Stories from the Trail

Ideas, reflections, and insights regarding nature, outdoor experiences, and community.

Featured Story

Do You Feel Like You’re Running Out of Time? Getting Outdoors Can Give You the Energy You Need.

¿Do You Feel Like You’re Running Out of Time? Getting Outdoors Can Give You the Energy You Need. By Jennifer Nieto We all have a certain amount of energy each day to do things, solve situations, and simply exist. Most of us spend the majority of our day working. Our hours are tied to an […]

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Nature and Well-being

Reflections and practices to reconnect with nature, reduce stress, and strengthen well-being.

Do You Feel Like You’re Running Out of Time? Getting Outdoors Can Give You the Energy You Need.

¿Do You Feel Like You’re Running Out of Time? Getting Outdoors Can Give You the Energy You Need. By Jennifer Nieto We all have a certain amount of energy each day to do things, solve situations, and simply exist. Most of us spend the majority of our day working. Our hours are tied to an […]

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Forest Bathing Program

Forest Bathing By Jennifer Nieto & Luisana Mendez “Nature is the place where we can find inner peace and wisdom” – St. Francis of Assisi Nature wisely advises us that inner peace is a gift we can give ourselves; we don’t have to struggle to live within it. Often, what others say we have to […]

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8 Life-Changing Benefits of Winter Hiking

8 Life-Changing Benefits of Winter Hiking By Luisana Mendez Winter Hiking is definitely something that was never on my list before I moved to Minnesota and even up to two years after I moved here. However, upon discovering the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of hiking, winter walks also became an important part of my […]

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Outdoor Skills

Practical tips, safety, and knowledge to explore the outdoors with greater confidence.

How to avoid the presence of ticks in your home after hiking?

How to avoid the presence of ticks in your home after hiking? After a hiking adventure in a wooded or overgrown area, there is a chance that you may have brought home some ticks on your clothing or body. It is important to take steps to prevent these ticks from reproducing and becoming a pest […]

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Recommendations for Summer Hiking

Recommendations for Summer Hiking Summer is the ideal time to get out and explore nature through hiking. However, weather conditions can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.  Let’s take a look at some important recommendations you should consider before going out hiking during the summer. Check temperatures Before going for a walk, […]

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How to prevent ticks when hiking?

How to prevent ticks when hiking? If you are passionate about nature and enjoy hiking, you should be aware that ticks are a potential danger when walking in wooded areas or areas with tall vegetation, especially in the spring-summer season.  These tiny parasites feed on the blood of animals, including humans, and can transmit dangerous […]

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Exploring Minnesota

Places, seasons, and ideas for discovering Minnesota’s parks, trails, and landscapes.

Actividades de invierno en Minnesota

Actividades de invierno en Minnesota Durante el invierno, Minnesota se convierte en un lugar mágico y hermoso. El estado se cubre de una capa de nieve blanca y brillante que hace que todo parezca un paisaje de cuento de hadas. Las temperaturas durante esta temporada del año suelen estar por debajo de los 0 °C […]

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Camping at Itasca State Park: from a Memorable experience to a Transformative experience

Camping at Itasca State Park: from a Memorable experience to a Transformative experience By Luisana Mendez Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Minnesota. There are many places available around the state where you can enjoy this activity at any time of the year, either alone or with others, as a family […]

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Fort Snelling State Park: Between Historical Heritage and Contact with Nature

Fort Snelling State Park:Between Historical Heritage and Contact with Nature By Luisana Mendez Fort Snelling State Park is one of 75 state parks in the state of Minnesota and is the closest state park to the Twin Cities. Therefore, it is one of the state parks with the greatest urban influence, with an average of […]

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Community Stories

Voices and stories that celebrate connection, belonging, and growth outdoors.

Women in Nature: Building Community and Connection Outdoors

Women in Nature: Building Community and Connection Outdoors By Jennifer Nieto & Luisana Mendez March is International Women’s Month, a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate the efforts and contributions that women around the world — and particularly in our state of Minnesota — have made in the outdoor industry. Women have been explorers, leaders, […]

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Huellas Latinas – A new adventure

Huellas Latinas – A new adventure By Luisana Mendez Hi everyone! A few years ago I discovered my passion for the city and that is why I became an Urban Planner. Since then, I have not stopped talking about the city and all the elements that make it up: its streets, the transport system, public […]

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From the Field

Josefa

“For me, Huellas Latinas is my connection and my companion in staying healthy and enjoying people and nature. When I get back home, I’m ready to cook—or eat—something delicious!” – Josefa

Jennifer

“What I love most about Huellas Latinas is enjoying nature outdoors alongside so many people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and roots. It is never boring, and every trail and trip is unique. To me, Huellas Latinas is like a tree that reflects, contributes to, and transforms the forest for the well-being of all.” – Jennifer

Edmundo

«Me encanta tener el compromiso con Huellas para cada fin de semana salir de la ciudad y ver un aspecto de la naturaleza. En especial en los días y temporadas que quizás no me motivaría sin ese apoyo.» – Edmundo

Douglas

«More than just a group, for me, Huellas Latinas is my space for community and friendship. Hiking trails in good company allows me to recharge my energy and savor the richness of human connection—listening to the life experiences of those who, like me, walk the path while sharing their own stories.» – Douglas

Outdoor Voices

Sharing stories outdoors helps inspire new explorers, foster environmental leadership, and strengthen the community’s connection with nature.