Sumac and Meadowlark Loop

The Sumac and Meadowlark Loop is an easy figure-eight loop located at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Minnesota. This dirt trail is well-marked and easy to follow throughout. It is also a great place to birdwatch. This loop is 1.3 miles long and gains 75 feet of elevation.

This hike begins at the Eastman Nature Center parking lot. Begin hiking on the trail at the southwest end of the parking lot. You will see a sign for the Sumac Trail shortly after you exit the parking lot. This section of trail travels through a deciduous forest and has a few educational signs along the way. 

After 0.2 miles of hiking, you will reach a junction. Take a right, following signs for Meadowlark Trail. About 20 yards later you will reach the start of the Meadowlark Loop. Take a right to follow the loop counterclockwise. The Meadowlark loop has a mixture of deciduous forest and wetlands. There are also a couple benches along the trail where you can stop and take a break while enjoying beautiful views.

After 0.9 miles of hiking on the Meadowlark Trail, you will have completed the Meadowlark Loop. Hike the 20 yards back to the Sumac Trail and follow that to the right. After another 0.2 miles of hiking through the forest, you will have reached the Eastman Nature Center. The Eastman Nature Center has great youth educational opportunities, so be sure to stop in and look around.

The Sumac and Meadowlark loop is open year-round for hiking. There are no fees to hike at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are on a leash. The Sumac and Meadowlark Loop is a great opportunity to get out of the city and explore some of Minnesota’s natural beauty.