Home › Minnesota › Mendota Heights › Big Rivers Regional Trail
Big Rivers Regional Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 365 Google reviews · Running trail in Mendota Heights, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Rivers Regional Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Walking, rollerblading & biking offered on a 4.5-mi. asphalt track with scenic river views.
What runners say about Big Rivers Regional Trail
“This trail is super long and I've only been on parts of it but it's very well maintained with several stops along it that have bathrooms, rest areas and parking lots.”
“This particular stop is also a scenic overlook where you can see the river valley and Quarry Island, as well as the 494 Bridge in the distance and the airport across the valley.”
This place has an amazing over look with wonderful views and also has benches and tables to eat at and it has small barbecues that you can use also. Would recommend coming here near sunrise or sunset its beautiful to see in person!!!
This place has some great views!! There are also trails here that I have yet to check out, but I am coming back here for sure to see what they are like some time soon.
So I just stopped at this park for the first time in years and it's been completely renovated and I walked the wide bike path. Then I walked a couple of the trails and I got surprised with shots of I was able to take some pictures of natural wildlife on the off pass so it's pretty cool.
At the trailhead in Mendota, there is a beautiful facility with restrooms potable water, picnic tables and grills, and a covered pavilion for gatherings. The park offers a beautiful view over the Minnesota River valley. If you park here, it's an easy walk or bike ride to Ft. Snelling.
Trail conditions & character
“This particular stop is also a scenic overlook where you can see the river valley and Quarry Island, as well as the 494 Bridge in the distance and the airport across the valley.”
“Wide paved road or go into the depths of a narrow trail, I'm guessing down by the river?”
“This trail is super long and I've only been on parts of it but it's very well maintained with several stops along it that have bathrooms, rest areas and parking lots.”
“This trail is super long and I've only been on parts of it but it's very well maintained with several stops along it that have bathrooms, rest areas and parking lots.”
Plan your run at Big Rivers Regional Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteco.dakota.mn.us
- Phone(952) 891-7000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Mendota Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fort Snelling State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,722 reviews
Boasting a golf course & many trails for hiking, biking or skiing, this park also offers swimming.
Mendota Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Rogers Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 175 reviews
Kid-friendly park on a lake with a playground, volleyball court and skate park.