Lake Independence Regional Trail

Minnesota

4 Reviews

Beginning at the southern tip of the Crow-Hassan Park Reserve in Hanover, the Lake Independence Regional Trail spends most of its 15.9-mile span paralleling County Road 19, cutting a straight path through acres of open farmland. As the trail progresses southward, it snakes between Lake Independence and Lake Katrina Lake, skirting around the Baker Park Reserve. This leg alone makes the journey worth it. Be sure to take in the spectacular views of the water, the marshes and the wooded foothills. The loop terminates at 6th Avenue N., before the trail turns right sharply along Old Crystal Bay Road. The Lake Independence Trail ultimately connects to the Luce Line State Trail in Orono, west of Minneapolis.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at the Crow-Hassan Park Reserve (12595 Park Dr., Hanover); the trail begins at the southern end of the park at 109th Avenue N. You might also choose to connect to the trail by starting at the Baker Park Reserve (2309 Baker Park Road, Maple Plain), where the scenery is richest. Use the recreation area entrance on County Road 19 (here, it's known as Baker Park Road) to access parking. Once you’ve parked, you’ll have to cross CR 19 to access the trail.

Nice Suburban Trail Passing Through Regional Parks

July 2023 trob4cy

Overall this surface is well maintained but can at times have some bumps or areas that need patched/resurfaced. Can go around Baker Park, to Lake Independence, Maple Plain, or Loretto. It provides nice connection to the Luce Line Trail near Orono / Long Lake.

Can connect to St. Michael along Co Rd. 146 north of Hanover (go past River Inn and keep going north until you see it).

Also from Hanover can take trail out to Beebe Lake.

Some planning maps show a future connection planned to Lake Rebecca but not sure when that will happen.

Baker Park Reserve

December 2022 jenniferrajamn

Loveliest in Baker Regional Park!

Goes through woods and farmlands & connects to Luce Line Trail

June 2021 gladbrook33

Lovely trail north through Baker Park Reserve and then parallels Hwy 19.
Pass by scenic farms & thru little town of Loretto. At end of trail, turn west bordering Crow -Hassen Park Reserve. When the paved trail ends, turn right to see the historic bridge in Hanover. Little of the original town remains, but the old River Inn is worth a stop.
Heading south from Baker Park Reserve follow the signs leading you thru Orono and the Trail Head for the Luce Line

Became one of my favorites.