Are dogs allowed on Dakota Rail Regional Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Dakota Rail Regional Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Dakota Rail Regional Trail?

No, Dakota Rail Regional Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Dakota Rail Regional Trail?

Dakota Rail Regional Trail is rated easy. It is 12.8 miles long with 574 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Minnesota trail conditions

EasyPoint to Point

Minnesota

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

Maple Plain, Minnesota

12.8 mi

Distance

574 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 23m

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Dakota Rail Trail runs 28.1 miles (42.6 km) from Wayzata to Lester Prairie, Minnesota. It is on part of the former track bed of the Hutchinson Spur of the Great Northern Railway. The railway line helped bring wheat and raw materials from Central Minnesota to the flour mills, factories and warehouses in Minneapolis from 1885 until 2001. The railway line, from which there are views of the countryside, was also designed to bring tourists to the communities on Lake Minnetonka in the late 1880s.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:280 ft

Max:300 ft

175 ft

178 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Point to Point
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.