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Essex Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 190 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Essex Park'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.
Archery range and playgrounds along paved and dirt trails.
What runners say about Essex Park
“It's a beautiful park, with a couple different playgrounds, walking trails, and even a public archery range near the picnic shelter and old barn.”
“It is a peaceful, well-maintained park located on the northwest side of town, and it quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly spots.”
“It is a peaceful, well-maintained park located on the northwest side of town, and it quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly spots.”
The trails have had a little more mosquito's this year than the past. Beyond that, the trails a beginner walking trails. There is an archery range and children's park. The trails are pet friendly.
Good spot to go if you'd like to get away from other people and dogs, while still offering quite a bit of space to romp around. Tons of small and short trails from the East entrance all the way over to the west side entrance by the park along 55th street. Bring bug spray if you're heading there in the summer time!
Bathrooms with running water and soap. Many picnic tables. Playground is on the small side but adequate for some fun play. Beautiful woods surrounding park. Horseshoes and large grassy areas to play in as well.
Great park right on the outskirts of Rochester. Shorter trails for kiddos, and more if you'd like. A great playground, sand volleyball court, horseshoes, shelter, and a lot of parking.
Trail conditions & character
“Good spot to go if you'd like to get away from other people and dogs, while still offering quite a bit of space to romp around.”
“It's a beautiful park, with a couple different playgrounds, walking trails, and even a public archery range near the picnic shelter and old barn.”
“The park had a playground, horseshoes, and a shelter with bathrooms.”
“It is a peaceful, well-maintained park located on the northwest side of town, and it quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly spots.”
“The walking trails, both paved and natural, were easy to navigate, shaded, and full of greenery.”
Plan your run at Essex Park
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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterochestermn.gov
- Phone(507) 328-2311
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Rochester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Elton Hills Run Park
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Douglas Trailhead
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Indian Heights Park
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Urban hillside park with scenic trails, overlooks and native flora.
Silver Lake Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 767 reviews
Park featuring a lake with boating & fishing, an accessible playground, pool, skate park & more.
