Intro to Hiking: Rapids Lake

Meet us at 9am at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center.
15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315
See the sights, hear the birds, and feel the breeze this summer on a guided hike with refuge staff and volunteers! We'll introduce you to trails on the refuge and teach you some insider tips for hiking.
This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section.
Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather! Registration optional here: signup.com/go/gPPrWjW
This is an easy to moderate outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.
What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothing as this program is fully outdoors. Close-toed shoes, pants, sunscreen, bug spray, and a full water bottle are recommended.
Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:
Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.