Our Vision

The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is an ambitious long-distance, 100-mile trail currently in development, stretching from Chatfield, Minnesota, to the Mississippi River. Winding through the rugged and picturesque Driftless Area, this trail will showcase the region’s unique topography, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes.

Our goal is to create an immersive outdoor experience that connects hikers with the natural beauty, history, and communities of southeastern Minnesota. Once completed, the trail will provide opportunities for adventure, recreation, and conservation, offering a place for people of all backgrounds to explore, reflect, and connect with nature.

Excited to learn more? Explore our proposed corridor below and stay up to date with the latest trail developments!

Trail Corridor

The trail corridor illustrates the proposed corridor for the trail, which represents a broad area around the planned route. The final trail location will depend on granted land access and may extend beyond the corridor if additional access is secured. Ultimately, it’s a question of land access and balancing getting people out on trail quickly with providing a quality hiking experience.

If you’re a landowner interested in the possibilities of hosting a section of the trail on your property, visit our Landowner Partnership page to discover the benefits and learn more about the process

The Latest Trail Updates

Check out our trail updates for the latest progress on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail.

Trail Progress Reports