Chester Lake Trail

The Chester Lake Trail is a 1.3-mile-long loop in Chester Woods Park east of Rochester, Minnesota. The Chester Lake Trail is a wide trail through a hardwood forest. Much of the trail is near Chester Lake. The trail is relatively flat, but does have a few hills. Chester Woods Park is an Olmsted County Park with no fees to enter the park. Dogs are allowed on this particular trail but must be on a leash.The Chester Lake Trail can be accessed from several locations; this article will describe the hike starting at the parking area near the boat ramp. From this parking lot there is a short, paved connector trail near the southwest corner of the lot. After completing the connector trail, take a right onto the Chester Lake Trail which is also paved. The trail passes by a picnic shelter and a playground before heading to the lakeshore where there is a fishing platform. Just past the fishing platform the trail soon splits, the paved trail to the left leads to the campground; instead go right onto the wide wood chip covered trail. The trail continues its path near the lake. Soon hikers will come upon two fishing docks just off the trail. After the second dock, the trail climbs a hill. At the top of the hill is a parking area for the park's beach. The trail is paved again here. Hikers will pass by a couple of picnic shelters and the campground before crossing a road to complete their hike.For visitors to the Rochester area, the Chester Lake Trail offers a pleasant hike though the forest and by Chester Lake. This trail is suitable for almost all abilities.