Trails Report

Flooding on Long Meadow Lake Trail by Gina Hatch

Know before you go!

Trail Information

Updated September 16, 2020

Hunting season is here! We encourage all trail users to take steps to be proactive about their safety during hunting season. We recommend visitors wear bright orange or pink during hunting seasons, and we always require pets to be leashed at all times.

For more information about hunting on the refuge, visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Minnesota_Valley/hunting.html

Trail Conditions

Trails are open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge trails range from rustic and wild to paved with more park-like amenities. Need help choosing your adventure? Check out the Visitor Activities page.

Trail conditions key:

OPEN	No obstacles, surfaces and trail edges are well defined, minimal user impacts.
CAUTION	Some obstacles may be present, trail tread may be uneven or trail edges may be overgrown.
*CLOSED*	Impassible; may be overgrown, flooded, or closed to public access due to safety hazard.

Trail conditions are updated as reports are submitted by Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff and volunteer trail rangers. Submit a trail report by emailing MinnesotaValley@fws.gov. Information about individual trails can be found below. Click the city area headings to view trail descriptions and find links to maps.

Trail Name	Condition	Notes
Bloomington Area East (Long Meadow Lake Unit)
Hillside Trail	OPEN	Some gullies present. Watch your footing.
Spur Trail	OPEN	This connection spur is open between Hillside Trail and Long Meadow Lake Trail
Long Meadow Lake Trail	OPEN	Vehicles and heavy equipment may be present. Dismount bicycles and do not ride through mud to reduce trail damage
Bass Ponds Loop	OPEN	Some low branches present; watch for downed trees
Hogback Ridge Trail	OPEN	Watch for washouts and critter burrows between the Bass Ponds and Old Cedar Avenue
Old Cedar Avenue Observation Boardwalk	OPEN	Watch for loose or missing boards in boardwalk
Old Cedar Avenue Bridge/Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail	OPEN	This trail is managed by Three Rivers Park District
Bluff Trail	OPEN	Cyclist reminder: Permanent closure to all cycling from Indian Mounds spur to Old Cedar Avenue parking area
Bloomington Area West (Bloomington Ferry Unit)
Bloomington Ferry Trail	OPEN
Minnesota River Bottoms	OPEN	Minimally maintained trail. Minnesota River Bottoms Trails west of the I-35W River Bridge in the construction area is closed Mon. through Fri.; 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (Saturdays will be make up-days in case of rain).
Minnesota Valley State Trail	OPEN	Cyclists beware of broken pavement. This trail is managed by the Minnesota DNR
Burnsville Area (Black Dog Unit)
Cliff Fen Trail	*CLOSED*	Overgrown vegetation may make sections difficult to follow
Minnesota River Greenway	OPEN	This trail is managed by Dakota County
Shakopee Area (Wilkie Unit)
Minnesota River Trail	CAUTION	Water and mud present in low-lying areas
Minnesota Valley State Trail	OPEN	Cyclists beware of broken pavement. This trail is managed by the Minnesota DNR
Shakopee Area (Louisville Swamp Unit)
Minnesota Valley State Trail	CAUTION	Minneosta DNR managed trail; trail is severely overgrown between Middle Road and State Access Trail
State Access Trail	OPEN	Parking at W 145th St. is open, and trail is accessible
Mazomani Trail	CAUTION	Some high grass present; Muddy conditions will persist after flood events. Please dismount bicycles and do not ride through muddy areas to prevent rutting.
Middle Road	OPEN
Duck Lane	OPEN
Chaska Area (Chaska Unit)
Chaska Lake Trail	OPEN
Levee Trail	OPEN
Carver/Jordan Area (Rapids Lake Unit)
Rapids Lake Trail	CAUTION	Trail overgrown. Area impassable, and use not recommended
Forest Loop Trail	OPEN
North Hunter Lot Trail	OPEN
Carver Creek Loop Trail	CAUTION	This trail is overgrown in areas and may be difficult to follow

Trail Maps

View or download trail maps (follow link, bottom of page)
Plan Your Visit to our trails and visitor centers

Road Closures

Construction is underway on Minnesota Highway 5 near the MSP airport. Expect lane closures throughout 2020. Contact the Minnesota Department of Transportation for more information.
Current information during flood events: Minnesota Department of Transportation http://www.dot.state.mn.us/flood/
Travel planning and current statewide road conditons: Minnesota 511 https://hb.511mn./org

Safety Reminder

Do not enter flood waters! If you encounter flooded trails, turn around. Flood waters can move quickly, erode trail surfaces, and be filled with debris. Do not try to walk or bike across flooded areas at any time.