Mississippi, Rush Creek & Shingle Creek Trails Loop

The full Mississippi, Rush Creek & Shingle Creek Trails Loop is a touring cycling route that generally takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace and any stops you make along the way.

The trails forming this loop are predominantly paved, making them suitable for touring bikes. The terrain is largely flat, with only occasional gradual hills. You'll find one notable hill when crossing Highway 169, but significant elevation changes are not a prominent feature of the route.

Yes, the generally flat and paved nature of the trails makes this loop very accessible for a wide range of cyclists, including beginners. The Rush Creek Regional Trail, in particular, is noted as being 'very easy to get out' on, even for inexperienced riders.

You'll experience a diverse landscape. The Rush Creek Regional Trail traverses through forests, farmlands, and suburban areas, offering wooded and rural stretches. The Shingle Creek Trail winds alongside Shingle Creek, passing through greenery and marshes, as well as urban sections. You'll also get scenic views of the Mississippi River along segments of the Mississippi River Trail.

Absolutely! Along the route, you'll find the Centennial Park Outdoor Fitness Area, the scenic Shingle Creek Trail, and the North Mississippi Regional Park. The eastern end of the Rush Creek Regional Trail, near the Coon Rapids Dam, also provides beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

This loop is enjoyable across multiple seasons. While spring, summer, and fall offer lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, the trails are also well-maintained in winter. Champlin and Brooklyn Park are diligent in clearing snow, making it a viable option for year-round cycling.

Yes, this loop is part of an interconnected system. It utilizes sections of the Mississippi River Trail (Minnesota), United States Bicycle Route 20 (Minnesota), United States Bicycle Route 45, Shingle Creek Regional Trail, and Rush Creek Regional Trail, among others.

Generally, dogs are permitted on most regional trails in the Minneapolis area, including those that make up this loop. However, they must always be kept on a leash and you are responsible for cleaning up after them. Always check local signage for specific rules in parks or sensitive natural areas.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle on the regional trails that form this loop. They are generally open to the public for recreational use.

Given the loop's interconnected nature, there are multiple access points with parking. You can look for parking at regional parks along the route, such as North Mississippi Regional Park or Palmer Lake Park. Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, at the eastern end of the Rush Creek Trail, also offers extensive parking options.

Yes, an early morning ride on the Rush Creek Regional Trail can offer opportunities to encounter wildlife, particularly in its wooded and rural stretches. Keep an eye out for various birds and small mammals.