Single Track Trail Planning - Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Background

Beginning in 2021, Washington County is leading a design study of single track trails at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The purpose of this study is to:

  • Gather input and information on the future single track trail within Lake Elmo Park Reserve
  • Design a 6-12 mile trail system in conformance with best practices and design standards
  • Explore potential funding opportunities for implementation in future years

Mountain biking is currently allowed on some of the multi-use trails within Lake Elmo Park Reserve. This project is not introducing a new use to the park and is providing a separate, dedicated facility for those trail users. A new single track will reduce existing conflicts on the shared multi use trails.

The southwest and southeast portion (PDF) of Lake Elmo Park Reserve has been designated in the park master plan for a mountain bike trail network.

What is a single track trail?

A single track trail is a type of one-way unpaved trail that is usually the width of a bike. Single track trails vary in difficulty and are designed to flow through park areas, following natural inclines and declines in topography. 

Single track trails are used in all four seasons primarily by mountain bikers, and can also be used by hikers and snowshoers.

Proposed Single Track Design

Informed by site analysis and public engagement, Washington County is proposing a ~10 mile single track trail system at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. An interactive map was created to show this. 

More details on the proposed design can be found the full design report (PDF).

Public Engagement

Washington County developed a schedule for outreach that included County website-based announcements and surveys, stakeholder meetings and site tours. The input received informed the single track planning and design.

Thank you to those who participated and helped spread the word. The project team will now review the data. Please subscribe to project updates to be notified of future public engagement opportunities.

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Project Themes

Take a look at the tabbed menu below to view the project themes and learn more about project goals and priorities.

  1. Environmental Sustainability
  2. Recreational Access
  3. Stewardship & Operation
  • Trail will be designed with the highest standards for sustainable trail design, including, minimizing erosion and wildlife impact
  • Study area primarily consists of a previously disturbed area of the park. A Natural Resource Quality Map (PDF) is available for viewing
  • High-quality native plant communities and large diameter trees will be avoided