The best running trails in Eau Claire County

The Owen Park – Phoenix Park Bridge loop offers a vibrant jogging experience through the heart of Eau Claire, tracing the banks of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. You'll weave through well-maintained green spaces like Owen Park, known for its old-growth pines, and the lively Phoenix Park, before crossing several pedestrian bridges that offer unique city and river vistas. The route combines paved paths with packed gravel, providing a varied surface underfoot as you take in the urban landscape and natural beauty.

This difficult 10.1-mile (16.2 km) route, with its 321 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, is a substantial workout that typically takes around 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete. Parking is generally available near Owen Park or Phoenix Park, making either a convenient starting point for your run. Be mindful of Eau Claire's cold, snowy winters, which may require specific gear, though many paths are cleared for year-round enjoyment.

Eau Claire is famously known as "The City of Bridges," and this loop showcases that heritage beautifully, particularly with the historic Phoenix Park Bridge, an old railroad Whipple truss bridge now converted for pedestrian use. The trail also passes through the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire campus and highlights the significant confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, offering a blend of natural features and urban landmarks.

The Lakeshore Trail – Owen Park loop from Eau Claire offers a refreshing jogging experience, blending urban parkland with picturesque lakeside views. You'll enjoy the smooth, accessible Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Trail, which provides expansive vistas of Half Moon Lake and Carson Park, before transitioning into the tranquil, tree-lined paths of Owen Park. This 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route, with its minimal 68 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and can be completed in about 49 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a consistent, scenic run.

For planning your visit, Owen Park is a great starting point, equipped with parking and restrooms for your convenience. Given its popularity as one of the best jogging loops in Eau Claire, arriving early is a good idea to ensure a spot, especially during peak times. The trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for jogging throughout much of the year, though checking local conditions is always recommended.

This route stands out for its blend of accessibility and natural beauty, with the Half Moon Lake Boardwalk being ADA-compliant. It also connects seamlessly with the broader Chippewa Valley Trail System, offering opportunities to extend your run if you desire. The varied scenery, from open lake views to the lush greenery of Owen Park, makes it a local favorite for those seeking a pleasant and engaging outdoor workout.

The Owen Park – Putnam Trail Gravel Path loop in Eau Claire is a fantastic option for a quick, scenic jog, offering a blend of urban parkland and preserved natural areas. You'll wind through heavily wooded sections, enjoying views of the Chippewa River, and pass through the ecologically diverse Putnam Park, a Wisconsin State Natural Area known for its rich flora and fauna. The terrain is primarily packed gravel and some paved sections, making for an easy gravel jogging path that's stable underfoot.

This moderate 3.6-mile (5.8 km) loop, with a gentle 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 36 minutes. Parking is readily available at Owen Park, which is a convenient trailhead access point. It's a great choice for a morning or evening run, especially during the warmer months when the abundant shade is a welcome relief.

What sets this route apart is its unique combination of urban accessibility and natural preservation. Beyond the scenic views, Putnam Park is a significant botanical laboratory, boasting over 400 plant species and serving as a haven for wildlife spotting, including over 100 bird species. The trail also features an iconic tunnel and a bridge crossing the Chippewa River, adding distinctive landmarks to your experience.