Dakota Regional
TRAIL
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail covers a portion of the 44-mile Dakota Rail corridor , which crosses Hennepin , Carver , and McLeod counties .
The trail is a popular recreational amenity in both Mayer and New Germany .
The first phase of the trail in Carver County , from the Hennepin County border to Mayer , was completed in 2010 .
In 2012 , the remaining 5.5 miles of the Carver County portion of the trail were completed , extending it from Mayer through New Germany to the McLeod County line , and culminating in 12.5 miles of paved trail .
Now , trail users can travel as far west as Lester Prairie on the trail .
In 2017 , McLeod County accepted a Legacy Grant to fund paving of the trail from the end of the pavement at the Carver County border to McLeod County Road 1 on the west side of Lester Prairie . The trail was paved through Lester Prairie in 2019 .
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail provides recreation for citizens of all ages .
The trail passes through a variety of scenic areas , including wetlands , wooded areas , and agricultural lands .
The paved portions of the trail accommodate the planned uses of walking , hiking , biking , jogging , dog walking , inline skating , and rollerblading . Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail in Carver County .
File photo
This kiosk at the trailhead in Mayer , near the intersection of Hwy . 25 and County Rd . 30 , includes a map and other information about the Dakota Rail Regional Trail .
File photo
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail passes through Mayer and New Germany . The trailhead in New Germany is located across the street from city hall .
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