Centerville Lake Loop

Centerville Lake Loop is a long and flat trail located in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. This trail is paved and travels between multiple lakes before circling around Centerville Lake. This lollipop loop is 11 miles long and gains just under 150 feet of elevation.

This hike starts at the Country Lakes Park parking lot off of W Shadow Lake Dr. Cross the road and begin hiking on the Rice Creek North Regional Trail. After 0.2 miles, stay right at the junction to continue on the Rice Creek North Regional Trail. You will now be briefly walking on a boardwalk bridge over a wetland area.

After 1.3 miles of walking amongst deciduous trees and the occasional wildflower, you will turn right. 0.2 miles down this trail, you will stay right again. You will stay right again after 0.2 miles of hiking. Now, you will be walking through Chomonix Golf Course before reaching a junction and staying left.

You will walk on a residential street for 0.1 miles before reconnecting with the trail and taking a left at the next junction. After traveling another 0.8 miles, you will reach the Centerville Boat Launch and have your first glimpse of Centerville Lake.

Turn right to take the loop around the lake counterclockwise. This portion of trail has many benches with lake views that provide a great place to stop and rest. After 1.5 miles of hiking, you will head left at the next 2 junctions. Shortly after, go straight through the next 2 junctions and walk on the trail next to Lamotte Dr. Follow signs for the trail to the left at the next 2 junctions. 

Hike 1 mile along the eastern end of Centerville Lake before taking a left to reenter the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. Shortly after, you will pass by the Centerville Lake Beach. After 1.2 miles, you will have completed the loop section of the hike. Retrace your steps from earlier to return to the parking area.

Centerville Lake Loop is not open for hiking in the winter. There are no associated fees when starting the hike from Country Lakes Park. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are on a leash. This trail is also shared with bikers. Centerville Lake Loop is great for those looking to enjoy some time in nature near the Twin Cities metro area.