Margaret Lake

This difficult 15.7-mile (25.3 km) mountain biking loop through Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers a diverse ride with 443 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 57 minutes. You'll navigate varied terrain, from open prairie to dense forests, with notable views of Eagle Point Lake and Margaret Lake, connected by the scenic Eagle Point Lake Bridge. Expect a mix of forgiving doubletrack and more technical singletrack sections that demand skill, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced riders.

When planning your visit, remember that the park's trails can be wet in spring but are usually dry by summer. Given the open prairie sections, sunscreen is a must. The park is a multi-use area, so you might share trails with walkers or horses, and it's always a good idea to check for any local advisories before you go.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is celebrated for its commitment to preserving a natural, pre-settler landscape, with 80 percent of its 2,165 acres dedicated to conservation. This focus provides a unique opportunity to spot local wildlife like red fox and white-tailed deer amidst the rolling hills and serene lakes, offering a peaceful escape from urban life.

This 19.4-mile (31.3 km) mountain biking loop, rated difficult, offers about 547 feet (167 metres) of elevation gain and takes roughly 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. The route winds through Lake Elmo Park Reserve, providing pleasant views of Eagle Point Lake and rolling prairie. You'll encounter varied surfaces like hard-pack, grass, and some loose rocks, making it an engaging ride without being overly technical. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and foxes as you pedal through open fields and forested sections.

Planning your ride is straightforward; the park is accessible with a daily parking fee or an annual pass. While the trail starts near Rockpoint Church, the main access is through Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Biking is typically permitted during the summer months, which is the ideal time to experience the route. Remember that these are multi-use trails, so be prepared to share the path with hikers and horseback riders.

This loop is particularly well-suited for beginner mountain bikers or those looking to build confidence on varied terrain. It offers a forgiving environment to develop handling and climbing skills before tackling more advanced singletrack. The diverse landscapes, from open prairie to lake views, ensure a scenic and enjoyable outing, making it a great option for a recovery ride or a longer, less demanding adventure.

The Eagle Point Lake – Lake Elmo Park Bike Path loop offers a delightful mountain biking escape through the varied landscapes of Lake Elmo Park Reserve. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from wide mowed paths to dedicated singletrack, including a unique sandy section that was once an old lake bottom. The scenery shifts between rolling hills, dense forests, and open prairie landscapes, with serene Eagle Point Lake as a focal point. This easy 9.8-mile (15.8 km) route, with a gentle 184 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride lasting about 1 hour and 16 minutes.

To access this route, you'll start from Stillwater Boulevard & Stillwater Lane. Keep in mind that entry to Lake Elmo Park Reserve requires either an annual Washington County vehicle permit or a daily fee. Some trails are multi-use, so you might share the path with walkers, runners, and horseback riders; always be aware of your surroundings.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is highly regarded for its comprehensive and well-maintained trail system, offering a tranquil escape from urban environments. It's known for accommodating all skill levels, from novices to experts, making it a popular choice for family-friendly mountain biking. The park's diverse landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities add to its appeal, providing a scenic backdrop without overly demanding technical obstacles.