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Twin Cities Hiking Meetup

4.8•15826 ratings

Minneapolis, MN, US

20,749 members · Public group

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What we’re about

Twin Cities Hiking Meetup (TCHM) is for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts who want to join like-minded people to hike on the vast and varied trails in the Twin Cities. Our purpose is to provide a variety of hiking and outdoor opportunities in our area's beautiful natural settings that foster friendships and community. Our members share a strong commitment to leaving our parks, lakes and rivers the way we found them; we embrace a leave-no-trace philosophy.

While TCHM focuses on hiking and hiking related activities, other outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing may be offered. Hikes are held year-round and many of them include a social gathering afterwards! Most of our regularly scheduled hikes take place in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the suburbs, but don’t be surprised to see opportunities to hike in county and state parks outside the metro area.

When joining TCHM, please use your given name or nickname in your profile, along with a clear photo of yourself. This will help us identify you when we see you on a hike or other activity.

There is no cost to join TCHM. However, maintaining our Meetup account costs approximately $300 each year. Periodically we will initiate a fundraiser to help with these costs. Participation in fundraisers is welcomed and voluntary.

TCHM is a place for you to get some exercise, have fun and enjoy your favorite outdoor activity with people who share your interests.

We are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, welcoming and harassment-free experience for all TCHM members.
Come join us!

Upcoming events

68

Fri, Nov 28 · 9:00 AM CST
Day After Thanksgiving Hike at Hyland at 9:00 am - Meet at the Visitor Center
Hyland Lake Park Reserve Visitor Center, 10145 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN, US
Please join us for a moderate paced hike (approx. 16 to 16.5 minute miles) at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. We will hike a route approximately 5.5 to 7 miles in length, depending on the weather, trail conditions, the decision of the leader and the will of the hikers. The route will be on paved, grass and wood chip trails.

We will hike in light rain or snow, but not a thunderstorm or a blizzard. If it looks like bad weather, we'll cancel the hike by 8:00 a.m. Ice grippers are recommended if there is packed snow or ice on the trail.

We will meet outside the Visitor Center at 9.00 and get going by 9:05. The restrooms are open and a cold water fountain is available to fill your water bottle both before and after the hike.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, please update your RSVP in a timely manner so we are not waiting for you at the start and to allow those on the waitlist to attend.

Questions? Send me a message or post your questions in the comments section after you RSVP.

Hike at your own risk: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Hope to see you on the hike!
20 attendees
Fri, Nov 28 · 6:00 PM CST
Headlight Hike at Jensen Lake (Lebanon Hills)
Jensen Lake Trailhead, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 1398 Carriage Hills Drive, Eagan, MN, US
Welcome hikers to this TCHM Friday evening Headlight Hike at Jensen Lake. This hike is located in Lebanon Hills Regional Park, at Jensen Lake Trailhead, starting at the pavilion. Perhaps after work, may be the only good time available during the week, for some people to participate in a group hike.

The pace will be relaxed to moderate (approximately a 18-20 minute mile). You will not be left behind! This hike winds it's way through the park, mostly on the Voyager Trek route, for approximately 4.5 miles.

These are rustic trails and so are full of roots, rocks and perhaps mud at times. There is ample parking in the trailhead lot and restrooms are available. It is strongly recommended to wear hiking shoes as well as comfortable outerwear.

I recommend bringing a headlight or flashlight to light your path forward. Please do not depend on lighting from the other hikers surrounding you. Also please consider wearing snow grippers (crampons) on your shoes/boots for our upcoming hike.

Thanks for signing up and looking forward to hiking with you all!
5 attendees
Sat, Nov 29 · 9:15 AM CST
Saturday AM Hike - Lebanon Hills Holland Lake Trailhead + Lunch
1100 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN, US
Please join us for a moderately fast-paced hike on wooded trails, around the ponds and lakes of Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. We will choose a route from several options, ranging from approximately 4.5 to 5.4 miles in length.

For even more fun, consider joining us for an optional post-hike lunch at Ansari Grill, 1960 Rahncliff Ct, Eagan, MN 55122

Wondering about the pace? Depending on the hike leader, the pace is typically between 17 and 19 minute miles. A pace in that range is considered moderate. Leaders attempt to keep the group together but sometimes, we spread out but a bit. We will provide maps for anyone who might fall behind.

Let's meet up outside the Holland Lake Trailhead Pavilion at 9:15 AM. We will make introductions and get going by 9:17.

No dogs, no kids, no plus-ones.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, please be respectful of others and update your RSVP in a timely manner. Do your part to stay off the dreaded "no show" list.

Confirmed hikers: If your plans have changed, please update your RSVP before 7:00 AM Saturday morning so someone on the wait list can attend. If you are wait-listed: Keep an eye open up until 7:00 AM Saturday to see if you made it onto the confirmed list. In the meantime, if your plans have changed, take yourself off the wait list.

Recommended: Dress for the weather. Layers tend to work well. It may be colder as you start out, but you will warm up during the walk. Bring water as you feel necessary.

Questions: Post questions in the comments section after you RSVP.

Important: ### By signing up for this hike, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release Twin Cities Hiking Meetup hikers, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####
4 attendees
Sat, Nov 29 · 10:00 AM CST
Sat AM Long Hike at Wm O'Brien State Park – Marine on St. Croix + Keys Cafe
William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail North, marine on st croix, MN, US
Let’s make the most of a long weekend with an invigorating long hike at William O’Brien State Park! Following the hike(optional), join us for food/refreshments at Keys Café & Bakery Forest Lake, 1960 W Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025. https://keyscafe.com/restaurants/forest-lake/#menu

THE HIKE: We will hike approximately 8 miles at a medium pace (18-20 minute miles) over about 3 hours, through a variety of landscapes including prairie, wetlands, hardwood forest and rolling hills. We will stop a few times to enjoy the scenery.

All of the trails will be non-paved trails with uneven terrain that varies with gravel, mud, snow and ice. There are many hills on this trail with several steep hills. Ice grippers on your footwear(ie: Kahtoola Microspikes) and/or poles recommended due to ice and packed snow we see on the trails this time of year.

FACILITIES: Modern bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead with a few pit toilets along the route.

Sorry, no dogs, +1s or children allowed. Only Twin Cities Hiking Meetup members who agree to these expectations will be welcome on the hike.

Each car will need a MN state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change, update your status to Not Going as soon as you are aware, even if you are on the Waitlist.

HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.
Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup)

FINDING US: We will meet by the map kiosk in front of the Visitor Center. After you pass the park entrance and ranger station, turn left at the first "T", and then take the first right into the parking lot.

See you there!
28 attendees

Past events

5859

Organizers

Bev and 44 others

Members

20,749

Related topics

Volunteer Trail Maintenance

Outdoor Fitness

Wilderness Hiking