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 (4+)
See all- Sat AM Long Hilly Hike @ Afton State Park + Lumberyard Pub - AftonAfton State Park, Hastings, MN
Let’s meet up for an invigorating long Summer hike at Afton State Park! Following the hike(optional) join us for food/refreshments at nearby Lumberyard Pub, 3121 St Croix Trail S, Afton, MN 55001. https://www.lumberyardpubmn.com/lunch-and-dinner
Afton State Park’s grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of this park. Trails pass through remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines, and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River.
THE HIKE: Expect to be hiking 2.5 - 3 .5 hours at a medium pace (18-20 minute mile or 3 miles/hour, slower on hills) over 7.5-8 miles. We will pause a few times to hydrate and enjoy the scenery. This park is known for its many hills and our hike will confirm that reputation. Trails are of bare earth, rock, turf and gravel. There may be washouts, ruts, exposed roots, steep stairs, steep hills, mud and/or standing water. You may want to consider poles to assist with traction on this hike, especially if there is recent rain. We will hike in rain, but not a thunderstorm.
Bathrooms: There are modern restrooms in the visitor center with a couple of vault toilets along the trail.
PARKING: Each car will need a state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.
Sorry, no pets, +1s or children allowed on this hike.
IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, 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: After passing the park office/ranger station, follow the road until you come upon large parking lots on the right. The visitor center is closest to the first 2 parking lots. We will meet in front of the visitor center(up the sidewalk from the first 2 parking lots).
I look forward to seeing you there!
