By jobtraklite on August 01, 2010
Google maps bicycle option shows the Luce Line going east to within about a 1/2 mile of the trail along Lake Wirth in Minneapolis. The Hennepin County bike map shows that this gap to be completed by 2009.
By timbee on July 21, 2010
The Luce Line Trail is one of the few unpaved trails in MN. But the crushed rock makes for a mostly hard surface--better for a hybrid or MT bike than road. The eastern end is paved for a few miles and goes through the suburbs of Plymouth, Wayzata, Long Lake and close to Lake Minnetonka. There are quite a few intersections so be careful. Facilities are few and far between so bring your own water & nourishment. It's easy to do a shared loop with the paved Dakota Rail Trail by taking Ferndale through Wayzata and then cross back "on road" for 4 miles on CR 110 (wide paved shoulder) between Mound & Maple Plain. BTW, it 's possible to ride the Luce east into Minneapolis and connect with other city trails.
The western end has few users; with many scenic stretches in and out of the shade and past numerous horse farms, wetlands and Winsted Lake. If you want to go west of Winsted there are no signs directing you to the trail. I rode out to the airport, even on the runway and found only a sign & a mucky, dirt trail so I aborted but I guess I didn't go far enough to find the elusive trail to Silver Lake? Unless you live close, this trail is a good "once a year" ride.