Winter hiking can be one of the most relaxing and quiet things to do. It can also be one of the most exciting things to do. You just have to find the right places to hike.

Even in the winter many of the parks in and near Walker, Minnesota are maintained well, even through the winter. Trails are well groomed for cross country skiers and wide enough for anyone up for a winter walk in the woods not to desturb the ski path. Surprisingly, there are very few people who take advantage of these trails and those who do rarely wander too far from their parking spots. This area is premium for hikers and cross country skiers of all sorts. In the Chippewa National Forest, almost all of the trails have difficulty markers and a map at each split in the trail.

This area is quiet enough for wildlife to feel unthreatened and provide visitors with an encounter with many animals. Through out the winter deer seek refuge here. This is evident by all the trails and beds in the snow you can find.

The Chippewa National forest spans a vast area. It has some of the best views and best hiking one can find in Minnesota. It is one open secret that people tend not to find when they visit. Many people decide to visit the nearby Itasca State Park and skip these hidden areas along the way.