best-Kept Secrets are must-haves for exploring the area.

[Mark Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows there are places on the North Shore where you can park your car and take a walk to see a waterfall or other beautiful scenery. The great thing about this book is that it lists almost all such walks - even the ones you don't know about - the ones that might be lesser known or a little bit off of Highway 61.
This book is ideal for finding great walks with little kids who can't walk a long way. The authors discuss trail conditions, steepness, steps, and potential hazards, making it ideal for people who may have limitations on what they can do. Many of the walks they describe would be great starts for longer hikes, but they really don't discuss what's past the turn-around points in the book.
I consult this book every time we visit the North Shore.

[Sherri Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the hiking of the north shore book but found anumberof smaller trails that I might love inthis one that I did not know existed. It is very well written.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells you in a VERY detailed manner all different gentle hiking/walks around the Duluth/North Shore area. It gave me ideas to check out next time I'm up there.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

These truly are gentle hikes to places you might not have thought of hiking before. The descriptions are very thorough and seemed accurate judging by the hikes we tried.

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minnesota’s North Shore, from Duluth to the Canadian Border, is renowned for its beauty.

The book’s hikes lead to picturesque waterfalls, winding rivers, rocky landscapes, and, of course, Lake Superior. To see the best of this unparalleled region, you don’t need to fill your backpack with gear or plan an overnight camping trip.

Authors Ladona Tornabene, Lisa Vogelsang, and Melanie Morgan present the top outings under 3 miles in length. This guidebook details about more than 45 short hikes at your fingertips.

Each trail entry includes full-color photos, a map, and the information you want to know: total length, surface type, resting areas, trail highlights, and more.

The book also includes details on 15 scenic walks less than a mile long, 18 waysides and scenic locales, and 11 picnic sites. Plus, there are special sections for people traveling in RVs and for people with physical challenges.

This book was really helpful on our short trip to the North Shore.

[Christina Spriggle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to try each one!! Fun review of all the great spots on the North Shore.

[Susan Marrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best hiking guide ever, with all the details you need, plus enthusiastic recommendations. Makes me want to explore everything along Minnesota’s north shore.