By dreamshark in October, 2008
One of the oldest separated bike paths in Minneapolis, and it shows. The pavement is very rough in places, curb cuts are few and awkwardly placed, and the pedestrians will drive you nuts. Although there is a walking path a few feet away from the bike trail, the bike path is typically clogged with oblivious joggers and people pushing strollers or meandering along three abreast. The trail runs along the top of the river bluff, but it's not as scenic as you would expect. For the most part the view of the river is obstructed by a thick tangle of trees and underbrush. On the plus side, it is very shady and the River Road is only moderately busy.
The only reason I ride on this trail is if I'm trying to get from the Midtown Bike Path to Lake Street and I don't feel like riding down the Hiawatha corridor. If I were looking for a pleasant ride with a view from the river bluffs I'd ride on the east side of the river.