By rgwelsh in July, 2011
While the Red Jacket trail is nice, the central span of the bridge is currently out, due to a washed out tower. It looks like they have the framework for a missing span ready to go, but there was no indication on progress for the support tower . There is a paved detour that takes you over a nearby road bridge and gets you to Rapidan.
I am a little disappointed that the various web sites that publicize this trail have not been updated to reflect the current status. As the bridge is a highlight of the trail, this would only seem to be fair.
I look forward to news that the span has been restored and the bridge is back in service
By timbee in June, 2011
As in my last comment about missing the turn in Mankato to the Red Jacket, I purposely cruised past the "exit" and ended up in Sibley Park. Rather than turning around I kept following the road until it crossed the Blue Earth River on Olive St. which eventually led to the Minneopa Trail--a nice surprise. This is a smooth, new asphalt trail about 4-5 miles long which runs into Minneopa State Park with only a short segment on marked roadway.
Minneopa is a scenic state park with water falls & walking paths. After a brief rest, I got onto the Red Jacket which parallels Hawthorne Road; taking the RJT this way I avoided some very steep climbs and enjoyed some long down hill runs. I didn't go as far south as Rapidan but took a left and went past Mt. Kato ski hill then back into Mankato where I eventually got onto the Sakatah (as noted previously, the trails in Mankato are poorly marked, so it was a process of trial and error). Crossing busy roads in Mankato (3rd Ave is the worst) is especially hazardous because automobile traffic never slows down. I don't know why they lay all this expensive asphalt then neglect putting up directional & safety signs?
By timbee in September, 2010
The Red Jacket Trail starts in west Mankato on a busy road in between a high school & YMCA (parking possible either place) across from the Burger King. Getting there from the North Minnesota River Trail (an extension of the Sakatah Trail) is tricky with no signs or maps. There are a couple of other park areas you could wind up at if you miss the turns.
It winds through some neighborhoods unmarked, crossing somewhat busy roads. The "official" start is a sign about a mile down the trail--nothing more. Once on the right track, the trail meanders around some curves, in and out of shade, uphill to the hamlet of Rapidan. It's a pleasant ride with few users. On the way you'll cross an impressive bridge over the LeSueur River with some remarkable views. There isn't much in Rapidan so pack snacks & water (weekends may be better). You can take a county road a few miles out to the Rapidan Dam to tack on extra miles. This is a nice trail to extend a longer ride on the Sakatah which runs about 40 miles east to Faribault.