Voyageur Trek Loop

Easy

5.0

(2)

hikers

Voyageur Trek Loop

Q: What is the overall difficulty of the Voyageur Trek Loop?

The Voyageur Trek Loop is generally considered a moderate hike. While some shorter sections might feel easier, the full loop involves varied terrain, including gentle inclines and a few hills, contributing to its moderate rating.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?

You'll encounter a mix of terrain, including dirt paths, recently improved sections with new boardwalks and bridges, and areas that hug the shoreline of lakes. There are gentle inclines and short uphill climbs, such as one leading to an elevated view of Cattail Lake.

Q: What natural features and landmarks will I see along the way?

The trail offers beautiful forest scenery and views of several lakes, including Jensen Lake, O'Brien Lake, and Cattail Lake. You'll also cross a scenic Bridge over Bridge Pond . The new, curvy boardwalks are also a notable visual feature.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the loop?

The full Voyageur Trek Loop typically takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete, covering a distance of approximately 5.6 kilometers.

Q: Is the Voyageur Trek Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your hike.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

You can hike this trail year-round. Each season offers a different experience, from lush greenery in summer to snowy landscapes in winter. However, be prepared for potential icy conditions if hiking during colder months.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to hike in Lebanon Hills Regional Park?

Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for day use of the trails within Lebanon Hills Regional Park. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Dakota County Parks website for any updated regulations or specific activity permits.

Q: How easy is it to navigate the trail?

Navigation on the trail is straightforward. You'll find numbered poles at intersections with interspersed maps, and specific green placards guide hikers along the Voyageur Trek, making it easy to stay on course.

Q: Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Voyageur Trek, Pilot Knob Trail, Northern Voyageur Trek, and Southern Voyageur Trek, offering connections to other areas within the park.

Q: Is the trail usually crowded?

The Voyageur Trek Loop can be quite popular, especially on weekends and during daylight hours on weeknights. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak times.

01:27

5.57km

30m

Hiking

The Voyageur Trek Loop in Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers a delightful and varied hiking experience, winding through beautiful forest scenery and past multiple lakes like Jensen Lake and Cattail Lake. You'll traverse dirt paths, paved sections, and even new, curvy boardwalks, including a notable bridge over Bridge Pond. This easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route, with just 113 feet (35 metres) of elevation gain, provides a refreshing outdoor escape that typically takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to the Voyageur Trek Loop is simple; the trail is well-marked with numbered poles and green placards, ensuring easy navigation. It's a dog-friendly option, provided your furry friend stays on a leash. While accessible year-round, be mindful of potential icy conditions if you're hiking in the colder months. This trail is a popular choice for those seeking a scenic and manageable outdoor adventure near Eagan.

Considered a premier hiking destination in the Twin Cities area, the Voyageur Trek Loop stands out for its diverse landscapes, which include not only forests and lakes but also rolling hills and open prairies. Recent park investments have significantly improved the trail experience, adding modern boardwalks and bridges. This blend of natural beauty and enhanced infrastructure makes it a standout option among local trails.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.96 km

Bridge over Bridge Pond

Highlight • Bridge

This pond gets its name because... well, it really does have a bridge spanning its narrowest stretch. This is a great addition for hikers, making it much easier to complete a loop all the way around this set of lakes without having to veer onto nearby roads.

Tip by

4.37 km

Jensen Lake

Highlight • Lake

Jensen Lake is the crown jewel of Lebanon Hills Regional Park. It offers access to miles of wooded trails, plus canoe paddling and ski touring routes depending on the season. Facilities available in the park include a children's play area, a large, shaded picnic area, and of course, public restrooms.

Tip by

5.57 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.05 km

727 m

694 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.64 km

1.46 km

194 m

165 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Saturday 10 October

32°C

15°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

January 30, 2024,Jensen Lake, Sedge Pond and Bridge Pond Loop

This is hike #21 on our virtual hiking tour of The South Downs Way, which you can follow at komoot.com/collection/2512747/-virtual-hiking-tour-of-the-south-downs-way. Here is a link to our Komoot collection of all the Virtual Hikes we have completed so far: komoot.com/collection/1791712/-collection-of-virtual-hiking-tours.

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate Send to Phone

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall difficulty of the Voyageur Trek Loop?

The Voyageur Trek Loop is generally considered a moderate hike. While some shorter sections might feel easier, the full loop involves varied terrain, including gentle inclines and a few hills, contributing to its moderate rating.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?

You'll encounter a mix of terrain, including dirt paths, recently improved sections with new boardwalks and bridges, and areas that hug the shoreline of lakes. There are gentle inclines and short uphill climbs, such as one leading to an elevated view of Cattail Lake.

What natural features and landmarks will I see along the way?

The trail offers beautiful forest scenery and views of several lakes, including Jensen Lake, O'Brien Lake, and Cattail Lake. You'll also cross a scenic Bridge over Bridge Pond. The new, curvy boardwalks are also a notable visual feature.

How long does it typically take to complete the loop?

The full Voyageur Trek Loop typically takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete, covering a distance of approximately 5.6 kilometers.

Is the Voyageur Trek Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your hike.

What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

You can hike this trail year-round. Each season offers a different experience, from lush greenery in summer to snowy landscapes in winter. However, be prepared for potential icy conditions if hiking during colder months.

Are there any fees or permits required to hike in Lebanon Hills Regional Park?

Generally, there are no entrance fees or permits required for day use of the trails within Lebanon Hills Regional Park. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Dakota County Parks website for any updated regulations or specific activity permits.

How easy is it to navigate the trail?

Navigation on the trail is straightforward. You'll find numbered poles at intersections with interspersed maps, and specific green placards guide hikers along the Voyageur Trek, making it easy to stay on course.

Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Voyageur Trek, Pilot Knob Trail, Northern Voyageur Trek, and Southern Voyageur Trek, offering connections to other areas within the park.

Is the trail usually crowded?

The Voyageur Trek Loop can be quite popular, especially on weekends and during daylight hours on weeknights. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak times.

Where can I park to access the trail?

The trail is located within Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minnesota. There are designated parking areas within the park that provide access to the Voyageur Trek Loop trailhead. Specific parking details can usually be found on the park's official website.