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Print Friendly MapA segment of the Minnesota River Greenway, spanning just shy of 4 miles, opened in June 2017. The paved trail traces the southern bank of the Minnesota River in Burnsville. A good place to begin your journey is Minnesota Riverfront Park at the southern end of the trail as it offers parking and other amenities, including a bicycle repair station. From there, you'll head northeast through a scenic, tree-lined river valley.
This trail section is called the "Black Dog segment" as it parallels Black Dog Road. It's part of a larger effort to develop a 17-mile trail connecting the communities of Burnsville, Eagan, Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale.
Parking is available at the southern end of the trail in Minnesota Riverfront Park (600 W. Black Dog Road, Burnsville).
Lovely starter trail.
Minnesota boat launch and Cedar trailhead is at the other side of trail as well.
The blacktop is a rollerbladers dream!! Nice and flat. Not a ton of shade so make sure you bring plenty of water. Trail is about 3.5-4 miles to cedar.
I enjoy this trail.
Well paved and maintained, lots of benches and places to stop and appreciate the wildlife refuge. Runs along the MN River and Black Dog Lake. No hills, not much shade, limited parking on weekends. There is a second trail head north of highway 13 at silver bell road in Eagan.
Nice wide trail from 35W to highway 77 (Cedar)
Lame like any old trail
So excited to have found a smooth trail!! Asphalt is in great condition, perfect for rollerblading. It only gets a bit rocky around the Xcel Energy plant. Beautiful scenery and very secluded. River overlook and benches along the way, too! -KR
Wide, well-maintained asphalt trail surrounded by wildflowers. Birds love this area along the river. Good signage. Great for families - pretty flat. Beware: no shade. Go early morning and bring plenty of water.
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