Sunfish Lake Park Mountain Bike Trail
Sunfish Lake Park Mountain Bike Trail
2.9
(18)
51
hikers
02:10
8.35km
50m
Hiking
Embark on the Sunfish Lake Park Mountain Bike Trail for a moderate hiking experience through diverse natural settings. This route spans 5.2 miles (8.4 km) and involves a gentle elevation gain of 179 feet (55 metres), making it accessible for many hikers. You can expect to complete the journey in about 2 hours and 10 minutes, winding through woodlands, wetlands, and rolling hills. As you hike, you will discover nicely forested areas and ravines, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Keep an eye out for the 17-acre prairie restoration project on the south side of the park, a key visual landmark showcasing native plant communities.
When planning your visit, remember that this Komoot route specifically follows the park's multi-use hiking trails; hiking is not permitted on the dedicated mountain bike trails for your safety. The park provides clear navigation with marked intersections and directional arrows, ensuring you stay on track. Modern bathroom facilities are available for your convenience. Be prepared for insects, especially in the deep woods and near wetlands, so bringing bug repellent is a good idea during certain seasons.
Sunfish Lake Park is notable for its commitment to preserving and restoring local ecosystems. The 17-acre prairie restoration project highlights native plant communities, contributing significantly to the region's biodiversity. This effort also creates excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, allowing you to observe local fauna in their natural habitat. The park's varied landscape, from woodlands to prairies, offers a comprehensive experience of the local environment.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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8.35 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.83 km
3.51 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
7.03 km
1.31 km
< 100 m
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This route was planned by komoot.
While the komoot tour is named 'Sunfish Lake Park Mountain Bike Trail', it's important to note that hiking is prohibited on the dedicated mountain bike trails for safety reasons. Sunfish Lake Park offers approximately nine miles of mowed multi-use trails specifically designed for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. This komoot route utilizes these multi-use hiking trails.
The hiking trails in Sunfish Lake Park offer a varied landscape, winding through woodlands, wetlands, and prairie plant communities. You can expect pleasant hikes over rolling hills and through ravines, with some sections featuring old-growth forests. A 17-acre prairie restoration project on the south side provides a glimpse into native plant communities.
The hiking trails are generally considered pleasant and easy, with clearly marked intersections and directional arrows for navigation. While much of the terrain is gently rolling, some sections do include moderate climbs and descents, and a few steeper hills, particularly between trail markers #7-12 and #16-20 on the inner loops.
Yes, Sunfish Lake Park is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash and that you clean up after them to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
Sunfish Lake Park is part of the Lake Elmo park system. For the most current information on permits or entrance fees, it's best to check the official Lake Elmo government website: lakeelmo.gov.
The park offers different ecological features depending on the season. Spring and fall are often ideal for comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. However, be aware that the park can be quite buggy, especially in deep woods and near wetlands, during warmer months. Bringing bug repellent is recommended during certain seasons.
Sunfish Lake Park is home to a wealth of wildlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Minnesota DNR has identified 13 species in the park as being in 'Greatest Conservation Need'. Keep an eye out for various birds and other local fauna as you explore the trails.
Yes, Sunfish Lake Park enhances the visitor experience with the presence of a nature center and modern bathroom facilities, which are convenient for hikers.
Yes, this komoot route primarily follows the 'Sunfish Lake' trail (100% of the route). It also incorporates sections of the 'Blue Loop' (58%), 'Black Loop' (54%), 'Green Loop' (24%), and the 'Tapestry Road Connector' (18%), offering a diverse experience within the park's network of multi-use trails.
The park is recognized by the Department of Natural Resources as a 'Regionally Significant Ecological Area' and is considered a 'crown jewel' of the Lake Elmo park system. Beyond its natural beauty, it holds historical significance as the site of the first European settlement in Lake Elmo. The 17-acre prairie restoration project is also a notable feature.
Given that the hiking trails are generally pleasant and easy with clearly marked intersections, and offer loop options for varying distances, the park is suitable for families. However, some sections do include moderate climbs, so consider your family's fitness level when choosing a loop.