Minnesota's Ambitious Driftless Hiking Trail Gains Momentum

A vision for an epic long-distance hiking trail traversing the scenic bluff country of southeastern Minnesota has taken a major step forward.

The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail (MDHT) project recently secured a $426,000 grant from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, propelling plans to establish the 110-mile route through Fillmore and Houston counties.

Beaver Creek Valley State ParkPhoto byDayTripper

Spearheading the Trail Effort

Leading the charge is Marty Walsh, an economic development manager from Rochester who has dedicated years to rallying support for the MDHT.

Since 2019, Walsh has logged countless miles exploring the region, meeting with landowners, and building partnerships with local organizations like the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and the Minnesota Land Trust.

"Extremely rewarding and a little intimidating," Walsh said of the significant grant funding. "Next up for the proposed 110-mile path is hiring a coordinator, building a volunteer base, and forging more relationships."

Traversing Varied Terrain

The proposed trail promises to showcase the Driftless Region's diverse landscapes, from bluff-top prairies and steep cliffs to wooded hollows.

Walsh envisions the MDHT as a defining feature, allowing hikers to experience the area's dramatic shifts in terrain over the course of their journey.

"The ability to demonstrate how much and how quickly that landscape changes will be a defining feature for us," he explained.

Photo byMinnesota Driftless Hiking Trail

Filling a Gap in Minnesota's Hiking Opportunities

While the renowned Superior Hiking Trail offers extended backpacking opportunities in northern Minnesota, the southern part of the state lacks a comparable long-distance trail.

Walsh believes the MDHT will fill this gap, catering to the growing demand for such experiences among residents and visitors alike.

Short-Term Milestones and Community Involvement

With the funding secured, the trail project's immediate goals include hiring a coordinator, engaging volunteers, and securing agreements with the Department of Natural Resources to access state lands.

The plan is to establish 25 miles of hikeable, designated, and marked route by 2025, including temporary routing and road walks similar to portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin.

Walsh emphasizes the importance of community involvement, noting that the trail feels like a grassroots project driven by locals with deep ties to the region.

The University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships is also providing technical support and helping to ensure the trail integrates with long-term recreation planning by local cities and towns.

As the MDHT takes shape, it promises to showcase the natural beauty of Minnesota's Driftless Region while offering a unique hiking experience that could draw visitors from far and wide.