By toolbear in September, 2011
The TrailBear is heading south for the winter and stopped in the Tri Cities to take a look at the Keene Rd. Trail (among others).
This is very much a Work In Progress - but mostly open and rideable. Rather nice blacktop. New trees have been planted. There was a bench - first of many to come. They have plans.
We will have to update the map. The city has been busy and this trail is much longer than their map shows. The end points are the junction of Keene Rd. and South Highlands (N46.26935 W119.35872) way to the west and at Bellerive Dr. in the east (N46.22926 W119.25099).
This is a local trail with limited facilities but excellent access. It runs alongside Keene Rd. most of the way and you can park at one of the many shopping areas and hop on. The pavement is new and wide. Don't look for hordes of roadies here. More like dog walkers, joggers, local riders, mums with prams and such.
The roadies are probably down on the Richland Riverfront and Sacagawea Heritage Trails along the Columbia. These are longer and scenic river rides. Keene Rd. is much of the scenery on the Keene Rd. Trail.
Badger Mountain Community Park is the logical trail head (N46.23519 W119.28049). There are restrooms and water up at the baseball diamonds and plenty of parking. In the heat of summer you can try the Splash Park at the other ends. The tipping pails of water look very popular.
The city is paving Keene Rd. in places (9/11) so the trail has been cut here and there. Look for a few CLOSED signs in places west of Badger Mt. Park. No closures east of Badger Mt. Park.
Ride on!
TrailBear
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