Mendota Trail

You'll find convenient parking and amenities like covered pavilions, picnic tables, and port-a-potties at various access points along the trail, including Bristol, Benhams, and Mendota.

Yes, the Mendota Trail is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's natural beauty for everyone.

The trail offers beautiful scenery year-round. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant for jogging due to milder temperatures and vibrant foliage. If you visit during wet weather, you might even catch small waterfalls in the scenic 'gorge' section between mile markers 7.0 and 9.5.

While the Mendota Trail itself doesn't have a specific permit fee, it is located within Fort Snelling State Park. Therefore, a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit (daily or annual) is required for entry into the park.

The majority of the trail features a crushed stone surface, ideal for jogging. As a rail-trail, most of it maintains a gentle grade of 3% or less. However, be prepared for two short, steeper sections near mile markers 1.0 and 10.7, where the grade approaches 8%. You'll also encounter a 0.4-mile asphalt section at the Bristol trailhead and some segments with natural dirt, grass, and larger gravel.

The trail is rich with natural beauty and historical elements. You'll cross seventeen beautifully restored trestle bridges and pass through tranquil farmlands, open fields, and lush forests. A highlight is the 'gorge' section (mile markers 7.0-9.5) with cliffs and bluffs. At mile marker 11.5, you'll cross the North Fork of the Holston River via the Sunny Side Trestle, which runs parallel to a 275-foot-long swinging bridge. Don't miss the Mendota Trail Along the Minnesota River and the unique Mendota Trail Stone Arch Tunnel.

The full Mendota Trail is approximately 12.5 miles (20 km) long. For an average jogger, completing the entire length one way would likely take around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate for runners. Its rail-trail conversion means most of the route is flat with gentle grades. While there are two short, steep sections, beginners can easily navigate the majority of the trail. It's often described as a 'shorter and mellower alternative' to other regional trails.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Long Meadow Lake Trail, Big Rivers Regional Trail, 494 Bikeway, Minnesota River Greenway, Mississippi River Trail (Minnesota-Alternate), United States Bicycle Route 45A, Cedar Bridge Connection, Minnehaha Trail, Cedar Avenue Trail Bridge, and Snelling Lake Trail.

If you prefer a more gradual descent, consider starting your jog from the Mendota end and heading towards Bristol. Some users note that starting from Mendota and doing a round trip towards Bristol involves a 'steady uphill' for over 9 miles, so planning your direction can influence your perceived difficulty and enjoyment.

Due to its somewhat remote nature, cell service can be absent or very limited over much of the trail. This contributes to a sense of escape into nature, but it's good to be aware for navigation or emergencies.