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Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail meanders through the city of Cape Girardeau in southeastern Missouri following the Cape LaCroix Creek. Along the way, the paved trail connects Shawnee Park, Arena Park, Cape Woods Conservation Area, and Osage Park.
From south to north, parking lots can be found in: Shawnee Park (State Route 74 and West End Boulevard), Arena Park (410 Kiwanis Drive), and Osage Park (1625 North Kingshighway).
you can get over 12.5 miles if you extend the south end a bit. trail is narrow in places so biking is best during non crowded times. South end is rough in places from tree roots.
Flat, minimal hills, and winds throughout the city! Very pretty through wooded areas. Offers a great escape for bikers! Well-maintained. Plenty of room to pass others and even ride alongside friends.
This trail is actually a little over 10 miles long. There are a few spots where tree roots cause the asphalt to be uneven in one area of the trail...other than that, it's in safe condition to ride or run on.
After 40 plus years, my husband and I have decided to get back into bicycle riding. this was only our second ride. This trail was exactly what we needed. Mostly flat with minimal hills. The scenery was nice. There were just a few small area that were a little rough. The folks we met along the way were friendly and courteous. Very appreciative of having this so close to use. I would have liked to have given this a 4 1/2. The only reason not a 5, are the areas that are buckling, wishing there were more markers to know distance between points.
Trail is relatively flat, with abundant changes of scenery. Well maintained with multiple parking areas available and many access points.
The local news reported that many people were complaining about the condition of this trail due to neglect. There are places that are badly deteriorating over dangerous drop-offs and many other unsafe problems along this trail. Someone actually went out of their way to mark some of these spots with orange paint with circles, arrows, & the word "danger." The city claims there is no money to fix this trail yet they put a useless outdoor workout station along the trail & are adding to the city water park. Apparently they do not care about the safety of those who pay taxes & use this trail. The restrooms (like Cape's many other public restrooms) are absolutely disgusting! Dirty dirty dirty! I have never seen 1 with soap in the dispenser & many of them have the dispenser stolen & never replaced! So sad! This trail could be a good thing if the right city was in charge of it!
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