The river cuts a deep gorge in the landscape here, the only one of its kind on the Mississippi. Most of the trails follow the river from atop the bluffs. Other trails take you through Mississippi Gorge and Minnehaha Regional Park, site of the 53-foot high Minnehaha Falls made famous in theHenry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.”

This is a popular stretchalong the bluffs overlooking the river. A series of unpaved walking trails slips into the forest and brings you closer to the water, while the main paved trail predominantly follows West River Parkway and Mississippi River Boulevard. A continuous loop crossing at the Franklin Avenue Bridge and the Ford Parkway Bridge is about eight miles.

Attractions
Be sure to see the legendary Minnehaha Falls, as well as Lock and Dam #1, the oak savanna restoration in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park located at West River Parkway and East 36th Street, and the ruins of the Meeker Island Lock and Dam at Mississippi River Boulevard and Emerald Street. The gorge area is home to many events and activities, including runs and walks, neighborhood celebrations, and music festivals.

View and print the Mississippi River Gorge map (PDF) and trail notes.