The best running trails around Mendota Heights

This moderate 6.5-mile (10.4 km) jogging loop, with a gentle 192 feet (58 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, offers a fantastic blend of urban nature. You'll traverse mostly paved surfaces, with some sections of packed dirt or crushed limestone, all while enjoying expansive views of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers' confluence. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like heron and beaver, and take in the historic backdrop of Fort Snelling as you run.

Parking is readily available at multiple trailheads, including Fort Snelling State Park, and is typically free. The trail is part of the extensive Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, making it highly accessible. For the best scenic overlooks and to avoid dense foliage, plan your visit during early spring or late fall.

Built on one of the state's oldest rail beds, this trail offers more than just a workout; it's a journey through history and a prime spot for bird watching. It connects to hundreds of miles of other regional trails, providing endless options for exploration. This route is ideal for joggers seeking a scenic, relatively easy outing with rich natural and historical context.

The Big Rivers Regional Trail loop from Lilydale offers a delightful jogging experience, winding through diverse riverine landscapes and marshlands. You'll enjoy expansive views of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers' confluence, with Fort Snelling and Pike Island visible across the water, all from a smooth, paved surface that follows an old railroad grade. The trail is often shaded by trees, flowers, and shrubs, providing a cool and pleasant atmosphere, especially near the limestone cliffs of Lilydale.

This moderate 3.9-mile (6.3 km) route, with a gentle 140 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 39-minute jog. The Lilydale Regional Park jogging trails are easily accessible, with convenient parking at the Lilydale trailhead. While generally easy, the Big Rivers Regional Trail terrain includes some gradual hills, so you'll get a decent workout without feeling overwhelmed.

Beyond its natural beauty, this trail boasts significant historical connections, built on one of the state's oldest railroad grades and offering views of Minnesota's first military outpost, Fort Snelling. It's also part of the extensive Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, connecting you to hundreds of miles of other trails throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area, making it a key piece of the region's outdoor network.

This challenging 9.5-mile (15.3 km) jogging loop, the Big Rivers Regional Trail – Pickerel Lake loop from Lilydale, offers a dynamic experience for those seeking diverse scenery and a good workout. You'll transition from the wide-open river vistas of the Big Rivers Regional Trail, where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet, to the more intimate, tranquil lake views and wetlands around Pickerel Lake. With 252 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 34 minutes, it's a difficult route that keeps things interesting with changing landscapes.

Planning your visit is easy, as free parking is available at the Lilydale Trailhead, which also provides restrooms. This makes it a convenient starting point for exploring Pickerel Lake loop Lilydale trails. The trail is generally accessible year-round, but checking for specific conditions, especially in winter, is always a good idea. Aim for an early start on pleasant days to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

This route is part of a historically significant trail system, built on an abandoned railroad bed of the Minnesota Central Railroad. The varied habitats along the way, from riverbanks to wetlands, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it a popular spot for birding. It's also part of the larger Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, connecting you to an extensive network of trails and offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context.