Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Round Lake loop from Shady Oak
Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Round Lake loop from Shady Oak
4.8
(7674)
18,328
riders
Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Round Lake loop from Shady Oak
04:57
118km
670m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Tips
The surface along some of this route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 53.6 km for 2.04 km
After 96.6 km for 62 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
1.13 km
Shady Oak Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
12.7 km
Dakota Rail Regional Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
96.6 km
Bluff Creek Drive trail access
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
108 km
Round Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
118 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
79.7 km
35.9 km
1.93 km
324 m
119 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
109 km
5.76 km
2.55 km
536 m
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Elevation
Highest point (320 m)
Lowest point (220 m)
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 9 July
28°C
19°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a significant day out on two wheels, the Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Round Lake loop from Shady Oak offers a moderate road cycling adventure, stretching 73.3 miles (117.9 km) with 2192 feet (668 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 58 minutes to complete. This extensive route is best suited for experienced road cyclists ready for a long day, especially given the potential for varied surfaces in connecting sections.
What to expect on Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Round Lake loop from Shady Oak
This route primarily utilizes the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, a well-regarded paved path that promises a varied and picturesque journey. You'll cycle past stunning views of Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia, traversing prairies, wetlands, and forests. The trail also winds through charming small towns like Wayzata, Mound, and St. Bonifacius, offering opportunities for breaks. While the main Dakota Rail Regional Trail is known for its gentle grade and easy riding, this particular loop's length and the potential for mixed surfaces or road riding when connecting to the Shady Oak and Round Lake areas elevate it to a moderate challenge, requiring sustained effort.
Planning your visit
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is part of the Three Rivers Park System and is generally well-maintained, with amenities like benches, interpretive kiosks, and restrooms available in sections. You'll find ample cafes and places to stop for food and drinks in the towns along the route, such as Wayzata and Mound. While the DRRT itself is consistently paved, be aware that connecting to the Shady Oak area and a Round Lake loop might involve sections of crushed limestone or require navigating roads, so plan your bike and tire choice accordingly. The trail is accessible year-round, but spring through fall offers the most pleasant conditions for this long ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 73.3 miles (117.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 2192 feet (668 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 58 minutes
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