In all the free time I have now, with not training for any races, I
decided to check out some trails that have been on my 'to see' list. Right at the top is
Rice Creek West - in Anoka Co. Not to be confused with the portions of Rice Creek North in Anoka Co, nor the portions of Rice Creek West and North in Ramsey Co.
Trail: Rice Creek West.
Parking and Logistics I used the Locke Park access to the trail. There's a port o pot, but the plumbed facilities are always locked for some reason. I wanted to try this trail because it's quite close to a work location I frequent. So, even without a place to change at the park, logistics are fine.
Hills: OMG Yes. This is like "let's put a parking lot up here and then let you run down the hill to the creek. And then up the hill to this road..."
Ease of Running: It's a paved trail. The east bound portion of the trail from the dog park was fine except a mighty hill up to the Medtronic campus. The west bound portion of the trail had issues due to new housing and road construction, and then a very old and 'lumpy' part of the trail.
(Sorry, I don't know a better word for it.)
Nature: Lots of birds. This trail is beautiful for a hot minute before it starts running next to the road. I was so excited and so bummed.
Will I come back: Maybe for a walk, but not for a run. I'm very 'meh' on this trail. Some parts were amazing, especially down in the woods near the creek. But, for a run, there are too many at grade crossings of very busy roads. Westbound, this crosses University Ave and River Rd at grade, with a signaled crosswalk. Eastbound, this crosses Central Ave, also at grade with a signaled crosswalk. I didn't go east of Central, but there appear to be at grade crossings of Silver Lake Rd, Stinson Blvd and Long Lake Rd. It's not clear if they are signaled or not.
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