Cross-country skiing now underway at UMore Park

What: Cross-country ski trails at UMore Park
When: Ski trails opened
Where: UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W., Rosemount, Minn.

Contacts: UMore Park Administrative Office and Conference Center,(651) 423-2455

(12/09/2005) — The University of Minnesota’s 7,500-acre research facility near Rosemount, UMore Park, has opened Lone Rock Trail to cross-country skiers. The trail was designed by professor Mel Baughman, an expert in recreational trail design with the University of Minnesota College of Natural Resources. Its design, utilization and maintenance are used as examples of good trail management in university classes.
On Lone Rock Trail, cross-country skiers can enjoy a scenic, rural experience on approximately 11 miles of groomed trails through gently rolling terrain, woodland and agricultural land. The trail consists of varied landscapes with frequent short hill climbs and descents. It requires intermediate skiing skills. The trail is groomed by the Dakota County Parks and Recreation Department through a cooperative agreement with UMore Park. Snowfall permitting, the trail is groomed for both classical and skate skiing styles.
For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, call Dakota County's 24-hour information line at 651.GET INFO (651) 438.4636.Press 5 for trail information, then press 7 for conditions at UMore Park's Lone Rock Trail.Information is also available on Dakota County's parks and recreation trail conditions web page.
Skiers are required to observe trail courtesy by following the blue diamond markers and staying on the trail. The trails are one-way for skiers.
Parking fees (per vehicle) for trail users
• $5 daily
• $25 annual (April 1 through Mar. 30)

Passes can be purchased at the trailhead using supplied envelopes and drop box.
Off-road vehicles (4WD, ATV, motorcycle), snowmobiles, bicycles, pets, camping, campfires, hunting, trapping, guns and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The trail is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
To reach Lone Rock Trail:
UMore Park is located at the southeastern edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area on County Road 46 (160th St.), just southeast of downtown Rosemount.To reach the trailhead from County Road 46, travel 1.8 miles south on Station Trail Road. (Station Trail Road is 1.3 miles east of State Highway 3 and one tenth of a mile west of the UMore Park office.)Signage for the trail is located along Station Trail Road at both 160th and 170th Streets.For a map of the trail location, visit www.umorepark.umn.edu.There is a link to trail information on the main page.