The Winchell Trail along the Mississippi Rive gorge in south Minneapolis is a little-known trail that follows what is believed to be an old Indian trail.
Set next to the popular River Road biking trail on the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, many people don't even realize it is there. Largely undeveloped, no bikes are allowed on this trail. Some parts have been revitalized including a large landing near 44th where a wedding party was gathered for photos the last time I stopped.
During the 1930's a number of walls, stairways and bridges were built by the WPA project. The trail is somewhat disjointed and hard to follow, meandering up and down through the woods... sometimes paved and well defined and sometimes not.
It's a fun nature excursion in the heart of the city. The trail runs roughly between Franklin Avenue and Minnehaha Park, with access at several points along the trail... a major access point at 44th and West River Road.
