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Lace up, and check out these five hikes:

Rob Bignell, shown above with son Kieran at Fairy Falls, suggested several hikes. Below is a description with links to more details on his blog: hikeswithtykes.blogspot.com.

Best with young kids

Shadow and Angle Rocks lookout trails

(Interstate State Park)

There is something to see around every corner in this glacier-made wonderland.

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Best birding

Ridge Loop Trail

(Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth)

A high spot to see migrating raptors (and great views of Lake Superior).

bit.ly/OWbirds

Best challenge

Eagle Mountain Trail

(Superior National Forest)

Rewarding views for a steep, challenging climb to Minnesota's highest point (2,301 feet). Round-trip hike is 7 miles.

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Best kept secret

Fairy Falls Trail

(St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Stillwater)

Silver Creek is all but dried up this time of year, but the deep gorge is worth investigation.

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Best view

Shovel Point Trail

(Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay)

A short hike (1.1 miles round-trip) made better by fall colors and an arresting view of Lake Superior.

bit.ly/OWview