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Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series: Community Meets the Trail
Just 20 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Buck Hill offers something most people don’t expect to find so close to the city: a true outdoor escape that feels both accessible and surprisingly wild. With its winding 1-mile loop, 310 feet of elevation gain, and sweeping views from the highest point in the metro, the Buck Hill Hiking Trails are a hidden gem for hikers, walkers, and trail runners alike.
This summer, those trails become a place to exercise, explore, and a gathering place for connection, purpose, and community through the Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series (it’s FREE).
Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series Dates:
June 6th, 2026
June 13th, 2026
June 20th, 2026
June 27th, 2026
July 11th, 2026
July 18th, 2026
August 1st, 2026
Participation is FREE with a signed waiver (HERE) and open to all ability levels.
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Move Together, No Pressure.
The Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series was created with a simple goal: bring people together outside.
These Saturday morning (8:00 -10:00 a.m.) gatherings are not races. There are no timers, no bib numbers, and no pressure to perform. Instead, participants are invited to run, jog, walk, or hike the trails at their own pace while enjoying the fresh air, natural elevation, and welcoming energy of the Buck Hill community.
If you’re training for something bigger, looking for motivation to get outside, or wanting to meet new people, this series is designed to meet you where you are. And best of all, it’s free. Participation in the Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series includes complimentary trail access with a signed waiver (HERE), making it easier than ever to show up and simply start moving.
A Trail That Shares Space
Part of what makes Buck Hill unique is that the hiking trails exist within a larger outdoor recreation hub. Along your route, you’ll pass disc golf fairways and share sections of trail with mountain bikers.
That mix of activity creates a lively, energetic environment, but it also comes with a shared responsibility. Trail users are encouraged to stay alert, communicate, and be courteous as everyone enjoys their own version of the outdoors.
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Heroes on the Hill: Purpose Behind the Miles
The Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series is also proud to partner with Heroes on the Hill, a charitable endurance event taking place on September 19th, 2026.
Heroes on the Hill raises funds and awareness for mental health initiatives supporting veterans and first responders – individuals who serve their communities and often carry invisible burdens.
Throughout the summer, members of the Heroes on the Hill team will be onsite during Community Trail Run mornings to connect with participants, share information about the event, and help grow a supportive network around the cause. For many, the Community Trail Run Series will become a gateway into a larger mission of service, awareness, and connection.
Free Access, Real Value
Under normal conditions, accessing the Buck Hill Hiking Trails requires a $6 Day Pass (Buy HERE) or a $20 Summer Pass (Buy HERE). During the Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series, trail access is provided FREE of charge with a signed waiver (HERE).
It’s a simple way to remove barriers and invite more people into the outdoors. That said, for those who find themselves coming back again and again (and many do), the Buck Hill Summer Activities Season Pass offers a meaningful upgrade.
For just $20, passholders receive:
– Unlimited access to hiking trails all season long
– Access to disc golf course and mountain bike trails
– 10% off at Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill all season
It’s an easy way to make Buck Hill part of your summer routine with quick weekday hikes, a weekend trail run, or a sunset walk to unwind.
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A Close-to-Home Escape
One of the most compelling things about Buck Hill is how close it is, and yet how different it feels.
You don’t need a long drive or a full day of planning to experience nature here. You just show up. Park in the paved lot. Step onto the trail. And within minutes, you’re surrounded by trees, elevation, and quiet moments that feel far removed from daily life.
The Buck Hill Hiking Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, rain or shine, throughout the season. That means if you’re an early riser chasing sunrise solitude or someone looking to end the day with a golden-hour walk, the trails are always ready.
And when your time outside is done, Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill is right there waiting with full-service dining and hilltop views, the perfect place to refuel and reflect on your miles.
Event Details: Buck Hill Community Trail Run Series
When: Select Saturdays, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Where: Buck Hill Hiking Trails
Cost: Free with signed waiver (HERE)
Who: Everyone – walkers, hikers, runners, joggers
Why: Community, connection, and support for Heroes on the Hill
Bring a friend. Bring your family. Or come alone and leave with new connections.
The trails are waiting, and so is the community.