Winchell Trail

Winchell Trail
In early March, a limestone staircase descends from a scenic overlook to Winchell Trail.
Length5 mi (8.0 km)
LocationMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Trailheads
  • Franklin Avenue South (north)
  • East 44th Street (south)
Use
  • Hiking only
  • Dogs must be on leash
Elevation change501 feet (153 m)
DifficultyModerate
SeasonYear round
Sights
  • Floodplain forests
  • Oak savanna
  • Prairie grasses
  • River gorge
  • Sandy beaches
  • Springs and waterfalls
  • Wildflowers
  • Wildlife
HazardsNatural surface portions may be muddy after storms or snow melt

Winchell Trail is a five-mile (8 km) round trip, pedestrian-only trail in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, that runs along the west side of the Mississippi River between Franklin Avenue South and East 44th Street.[1] Popular with birdwatchers and naturalists, the rustic trail provides Upper Mississippi River gorge access and views. The trail is separate from the adjacent multi-use bicycle path, taking hikers past sandy beaches, an oak savanna restoration project, and the floodplain forest.[2][3] The trail has multiple access points and the section from East 38th Street to East 44th Street is paved.[4] Described as moderate and for all hiking skill levels, the out-and-back Winchell Trail has total elevation gain of 501 feet (153 m).[5] Parts of it can be hiked in near solitude as its age and general dilapidation[clarification needed] have made it widely forgotten.[6]

  1. ^ U.S. National Park Service. "Walks and Hikes - Mississippi National River and Recreation Area". www.nps.gov. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  2. ^ "Hike the Winchell Trail". www.theoutbound.com. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Best Hiking Trails In The Twin Cities". November 7, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  5. ^ "Winchell Trail". AllTrails.com. Retrieved December 16, 2019.
  6. ^ Larsen, Elizabeth Foy (11 April 2020). "38 Perfect Parks: Ungroomed Adventure". Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.