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Southwest Regional LRT Trail - North Corridor and South Corridor:
Minnesota
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Description:
Following abandoned railroad beds, this 27-mile trail consists of two corridors between Hopkins and Victoria and between Hopkins and Chanhassen. With grades of five percent or less, the 10-foot wide crushed limestone trail is ideal for biking, walking or running. The trail is two-way and includes wooden bridges and several road crossings. The corridors were acquired by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for future light rail transit use. A cooperative agreement between HCRRA and Hennepin Parks allows the corridors to be used for interim recreational purposes. Hennepin Parks operates the trail for spring, summer and fall. Check with municipalities for permitted winter trail activities. Trail Highlights: 27 miles of trail for biking, walking, running and pet walking. Scenic views of Minnehaha Creek, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Riley, Bluff Creek Ravine and Minnesota River Valley. Trail passes through or near Carver Park Reserve and city parks with picnic and toilet facilities.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking Areas: North Loop Carver Park Reserve, Victoria Minnetonka Civic Center Park, Minnetonka Big Willow Park, Minnetonka South Loop Transit Park and Ride, Excelsior Blvd and 8th Ave, Hopkins Miller Park, Eden Prairie Riley Lake Park, Chanhassen Bluff Creek Drive, Chaska
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Kiosks, but few rest rooms.
By timbee on June 05, 2008
Considering these are crushed limestone trails in MN they're adequate, however, why have such fancy kiosks but so few restrooms, drinking fountains and benches in the shade. The northern segment (Hopkins to Victoria) is much more scenic & peaceful than the southern route which is chopped up by busy streets & freeways. It also ends abruptly onto busy 212 in Chaska where there is no signage or parking.
Can not wait for summer
By Bwall on March 08, 2005
"This is a great trail. My friends and I ride this trail till the end, come back to Minneapolis, have lunch at Maynards, and slowly take the rest of the way home. I like the gravel on the trail. I want summer to return.

Bryan
"
Like home
By Desmond Grier on June 12, 2002
"We ride this trail often with friends and relatives who live near it, so it feels like home. Although not the greatest surface (it's one of just a few of Minnesota's best trails that aren't paved), it makes for a cool summer day's ride with frequent shade, lake breezes, and very scenic marshlands. It also gets you to the Victoria House, whose menu often makes the ride more than worthwhile. Recent renovations to the trail are nearly completed, and the construction creates only minor inconvenience."