Trail Tales: Henry’s Woods

Trail Tales: Henry’s Woods

The first weekend of September still carried the warmth of summer when I set out for a hike through Henry’s Woods in Rogers, Minnesota. While many people are looking ahead to the colors of fall, the woods remain fully dressed in green, with thick leaves overhead and lush undergrowth lining the trail. The air was warm, the sun filtered through the canopy, and the hum of late-summer insects filled the background, a reminder that the season isn’t quite ready to let go.

Henry’s Woods is a quiet escape tucked into the suburban landscape. The trail winds gently through a forest of hardwood trees, making it a easy hike for almost anyone. It’s the kind of place where you can meander slowly, noticing how sunlight catches on the leaves or how the path curves into shadow.

The park itself has an interesting backstory. The land was once part of a private homestead and was later preserved for public enjoyment, named after Henry, a local resident who cared deeply about the woods and wanted to see them protected. Today it serves as a green pocket for the community, offering a chance to step away from busy roads and neighborhoods and into something much older, much calmer.

On this visit, I wasn’t chasing dramatic views or distant horizons. Instead, I found value in the smaller details. The steady rhythm of my footsteps, the play of light on the trail, and the sense of being tucked inside a living, breathing forest.

Henry’s Woods might not be the most famous hiking destination in Minnesota, but it’s a reminder that even small trails close to home can provide a moment of peace and connection with the outdoors.

Let's keep rambling.

- Kelly