5.0
(4874)
18,528
hikers
Lake Elmo Paved Trail
01:19
5.16km
20m
Hiking
Embark on an easy hiking adventure along the Lake Elmo Paved Trail, a 3.2-mile (5.2 km) route that offers a pleasant outdoor escape. You will experience a diverse landscape featuring gently rolling hills, peaceful woods, open prairie, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and various bird species, as you make your way towards a charming wooden pier with lake views. This accessible trail involves a modest 70 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit to the Lake Elmo Paved Trail is straightforward, as it is part of an extensive, multi-use network within the larger Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The route is designed for year-round enjoyment, with many sections being accessible for various users. You will find convenient amenities like benches for resting, along with nearby restrooms and water access points. While this specific paved trail is gentle, the park reserve offers other areas with hillier terrain if you are looking for a more strenuous workout.
The Lake Elmo Paved Trail stands out for its integration into the vibrant ecosystem of Lake Elmo Park Reserve, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature. The trail's design allows you to immerse yourself in the natural environment, observing the interplay of different habitats. It serves as an excellent introduction to the park's offerings, highlighting its commitment to providing accessible outdoor recreation for everyone. This route is a perfect choice for a relaxing hike, offering both scenic beauty and practical amenities.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.45 km
Wooden Pier With Lake View
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
3.31 km
Frozen Lake at Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
5.16 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.74 km
322 m
102 m
Surfaces
5.10 km
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Friday 21 August
26°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the Lake Elmo Paved Trail?
The Lake Elmo Paved Trail is located within the expansive Lake Elmo Park Reserve. You can find parking at various trailheads throughout the park reserve. Specific trailhead access points are usually well-marked within the park.
Are there any fees or permits required to access the Lake Elmo Park Reserve?
Yes, Lake Elmo Park Reserve typically requires a vehicle entry permit. You can find detailed information on daily or annual permits on the Washington County Parks website.
Is this trail dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the paved trails within Lake Elmo Park Reserve. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always remember to clean up after your pet.
When is the best time of year to hike this trail?
This trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer is great for longer days. In winter, the paved trails remain available for activities like snowshoeing and winter hiking, offering a different kind of beauty.
Is this trail suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the Lake Elmo Paved Trail is rated as easy and is generally gentle and accessible, making it suitable for beginners and families. Some sections within the larger park reserve might have rolling hills, but the paved trail itself is designed for a wide range of users.
What kind of scenery and terrain can I expect?
You can expect diverse scenery along the route, including views of lakes and ponds, open prairie, and wooded sections. The terrain consists of gently rolling hills, providing a pleasant and varied experience.
Are there any notable viewpoints or features along the way?
Yes, the trail offers scenic spots such as the Wooden Pier With Lake View. In winter, you might also see the Frozen Lake at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
What wildlife might I see on the trail?
The park reserve is rich in biodiversity. Hikers often spot deer, turkeys, various bird species like red-headed woodpeckers and red-tailed hawks, weasels, red fox, and cottontail rabbits.
Is the trail accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Many of the paved trails within Lake Elmo Park Reserve, including sections of this route, are part of the "Trails at Your Pace" initiative, designed to be gentle and accessible. These often feature benches and nearby restrooms, making them suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Can I use this trail in winter?
Yes, the paved trails are multi-use and remain available for winter activities like hiking and snowshoeing. The park also maintains groomed ski trails in other areas.
Does this trail connect to other paths?
Yes, the route passes through sections of the Burr Oak Trail, Big Bluestem Trail, Brown's Pond Trail, Lake Elmo Trail, and Central Greenway. Additionally, the larger Lake Elmo Park Reserve trail system, including a 5.4-mile paved option, provides access to the Brown's Creek State Trail, which extends further east to Stillwater.
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