He Mni Can/ Barn Bluff Trail Head — Attraction in Red Wing

If you like walking and sweating with some surprisingly scenic spots, you may want to take the South or Quarry Trails. North Trail is considered a bit tough and risky due to the terrain and steeper slopes. From the West Outlook (I would recommend taking South Trail), you can see the whole town. The view is worth walking. Quarry Trail takes you more along the Mississippi River.

The reason for the 3-star rating vs. 4.5-5 star rating is the safety issue. When you take South Trail and reach the West Outlook, the stairs shown on the map to come down, ends abruptly half way with a sign on the tree telling you to go to North Trail (which you should not); instead go back go back to the East entrance using South Trail One plate on the tree also tells you that there are no stairs anymore as they got deteriorated. The issue is that visitors can have different health conditions, including heart condition. They may be prepared for .66 miles walk but not conditioned to go to North Trail or walk all the way back to the East Outlook to come down. If the stairs on the West Outlook do not exist anymore, then the map at the East entrance should be updated and clear big signs mentioning that there are no stairs at the West Outlook and the visitors should plan their trip based on walking back to the East parking lot. It would be nice to have make-shift toilets in the parking lot and drinking water stations to fill water bottles. People can get dehydrated. #Redwing #BarnBluff #Minnesota #travel...

He Mni Can/Barn Bluff trail is for the leisure walkers (South Trail) or the not-faint-at-heart advanced walkers (North Trail). The North Trail is clearly marked: “Advanced walkers. Not for physically challenged, children or pets.” Somewhere in that translation I didn’t fully grasp that my wife (afraid of heights), myself and our 9 year old Lab, Bentley, would take any other trail. The North Trail was our impetus. But soon I faced the challenge of the rugged, narrow trail that required me to hold onto a rope and still keep Bentley on his leash leading the way. My wife followed behind, facing her own challenges of fear of heights and rugged incline. At times it leveled out and widen along the bluff face, where pitons clearly mark rock climbing, picnic tables in a wooded nook and overlooks revealed the Mississippi below. Wildlife came in the likes of a raccoon and a couple deer. Reaching the top, one can enjoy the magnificent view of downtown Red Wing, river and highway traffic on the newly built Eisenhower Bridge of Valor and the surrounding neighborhoods. The return on the South Trail was a walk in the woods. Passing on the North Trail can be tricky, trails on top are not clearly marked and parking...

It is an excellent hike for those that want an easy/moderate hiking experience. The map is easy to follow.

Time: It took us close to 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish our hike. This included taking several breaks and enjoying the views. So, if you are planning on coming to just hike, plan 2 hours if you are casually enjoying the scenery.

Parking: there is a parking lot. But it fills up fast towards the afternoon. We got here on a Saturday morning (10:30am) and there were several cars in the parking lot. There is additional parking on the street.

Restrooms: There is one portapotty that is well maintained with sanitizer.

Difficulty: Excellent for those that want an easier hike, you can find it here. We have hiked Mt. Rainier, Iceland, Hawaii, California and other trails in Minnesota. The paths are easy and well maintained. The more difficult paths are difficult but not super hard. The easy paths are definitely made for those that want to enjoy Barn Bluff, which is great.

Bugs: bring bug spray if you hate mosquitoes. There weren't too many but there are just enough to bother those that have a huge distaste for mosquitoes.

Would highly recommend coming here for the amazing views and...