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Winchell Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 195 Google reviews · Running trail in Minneapolis, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Winchell Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dirt-path trail connecting to the Minneapolis trail system running alongside the Mississippi River.
What runners say about Winchell Trail
“Beautiful scenery and great place to walk along the river in downtown Minneapolis.”
Nice place to go a walk/hike I'm the twin cities area. Very enjoyable. Make sure to venture off onto the different trails and baths and you might find yourself some hidden gems of a views
Visited the southern access point of this nearly 140-year-old trail. Winds it's way around the river for about 5 miles total. Looking forward to hitting the trail in earnest when the leaves turn in the fall.
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.
I would give five star as I really like this hiking trail. It has multiple options. You can walk side by the road on pedestrian lane, if you want to go in deep (actual hike) you can go and walk underneath as well. Nice cycling track as well. I will go back and do this again. Nice peaceful area.
Trail conditions & character
“Make sure to venture off onto the different trails and baths and you might find yourself some hidden gems of a views”
“There is a small parking lot at the south end of the trail, but plenty of parking on the residential streets nearby.”
“Great walking trail for you and your dog through woods and valley of the Mississippi river.”
“There were paved paths and patted down dirt paths which was nice.”
Plan your run at Winchell Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 651-293-0200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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