There are 35 Minnesota state water trails, including the north shore of Lake Superior, and most Minnesotans live within an hour of a state water trail. Are you ready to start paddling? Here are a few suggested trips.
Day trips
Cannon River State Water Trail
- Route: Cannon Falls to Miesville Ravine County Park (6.9 miles)
or Cannon Falls to County Road 7 (11.9 miles) - Highlights: Smaller, scenic river with moderate current
Crow River State Water Trail, North Fork
- Route: Hanover (Crow-Hassan Park Reserve) to Mississippi River (16 miles)
- Highlights: Rural landscape and farmlands
Mississippi River State Water Trail
- Route 1: University of Minnesota East River Flats Park to Hidden Falls Regional Park (5 miles)
- Highlights: Urban setting, scenic bluffs, paddle through lock and dam
Mississippi River State Water Trail
- Route 2: Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park to Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park (near I-694 bridge) (6 miles)
- Highlights: Wooded banks with islands and side channels
Mississippi River State Water Trail
- Additional routes: Find more day trips along the upper Mississippi River State Water Trail at the Mississippi Headwaters Board.
Rum River State Water Trail
- Route: Isanti to St. Francis (11 miles)
- Highlights: Easy rapids and good fishing
St. Croix River State Water Trail
- Route: Taylors Falls to Osceola (8 miles)
- Highlights: River is a National Scenic Riverway
Weekend overnight trips
St. Croix River State Water Trail (two trips)
- Route: State Highway 48 (Thayer's Landing) to State Highway 70 Landing (28.6 miles)
or State Highway 70 Landing to Wild River State Park Landing (26.9 miles) - Highlights: River is a National Scenic Riverway
Root River State Water Trail
- Route: State Highway 52 to Rushford (47 miles)
- Highlights: Wooded bluffs along river
Zumbro River State Water Trail
- Route: Zumbro Falls to Kellogg (42 miles)
- Highlights: Great get-away experience
Whitewater rivers (experienced whitewater paddlers only)
Kettle River State Water Trail
- Through Banning State Park 16 miles with class II to IV rapids
- The 7 miles through St. Croix State Park have class I-II rapids
St. Louis River State Water Trail
- Scanlon to Thomson Reservoir has 5 miles of class II-III rapids
- The 7 mile section through Jay Cooke State Park is class II-VI (kayaks recommended)
- Only river in the state with whitewater rafting.
- Water level can vary significantly, but generally navigable by experienced whitewater paddlers
- Check river level conditions before you go
- National Kayak Center is located in Carlton
Snake River State Water Trail
- Near McGrath 13 miles of class II-III rapids
- The 13 miles from Pine City to the St. Croix River State Water Trail has class I-II rapids
Vermilion River State Water Trail
- Has 39 miles of scattered class I-VI rapids