The Rice Creek North Regional Trail serves multiple purposes: it’s a connector, running through the two counties (Anoka and Ramsey) and five cities: Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Blaine, Shoreview and Arden Hills. It is a space for safe non-motorized travel as well as active recreation. And it is a celebration of nature: beginning with the stand of pine trees that line its north entrance. The trail begins in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, where it threads deftly between the big water bodies. In just 13 miles, users can walk, jog, and bike through restored prairies, mesic woodlands and riparian marsh. The Rice Creek corridor is also home to wildlife such as white-tailed deer and diverse birdlife including ospreys, kestrels and bluebirds. South of County Road I in Arden Hills the trail loops around Rice Creek.
While in the park, visitors can also engage in activities ranging from picnics, canoeing and kayaking. Your canine companions can also get in on the action: there is an off-leash dog park off Lexington Avenue.
From north to south, here are the places you can access the trail:
You can also access the trail on any of the intersecting streets. There may be fees charged to drivers entering the Regional Park.
5 minutes into ride got lost ! No signage. City streets are confusing route. Waste of time today.
One of my favorite trails in Twin Cities. I start in Arden Hills at 35W and County I. I ride it till where it connects with Chaminade Golf Course and the Chain of Lakes Trail. Then I take city streets along Centerville lake till it connects with county park which brings you back to COL Trail. Very beautiful mix of country and suburbs. About 26 miles total. Signage not great but if you follow TrailLinks Map it is a piece of cake!
The beginning of the trail in Shoreview is nice but then you have to go in streets for quite a while and then it actually cuts off for a block or so. The trail is closed on the north end too. Trail is smooth at times but mostly bumpy.
Really enjoy this trail, but it needs clear signage when in the area between the dog park and county road I.
We rode the trail today. While we liked the trail we were frustrated by the lack of signage in certain areas. T intersects with no signs, goes out to residential streets with no signage. It got frustrating having to stop and check out location on maps.
I have a friend that lives in Circle Pines and I’ve always heard her talk about riding. I finally came up from SC for a visit and we hit this trail on a misty, rainy June day. It’s a lovely trail and the wetlands are beautiful!
Started loop by dog park. Road dmv loop. Great view of creek and nice views of start of a sunset. Hwy 10 road noise not too bad. Lots of butterflies in grassy area to enjoy.
Accessed trail by Rice Creek Elementary School and was pleased to find trail recently resurfaced. Smooth and in good condition. Very pleasant to find such a nice trail in uran area.
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