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January 30, 2024
Road cycling
November 30, 2023
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Shady Oak Lake
4.5
(2)
5
riders
38.7km
02:22
230m
230m
The Nine Mile Creek and Bloomington Ferry Trail Loop offers a fascinating contrast, starting on smooth asphalt and extensive wooden boardwalks that traverse wetlands and urban green spaces, including views of Shady Oak Lake. You'll then transition to the more rugged, unpaved hardpack singletrack of the Bloomington Ferry Trail, which winds through the lush Minnesota River floodplain. This diverse terrain provides a unique journey from urban parkland to a more wilderness-like feel, with highlights like the Nine Mile Creek Bridge.
This moderate 24.0-mile (38.7 km) touring bicycle route, with 764 feet (233 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 21 minutes. While the Nine Mile Creek section is family-friendly, the unpaved Bloomington Ferry Trail can be sandy and challenging, sometimes prone to flooding. For the best experience, a hybrid, mountain, or fat bike is recommended to handle the varied surfaces.
What truly sets this loop apart is its extensive boardwalks, some stretching for nearly a mile, offering an immersive experience through wetlands even within developed communities. The trail also boasts a unique river crossing via a portage on a raft over Nine Mile Creek, adding an adventurous twist. It's a great option for cyclists looking for a dynamic ride that combines natural beauty with connectivity to other regional trails in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
4.7
(7)
32
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
27
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 280 m
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Friday 12 June
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14°C
14 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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