Hunter Walking Trails

What is a HWT?

A feature of Minnesota's primary grouse range, HWT provide comparatively easy access to grouse and woodcock areas. HWT wind their way through Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), connecting with some state forests and other public hunting lands. Several HWT also fall within Ruffed Grouse Management Areas (RGMAs). Many of the trails are gated (helping to prevent OHV access) and most of them have signs. Parking is either in lots or on the roadside. 

How do I find a HWT?

Find on the map

Use the map below to find a trail by name, county, or length. Use view link to open a detailed, mobile-friendly and printable GeoPDF map.

Google Earth file

You can view all of the HWTs using the free Google Earth application (Google Chrome is required to run the new Google Earth). Download the Hunter Walking Trail file and save it to your device. Then launch Google Earth, click on My Places, enable importing, and import the HWT KMZ file that you just downloaded. All Minnesota's hunter walking trails will appear in the application.

How are HWT managed?

Enhancements on the trails vary. Some feature clover planted along the trail, others have forest openings that tend to attract wildlife, and some are mowed annually. Many of the trails follow the courses of old logging roads. Forests change over time as the succession of forest growth progresses. Because of this natural cycle, the forest along the trails and the wildlife that inhabit the area change with time.

Which Rules and Regulations apply on HWT?

Since Hunter Walking Trails fall on multiple public land ownerships, hunters need to be aware that the rules and regulations may vary for the specific trail locations and even trail segments they are visiting. For example, camping at a HWT trailhead that falls on a Wildlife Management Area is NOT allowed but if that trailhead is under different ownership camping may be allowed. Hunters should be mindful not to block access to Hunter Waking Trails for other hunters while camping or parking, where allowed.

All Hunter Walking Trail map data (interactive maps, PDF maps, and KML file) are updated on an annual basis and are typically published to this site in August of every year. Map data updated 9/14/2022.