Coon Lake Regional Park Trail

This hike is a 1.1-mile lollipop loop through Anoka County's Coon Lake Regional Park. The trail takes hikers past a lake, through hardwood and pine forests, by a prairie and through wetland habitats. This trail is not marked but is fairly easy to follow. Dogs allowed on when on leash.The trailhead is located at the boat launch parking lot, look for the "Trail to Beach" sign on the north side of the parking lot. During the busy boating season, do not park in this lot; park in one of the lots near the picnic shelters and adjust your hike accordingly.The start of this hike takes you through wetlands with numerous cattails and over a small stream that flows out of Coon Lake. After leaving the wetlands you will see a picnic pavilion. Continue past the picnic pavilion and restrooms; near the playground follow the paved path past a veterans war memorial and a second picnic pavilion. Shortly after passing the second picnic pavilion, cross the parking lot to pick up the wide grassy trail. Next take the trail to the left over a small bridge which crosses another wetlands area. The trail then heads back toward a parking area. You will cross a trail that comes from the parking lot and head straight to a prairie area. The trail follows the outer edge of this open prairie area and then heads through some pines to the beach area. From the beach area, head south and retrace your steps through wetlands to the boat launch parking lot.This trail is very flat which makes it suitable for most abilities. This would make a great destination for families with young children since the park has a swimming beach and a playground. A map of the park and its hiking trail can be found here.