The Lone Rock Trail consists of 11 miles of trails through gently rolling terrain, woodland, restored prairie, wetlands, and agricultural land in the RROC’s Vermillion Highlands. No trail pass or fee are required to use the trail or parking areas.
Operating times
The trail is open from sunrise to sunset with the exception of a 10 a.m. opening time during the months of May and October. This is to minimize disturbance to spring turkey hunters and fall archery deer hunters during prime hunting periods.
Trail resources
Permitted trail uses
The Lone Rock Trail is a multi-use trail. Hiking, dogs on leash, skiing and snowshoeing are all permitted on the trail.
- Hiking - The Lone Rock Trail is open to hiking from January 1 through November 8. Hiking will be closed for firearms deer hunting from November 8 through December 21.
- Horseback riding - Lone Rock Trail is open for equestrian riding from May 1 through October 31 each year. The trail is closed to equestrian use from November 1 through April 30 to allow for firearms deer hunting and cross-country skiing. The trail is open for personal use and should not be used or marketed for any business purposes.
- Cross-country skiing - Conditions permitting, the Lone Rock Trail is open for the 2025-2026 season to cross-country skiing from December 22 through March 31. Intermediate skill is required; the trail features rolling terrain with frequent short hill climbs and descents. Trails are one-way for skiers; follow blue diamond markers. Note: Skiers are urged to use caution from mid-December to early-January as pheasant, deer, and late season goose hunting will be ongoing.
Trail conditions
The Lone Rock Trail is groomed in cooperation with Dakota County. For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, visit Dakota County trail conditions.
Trail courtesy
Please protect our natural vegetation by staying on the trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail with hikers, but must be kept on a leash. Blaze orange clothing is recommended if you use the trail during periods when hunting is allowed.
Trail access
- Primary access: The trailhead off of Station Trail Road, south of 170th Street. This access has parking space for several truck/trailer rigs and trails for tying off horses. It also has watering and restroom facilities. Directions to the trailhead: From Co. Rd. 46 and Biscayne, travel south to 170th Street. Head east on 170th Street to Station Trail. The trailhead is located just off Station Trail Road, south of 170th Street. Follow the signs to the Lone Rock Trailhead.
- Secondary access: Parking Lot off Clayton Avenue. This access has room for a couple of truck/trailer rigs.
- Secondary access: Parking Lot off of Blaine Avenue. This access is a more primitive site.
Fee
There is no trail pass required or fee to use the trail or parking areas.
Trail Uses Permitted
- Hiking (January 1 – October 31) – Easy hiking for families on a natural surface tread.
- Horseback Riding (May 1 – October 31) – For advanced beginners, children on ponies, and groups up to 25. Lone Rock Trail is for personal use only and is not to be used or marketed for business purposes in any way.
- Cross-country skiing (December 15 – March 31) – Stay on trails! Intermediate skill required. Rolling terrain with frequent short hill climbs and descents. Dakota County Trail Conditions.
Prohibited
- Off-road vehicles (4WD, ATV, motorcycle)
- Snowmobiles
- Bicycles
- Horse with Attached Buggy
- Off-leash Pets (keep dogs on leash at all times)
- Camping, campfires
- Hunting, trapping, shooting guns (except by special permit during designated hunting periods)
- Alcoholic beverages
Trail Courtesy
- Follow blue diamond markers to stay on trail.
- Trails are 2-way for horses and hikers, 1-way for skiers.
- Respect other users: use trails in a careful and controlled manner to ensure that you can stop and turn, keep right so others can pass, give an audible signal when passing, hikers get off the trail when horses are passing.
Hunting
Lone Rock Trail is part of Vermillion Highlands: A Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area. Limited hunting and trapping is allowed by special permit through the Department of Natural Resources. The general hunting schedule is as follows. Blaze orange clothing is recommended if you use the trail during periods when hunting is allowed.
- January 1 – March 31: No Hunting
- April 1 – May 31: Turkey hunting
- June 1 – August 31: No hunting
- Sept 1 – Oct 31: Archery hunting
- Dec 14 – Jan 3: Pheasant/Goose hunting
- Nov 1 – Jan 1: Firearms hunting – TRAIL CLOSED Please note: these are general dates; exact hunting periods vary annually. Please see the DNR website for exact hunting dates this year, or call 651-322-4643 during business hours.
For your safety
- Do not leave valuables in your car.
- Beware of vehicles and farm machinery on roads and in fields.
- Please obey all traffic signs.
- Carry drinking water.
- Beware of hazards, including:
- animal holes
- thorny trees and shrubs
- low hanging branches
- poisonous plants, e.g., poison ivy
- moderately steep slopes with turns
Protect our resources
- Park only in designated locations. Overnight parking is prohibited.
- Enter and exit trails only at designated access points.
- Stay on designated trails at all times to avoid damaging research projects, agricultural crops, and natural vegetation.
- Clean up horse manure around parking area and tether lines.
- Please do not disturb or remove plants and animals. Leave them for all to enjoy. There may be “threatened” species present (Blanding’s turtle, loggerhead shrike – a bird, valerian – a plant).
- Pack out and remove all garbage and litter.
- Respect rights and privacy of adjoining landowners.
Liability and assumption of risk
Your use of this research facility indicates your agreement to (1) comply with the customary terms and conditions for this activity, (2) comply with the rules stated herein, and (3) assume any and all risks associated with this facility’s use. In consideration of being allowed to use this facility in any way, I acknowledge, appreciate and agree that: the risk of injury from the use of this facility is significant, including the potential for serious injury and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release, indemnify and hold Regents of the University of Minnesota, UMore Park, and their officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of this facility (“releasees”) harmless with respect to any and all injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The laws of the state of Minnesota shall govern the validity, construction and enforceability of this release, without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles, and all suits, actions, claims and causes of action relating to its construction, validity, performance and enforcement shall be in the courts of the State of Minnesota.
The University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education Park is a nationally recognized center that promotes and supports the integration of research, education and outreach at the urban/rural edge with community engagement. The Rosemount Research and Outreach Center at UMore Park manages Lone Rock Trail in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Dakota County Parks Department.
Rosemount ROC · 16085 Alverno Avenue, Rosemount, MN 55068 · (612) 301-1916
Whitetail Woods Regional Park
Lone Rock Trail also provides access to Dakota County's Whitetail Woods Regional Park. This park has over 10 miles of summer hiking trails, over 6 miles of ski touring trails, and over 5 miles of winter hiking/snowshoe trails.