Within the seven county ''metro'' area that encompasses the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul lies a network of literally hundreds of miles of trails. Wherever there was a network of trails, a hike was selected that was representative of the area showcasing the park or region's main attractions or personality. Some of these trails are broad, paved corridors through multi - use parks generously developed to provide myriad recreational opportunities for the young and old, the robust trekker and the casual stroller. Trails are based in a wide range of areas such as walkways of grass winding through majestic stands of Minnesota hardwoods. Other hikes are a spider - web networks that remind one of well - used deer trails. Some are isolated within a pocket of greenery surrounded by vast ribbons of freeway concrete and broad subdivisions. Others are woven within the fabric of parklands so expansive that you could literally spend weeks hiking all the networks lying within their folds. Twin Cities' hiking is huge; get the guide that gets you there and back. he decisive guide to day hikes in the Twin Cities' area just got better. Updated maps, new hikes, new photos, and brand - new trailhead coordinates - provided as UTM and Latitude/Longitude formats - make Tom Watson's authoritative guide to Minneapolis and St. Paul's best hiking even more useful than before. For readers who asked for actual driving mileage and wheelchair accessibility, each hike now contains that information in the Key At - a - Glance information box. Twin Cities' hiking is huge; get the guide that gets you there and back.