Welcome to the Lone Rock Trail

At UMore Park

Horse riders, hikers and cross-country skiers will enjoy a scenic experience on 11 miles of trails through gently rolling terrain, woodland, restored prairie, wetlands and agricultural land. Please protect our research projects by staying on the trail.

Fee - There is no trail pass required or fee to use the trail or parking areas.

Hours of Use - 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. EXCEPTION: During the months of May and October, opening time is 10:00 am due to prime hunting periods for spring turkey hunting and fall archery deer hunting.

Trail Access –There are three allowed access points to Lone Rock Trail.

  • Primary access: Trail Head off of Station Trail. This access provides parking for truck/trailer rigs as well as horse watering facilities and restroom facilities. From the U of M Administration Office on Co. Rd. 46, travel west 1/10th of a mile to Station Trail. Turn south on Station Trail and continue 1.5 miles. The Trail Head entrance sign is posted on the right.
  • Secondary access: small parking lot off of Clayton Ave.
  • Secondary access: small parking lot off of Blaine Ave.

Trail Uses Permitted

  • Hiking (January 1 – October 31) – Easy hiking for families on a natural surface tread.
  • Horseback Riding (May 1 – October 31)– For advanced beginners, children on ponies, and groups up to 25. Lone Rock Trail is for personal use only and is not to be used or marketed for business purposes in any way.
  • Cross-country skiing (December 15 – March 31) – Stay on trails! Intermediate skill required. Rolling terrain with frequent short hill climbs and descents. Dakota County Trail Conditions: 651-438-4636.

Prohibited

  • Off-road vehicles (4WD, ATV, motorcycle)
  • Snowmobiles
  • Bicycles
  • Horse with Attached Buggy
  • Off-leash Pets (keep dogs on leash at all times)
  • Camping, campfires
  • Hunting, trapping, shooting guns (except by special permit during designated hunting periods)
  • Alcoholic beverages

Trail Courtesy

  • Follow blue diamond markers to stay on trail.
  • Trails are 2-way for horses and hikers,1-way for skiers.
  • Respect other users: use trails in a careful and controlled manner to ensure that you can stop and turn, keep right so others can pass, give an audible signal when passing, hikers get off the trail when horses are passing.

Hunting – Lone Rock Trail is part of Vermillion Highlands: A Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area. Limited hunting and trappingis allowed by special permit through the Department of Natural Resources. The general hunting schedule is as follows. Blaze orange clothing is recommended if you use the trail during periods when hunting is allowed.

  • January 1 – March 31: No Hunting
  • April 1 – May 31: Turkey hunting
  • June 1 – August 31: No hunting
  • Sept 1 – Oct 31: Archery hunting
  • Dec 14 – Jan 3: Pheasant/Goose hunting
  • Nov 1 – Jan 1: Firearms hunting – TRAIL CLOSED

Please note: these are general dates; exact hunting periods vary annually. Please see the DNR website for exact hunting dates this year, or call 651-322-4643 during business hours.

For Your Safety

  • Do not leave valuables in your car.
  • Beware of vehicles and farm machinery on roads and in fields.
  • Please obey all traffic signs.
  • Carry drinking water.
  • Beware of hazards, including:
  • animal holes
  • thorny trees and shrubs
  • low hanging branches
  • poisonous plants, e.g., poison ivy
  • moderately steep slopes with turns

Protect Our Resources

  • Park only in designated locations. Overnight parking is prohibited.
  • Enter and exit trails only at designated access points.
  • Stay on designated trails at all times to avoid damaging research projects, agricultural crops, and natural vegetation.
  • Clean up horse manure around parking area and tether lines.
  • Please do not disturb or remove plants and animals. Leave them for all to enjoy. There may be “threatened” species present (Blanding’s turtle, loggerhead shrike – a bird, valerian – a plant).
  • Pack out and remove all garbage and litter.
  • Respect rights and privacy of adjoining landowners.

Liability and Assumption of Risk

Your use of this research facility indicates your agreement to (1) comply with the customary terms and conditions for this activity, (2) comply with the rules stated herein, and (3) assume any and all risks associated with this facility’s use. In consideration of being allowed to use this facility in any way, I acknowledge, appreciate and agree that: the risk of injury from the use of this facility is significant, including the potential for serious injury and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release, indemnify and hold Regents of the University of Minnesota, UMore Park, and their officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of this facility (“releasees”) harmless with respect to any and all injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The laws of the state of Minnesota shall govern the validity, construction and enforceability of this release, without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles, and all suits, actions, claims and causes of action relating to its construction, validity, performance and enforcement shall be in the courts of the State of Minnesota.

The University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education Park is a nationally recognized center that promotes and supports the integration of research, education and outreach at the urban/rural edge with community engagement. The Rosemount Research and Outreach Center at UMore Park manages Lone Rock Trail in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Dakota County Parks Department.

Rosemount ROC· 1605 160th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068 ·(612) 301-1916·http:\\rroc.cfans.umn.edu