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United States
Minnesota
Dakota County

Coates

The best walks and hikes around Coates

4.8

(4)

67

hikers

11

hikes

Hiking around Coates offers a variety of trails, with options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The region features routes that traverse areas near bodies of water, such as Spring Lake and Empire Lake, and sections of the Mississippi River Trail. The landscape includes varied terrain suitable for different hiking preferences.

Best hiking trails around Coates

  • The most popular hiking route is Spring Lake Park loop & the Mississippi River Trail — Spring Lake Park, an 8.2 mile (13.2…

Last updated: May 31, 2026

5.0

(1)

3

hikers

#1.

Whitetail Woods Southern Loop

7.87km

02:03

60m

50m

Embark on the Whitetail Woods Southern Loop, a moderate hiking route that guides you through a diverse landscape of rolling terrain, woodlands, and open prairies. You will enjoy picturesque views…

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Moderate

1

hikers

The Mississippi River Greenway offers an easy hiking experience, stretching for 4.7 miles (7.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 200 feet (61 metres). You can expect continuous scenic…

Easy
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1.94km

00:30

10m

10m

The Pine Bend Bluff Trail offers an easy hike, covering 1.2 miles (1.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 49 feet (15 metres), typically taking about 30 minutes to…

Easy

Hike the 8.2-mile Spring Lake Park Loop and Mississippi River Greenway, a moderate route with river views and wildlife in Spring Lake Park R

Moderate

2

hikers

6.07km

01:36

50m

50m

Hike the easy 3.8-mile Empire Lake loop in Whitetail Woods Regional Park, featuring lake views, forests, and meadows.

Easy
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Popular around Coates

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Tips from the Community

tcbscott
October 30, 2025, Spring Lake Overlook

Nice overlook, especially nice after the hill climb for a water break

1

0

Love this park especially the bike path and the archery range

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Didn't get to see them tonight, they must have been hiding

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Fun bike with my family. Lots of wildflowers and different birds to see. Awesome views!

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tcbscott
May 9, 2025, Picnic area

Several nice sitting areas and picnic setups with informative signs.

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Great access point to the Mississippi River Greenway

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Access point to the Mississippi Greenway Trail

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tcbscott
May 9, 2025, Bison pen

This is one of the areas you might see the bison herd. I happened to see them here tonight.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available around Coates?

There are 9 hiking trails around Coates, offering a variety of experiences. You'll find 6 easy routes and 3 moderate trails, ensuring options for different skill levels.

Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Coates?

Yes, Coates offers several family-friendly hiking options, particularly the easy-rated trails. The area around Empire Lake, such as the Empire Lake loop — Whitetail Woods Regional Park, is a great choice for families looking for a shorter, accessible walk. These trails often feature minimal elevation gain and well-marked paths.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see while hiking in Coates?

Hiking around Coates offers diverse natural settings, primarily featuring routes near lakes and sections of the Mississippi River Trail. You can explore areas like Spring Lake and Empire Lake, and enjoy the varied terrain of Red River bottomlands, which support diverse plant species like Cottonwood, Willow, Red Maple, and Bald Cypress. The trails also provide opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species.

Are there any circular hiking routes in Coates?

Yes, Coates features several circular routes. A popular option is the Spring Lake Park loop & the Mississippi River Trail — Spring Lake Park, which takes you around Spring Lake and along the Mississippi River. Another great circular trail is the Empire Lake loop — Whitetail Woods Regional Park, perfect for a shorter, scenic walk.

What are some notable landmarks or points of interest near the hiking trails?

Near the hiking trails in Coates, you can find several interesting points. The Spring Lake Park Reserve is a significant natural area, and you might also encounter the Spring Lake Park Bison Reintroduction Area. For scenic views, consider visiting Schaar's Bluff. The Whitetail Woods Regional Park Pavilion and Trails also offers facilities and access to beautiful natural surroundings.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Coates?

The Coates area is particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage changes color, offering a stunning backdrop for your hikes. However, the trails are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, providing opportunities to experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Coates has 6 easy-rated trails, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. The Empire Lake loop — Whitetail Woods Regional Park is an excellent choice, offering a gentle path around the lake with minimal elevation.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Coates?

Hikers often praise the well-marked routes and the opportunity to explore nature within an 'urban wilderness' setting. The trails provide a valuable escape, with many enjoying the scenic views along the Mississippi River and around the various lakes.

Are there any trails that follow the Mississippi River?

Yes, several trails in Coates incorporate sections of the Mississippi River Trail. A notable route is the Mississippi River Trail in Pine Bend Bluff — Pine Bend, which offers views and access to areas near the river. The Spring Lake Park loop & the Mississippi River Trail — Spring Lake Park also features paths along the river.

What is the typical difficulty level of hikes in Coates?

The hiking trails in Coates range from easy to moderate difficulty. There are 6 easy trails, which are generally shorter with minimal elevation gain, and 3 moderate trails that might be longer or have slightly more varied terrain. There are no difficult-rated trails in this guide.

Can I find trails near lakes in the Coates area?

Yes, hiking around Coates is characterized by routes near various lakes. You can find trails around Spring Lake, Empire Lake, East Lake, and Cobblestone Lake. These offer beautiful waterside views and opportunities for peaceful walks.

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