The best running trails around West St. Paul

West St. Paul offers a diverse range of running terrain. You'll find extensive paved paths, especially connecting parks like Garlough and Marthaler, which are part of the larger River-to-River Greenway. For a more natural feel, many parks also feature wood chip and dirt trails, such as those found in Garlough Park and Thompson County Park. The region's interconnected trail networks ensure a variety of surfaces for your run.

Yes, West St. Paul has options suitable for beginners. For instance, the paved trail around Thompson Lake in Thompson County Park is roughly half a mile and offers a gentle, scenic run. The broader River-to-River Greenway also includes sections that are relatively flat and easy to navigate. One moderate option is The Forks Market loop from Chinatown, which is 6.0 km long.

For longer runs, the interconnected River-to-River Greenway Trail is an excellent choice, linking several parks like Garlough, Marthaler, and Thompson County Park, and extending towards the Mississippi River Greenway. This network allows for extended distances. A challenging long-distance option is The Forks Market loop from South Point Douglas, which spans 20.4 km.

Many of the running opportunities in West St. Paul are designed as loops or can be easily combined to form circular routes. For example, you can circle Thompson Lake in Thompson County Park, or explore the trails around Mud Lake Park. Komoot users enjoy routes like the Running loop from Cedar Bog Trail parking lot, which is a 12.1 km loop through natural areas.

West St. Paul boasts several scenic spots. The Dodge Nature Center offers secluded trails and a wetland walkway across Farm Pond, where you can observe wildlife. Garlough and Marthaler Parks feature tall, mature trees providing a peaceful escape. Thompson County Park has a paved trail around Thompson Lake, passing a fishing pier. The River-to-River Greenway offers varied scenery, including lake views and bridges. You might also enjoy seeing Birds Hill Quarry Lake or the Birds Hill Provincial Park nearby.

While specific restrictions can vary by park, many of West St. Paul's city parks and sections of the River-to-River Greenway are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, it's important to note that the Dodge Nature Center does not allow dogs on its trails. Always check local signage for the most current regulations.

For families, the paved trails in parks like Thompson County Park are ideal, especially the half-mile loop around Thompson Lake which includes a playground and picnic shelter. The flatter, more accessible sections of the River-to-River Greenway also provide safe and enjoyable options for families to run or walk together.

West St. Paul's extensive park system and interconnected trails, particularly the River-to-River Greenway, are integrated within the city. Many of these parks are served by local public transport routes, making them accessible without a car. It's recommended to check the specific bus routes and stops nearest to your desired park entrance.

Most major parks in West St. Paul, including Garlough Park, Marthaler Park, and Thompson County Park, offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. These parks serve as excellent starting points for accessing the various trail networks, including the River-to-River Greenway. For example, the Running loop from Cedar Bog Trail parking lot starts directly from a parking area.

The running community on komoot frequently praises West St. Paul for its diverse natural landscapes and extensive park system. Over 190 runners have explored the varied terrain, appreciating the interconnected trail networks and the peaceful escape offered by wooded sections and lake views. The region provides a range of running experiences for different ability levels.

Yes, several interesting landmarks are accessible. While running, you might pass by the The Forks National Historic Site, or see the Esplanade Riel Footbridge. The trails also offer views of natural features like Thompson Lake and the wetlands of Dodge Nature Center.

For a quieter experience, consider exploring the less-known trails on the north and south sides of Mud Lake Park, which are ideal for bird watching and offer a serene environment. Additionally, the wood chip paths that diverge from the main paved trails in Garlough Park can provide a more secluded running experience away from the busier routes.