The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the trees are budding. Busy squirrels are racing up sugar maples and chattering in excitement. Families, dog walkers, bikers and hikers are back on the trails and sidewalks. As Earth blooms, we’re all feeling the urge to get outside and welcome spring.

But in the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, stay-at-home directives and practicing proper six-foot social distancing, how we can enjoy the great outdoors safely?

Many of our parks offer trail access points away from the main entrances and recreation areas. We’ve rounded up a list of some of these “not-as-busy” areas in our parks where you can find the space you need to spread out and still bask in the beauty of spring sunshine. 

Check out the park maps for other parking and access areas to your favorite parks. When you’re in the park, use the interactive park maps to follow your route.

1. Baker Park Reserve, Maple Plain

Baker Park Reserve is a natural gem on the edge of the metro that offers 2,700 acres of big woods forest and meadows. There are a variety of parking lots available and trails to explore around the main recreation area.

Or, from the Marshview Group Camp (located in the center of the park), hike the three-mile loop turf loop that cuts through towering basswood and maple trees.

Note: Parking here is very limited. Aim for a sunrise or sunset hike to avoid crowds.

2. Carver Park Reserve, Victoria

Carver Park Reserve is the place to find solitude on the water and peacefulness in rolling prairies. 

Head to Parley Lake, off of Grimm Road, to access miles of paved and turf trails.

Access to paved trails is also available near the dog off-leash area, off of Park Drive. Bring your pup for a walk (on-leash) on the trail, and then have some playtime in the off-leash area.

Bring your bike and pedal 9.1 miles of paved trails winding through the park; connect to the aggregate Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail for a longer adventure.

3. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, Hanover

At Crow-Hassan, you can immerse yourself in thousands of acres of restored habitat that are home to countless native species – even some that are threatened and endangered.

Park in the main trailhead lot at the entrance and go either north or south to access the four-mile loop in the center of the park. Choose from a peaceful walk through expansive prairie, a quiet meander through the woods, or both!

Listen for meadowlarks and sandhill cranes and keep your eyes peeled for soaring eagles and other wildlife.

4. Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford

Enjoy expansive wilderness at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve and find seclusion on trails that weave through tall forests, prairies and along wetlands. 

Try the turf Deerwood Hiking Trail (1.5-mile loop) and look for owls, trumpeter swans, deer, eagles and more on your jaunt through the woods.

Or bring your bike for an adventure on wheels and ride around the eight-mile paved loop through the park. This trail is also great for a walk through the park.

5. Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Savage

Murphy-Hanrehan offers over 21 miles of trails, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and find some solitude.

Park at the recreation entrance and hike the turf trails east of the dog off-leash area. There are several loops for you to choose your own adventure and distances for hiking.

It’s one of the best parks in Three Rivers for birding, so bring your binoculars and head out for an adventure! Bring a birding checklist and keep track of what you see. Trails take you through forests, wetlands and prairie, ensuring you’ll never get bored. 

Friendly Reminders

No matter where you get outside, remember to:

• Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others.
• Refrain from gathering at entrances and in parking lots.
• Come prepared to have limited access to restrooms and drinking water.
• Leave no trace; bring your trash and other items home with you for disposal.
• Practice good hygiene and stay home if you're not feeling well.

Get the latest updates and information on COVID-19 and Three Rivers.