Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Loop

The full loop is approximately 29.8 kilometers (18.5 miles) long. For a touring cyclist, it typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

This loop is generally considered easy for touring cyclists, with mostly flat paved multi-use trails and an elevation gain of only about 54 meters. It's suitable for beginners and those looking for a relaxed ride. However, the park also offers newer singletrack options (Rice Lake Trail and Sherman Lake Trail) that provide more engaging, entry-level mountain biking with some challenging climbs and downhill segments.

The primary loop follows paved multi-use trails that wind through wooded areas and past lakes. For those seeking more adventure, the park also features newer singletrack trails (Rice Lake and Sherman Lake) with flowing designs, some climbs, and even jump opportunities, accessible from the paved paths.

The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve has multiple access points and parking lots. A good starting point would be one of the main park entrances, which offer convenient parking for cyclists. Specific parking areas are usually well-marked within the park.

The route offers picturesque scenery, traversing extensive wooded areas and providing great views of the lakes and wetlands. You'll pass by lakes such as Marshan, Reshaunau, George Watch, and Centerville. The park is known for its preserved wetland wilderness and restored prairies, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer, ospreys, kestrels, and bluebirds.

Yes, the loop features several interesting spots. You can enjoy the scenic Boardwalk in Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park, which offers unique views of the wetlands. Keep an eye out for the charming Wooden Turtle Sculpture as well.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the paved multi-use trails within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Always check for specific signage regarding pet regulations in certain areas.

As part of the Anoka County Parks system, there may be a vehicle entry fee required to access the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. Daily or annual passes are typically available for purchase at park entrances or online. It's advisable to check the Anoka County Parks website for the most current fee information before your visit.

The paved trails are enjoyable from spring through fall. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. The park also has a fat tire biking pilot program on cross-country ski trails during certain winter seasons, offering another option.

Yes, the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Loop connects to a broader network of regional trails. The route extensively uses sections of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail and also incorporates parts of the Main Street Trail and Edgerton Ave Bikeway, allowing for longer rides and varied routes beyond the main loop.

Absolutely. While the main loop is easy, the park introduced singletrack trails in the fall of 2022. The Rice Lake Trail (approx. 1.7 miles) includes a few challenging climbs, and the Sherman Lake Trail (approx. 1.8 miles) features jump opportunities and downhill segments. These are classified as entry-level mountain biking but offer a more dynamic ride.

The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve offers various amenities, including restrooms, particularly near popular areas like the Wargo Nature Center and the swimming beach on Centerville Lake. While there aren't cafes directly on the trail, the park's location in Lino Lakes means there are dining options and cafes available in the surrounding communities a short drive away.