Empire Lake – Bridge over wetlands loop from Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Minnesota

Dakota County

Empire Lake – Bridge over wetlands loop from Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area

Easy

4.7

(6066)

6,067

hikers

Empire Lake – Bridge over wetlands loop from Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area

01:33

5.99km

30m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 3, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

49 m

Whitetail Woods Regional Park Pavilion and Trails

Highlight • Rest Area

Whitetail Woods Regional Park is a 456-acre park that features more than 10 miles of summer trails and 5 miles of winter trails for snowshoeing and winter hikes. The park …

Tip by

1.30 km

Empire Lake

Highlight • Lake

This is a very peaceful lake with plenty of dirt trails surrounding it, allowing you to enjoy the sights from all angles. There's also a boardwalk in the area that takes you through the wetland area of the lake.

Tip by

1.81 km

Bridge over wetlands

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

Nice expanded bridge wide enough for multiple wheelchairs to pass each other, with some nice benches

Tip by

3.00 km

Empire Lake

Highlight • Lake

One of the highlights of this park, and definitely one of the easiest to get to. You can just head down the winding bike/walking path from the shelter parking lot …

Tip by

5.99 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.57 km

1.43 km

Surfaces

3.73 km

1.43 km

705 m