Lake Elmo Park Preserve

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail system has a lot to offer: forgiving terrain, easy to steep climbs, fun descents, grassy surface, hard-pack surface, loose rocks, sand, water crossings, and great views. This trail allows one to sit up and take in the surroundings. Since it's prairie, most of it is out in the open, so bring sunscreen. Through out most of the summer the trail is bone dry. In the spring, some spots can get a bit soft and muddy.

A couple of summers ago, I made it a goal to get back into mountain biking after many years of hiatus thanks to career, wife, house, and kids. I started by coming to this trail, because I knew the terrain was forgiving, and that the trails would allow me to get my mountain bike legs back and let me practice my climbing and handling skills. The differing surface conditions across the trail system allows one to try their hand at biking on sand, gravel, loose rocks, mud, grass, and hard pack. The trail convinced me that I could get back into serious mountain biking. After several trips to the park, I felt fit and skilled enough to try my hand at some local singletrack, such as Battle Creek and Carver Lake Park.

Now I occasionally return for variety and long distance rides. With the limited singletrack in the area, I get a little tired of riding the same trails over and over. Coming here is a little break from the ordinary. It also has the added benefit of allowing the rider to enjoy the scenery. Without having to closely watch the trail, I can lift my head and take in the views, of which this park offers plenty.

I also come here to ride when other trails are closed due to wet conditions. Since the park allows horses on these trails, trail damage isn't too much of a concern.

I like to take friends and family who are new to mountain biking here as an introduction to the sport. As they progress, I then take them to either the Minnesota River Bottom or Salem Park trails.

When I ride here, I like to combine all of the trails into one long ride to get the most mileage out of the park.