Lebanon Hills Loop Hiking Guide
Lebanon Hills is the south metro's big wild park: nearly 2,000 acres of glacial hills and small lakes in Eagan and Apple Valley, with trails winding between ponds, oak woods and restored prairie. The Lebanon Hills Loop is its most popular hike, a little over five miles of rolling terrain from the visitor centre on Cliff Road. It is free, and it is changing — the whole trail system is being rebuilt over the next few years.
The Loop
Mapping apps put the loop at about 5.2 miles with roughly 240 feet of gain, rated moderate for its length. It starts at the visitor centre at 860 Cliff Road and threads between several of the park's lakes over short, rolling hills. Shorter options include an East Loop of around 3.1 miles and a 2.4-mile Blue Trail loop. Because of the realignment project, follow current signage rather than older maps.
The Sustainable Trails Project
Dakota County is reshaping all 50 miles of trail in Lebanon Hills, removing some routes and realigning others. Construction in the middle section of the park was scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with completion expected in summer 2028, and the west section faced periodic closures from November 2026 through March 2027. Expect intermittent, short-term closures while equipment is working, and check the county's trail conditions page before you go.
Trail Types
Lebanon Hills has separate trail systems for hiking, horses, mountain bikes and skiing. Equestrian trails are closed to hikers, and mountain bike trails are for bikes. Dogs are not allowed on mountain bike, equestrian or cross-country ski trails. Stay on the hiking trails, which are well signed at junctions.
Lakes and Prairie
The park is dotted with small lakes, and more than 1,100 acres of prairie and forest are being restored. Spring and early summer bring birdsong and wildflowers; autumn colour in the oak woods is excellent. Summers can be humid and buggy near the water, so early mornings are the most pleasant time to walk.
Practicalities
Admission and parking are free. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash of six feet or less. The visitor centre is reachable by Metro Transit TransitLink. Ticks are common in the grassy areas in warm months.
Hiking tips for Lebanon Hills Loop
- Check Dakota County's trail conditions page — the trail system is being realigned through 2028.
- Follow current signage over older maps, since some routes are being removed or rerouted.
- Stay off equestrian and mountain bike trails; they are closed to hikers.
- Keep dogs on a non-retractable six-foot leash.
- Walk early on summer mornings to beat the humidity and bugs.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pike Island Loop
- Hyland and Bush Lakes Loop
- Afton North River Trail Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lebanon Hills is the south metro's go-to loop, and a free, easy place to meet new hiking partners. Use TrailMates to find Twin Cities hikers nearby. Download the TrailMates app to connect.