Nine Mile Creek and Grand Rounds Loop

The Nine Mile Creek and Grand Rounds Loop is approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) long and is designed for racebikes. Most cyclists complete it in about 2 hours, but this can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The route combines two distinct experiences. The Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail section is mostly flat, paved asphalt with notable boardwalk sections, making it generally easy to moderate. As it transitions into the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, you'll find extensive off-street paved paths. While generally easy, the Grand Rounds does include a few hills, particularly in the Northeast segment and the Theodore Wirth section. Riding the Grand Rounds in a counterclockwise direction can make the Northeast section feel more downhill.

While specific parking lots aren't detailed, both the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connect to numerous city parks. You can typically find parking available at various points along the route, especially near major lakes like Bde Maka Ska or Lake Nokomis Pathway, which are part of the Grand Rounds.

Yes, much of the route is suitable for beginners. Both the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway feature paved, off-street paths with generally easy to moderate terrain. The Nine Mile Creek section is largely flat, and while the Grand Rounds has some hills, they are manageable. It's a great way to experience Minneapolis's cycling network.

This loop offers a diverse range of sights. Along the Nine Mile Creek section, you'll pass through wetlands, woodlands, and prairies, with views of the creek itself, Rainbow Falls, Alimagnet Lake, and Staring Lake. The Grand Rounds portion connects 14 natural lakes, including the Chain of Lakes (Brownie, Cedar, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet), Lake Nokomis Pathway, and Lake Hiawatha. You'll also see Minnehaha Creek, the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Falls, the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, and downtown Minneapolis skyline vistas.

Generally, dogs are allowed on leash on most regional trails and parkways in Minneapolis, including sections of the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them to respect other users and the natural environment.

The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway paths are meticulously maintained and cleared year-round, making it accessible in all seasons. However, the most popular times for cycling are spring, summer, and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while spring brings blooming wetlands and woodlands. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential ice or snow.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail or the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. Both are public trails accessible to everyone.

Yes, the Nine Mile Creek and Grand Rounds Loop integrates with Minneapolis's extensive trail network. The route passes through significant sections of the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. You'll also find it intersects with parts of the Minnehaha Byway District, Richfield Bicycle Routes, and the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail, offering many options for extending your ride.

Given that the Grand Rounds is an urban byway connecting numerous city parks and lakes, you'll find many opportunities for refreshments. The route passes through developed communities and near popular lake areas like Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet, where cafes, restaurants, and snack stands are often available, especially during warmer months.

The diverse environments along the loop, from wetlands and woodlands to urban green spaces, support various wildlife. Along the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, you might spot waterfowl, various bird species, and small mammals in the wetland and prairie areas. The Grand Rounds, with its lakes and river sections, is also home to many bird species, including ducks, geese, and herons, as well as squirrels and other common urban wildlife.