Overview
Regional park with 3.2 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails consisting of two separate one-way trail loops. Located in Hennepin County near Lakeville, managed by Three Rivers Park District.
Current Status
Status: Active and fully developed
Trail system consists of two separate loops: one on east side of park (Sherman Lake Loop) and one on west side (Rice Lake Trail). Loops are about two miles apart and both are continuous with a single entry and exit point connected to existing paved trail.
Trail System
Total mileage: 3.2 miles
Trail configuration: Two separate one-way trail loops
Sherman Lake Loop
Location: East side of park
Type: Singletrack, one-way loop
Rice Lake Trail
Location: West side of park
Type: Singletrack, one-way loop
Connection: Both loops connected to existing paved trail for rider access
Rating and Features
Difficulty: Rated easy to intermediate with advanced sections
Terrain: Rolling wooded area with hills and log crossings
Shared use: Trails are shared with hikers
Winter use: Open for fatbiking and snowshoeing when snow-packed
Management
Managing agency: Three Rivers Park District
Funding source: Legacy Parks and Trails Fund grants (historical)
Importance
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes provides quality singletrack riding within Hennepin County, close to Twin Cities metro area. The two-loop system provides varied riding opportunities with continuous flow. Managed as part of the regional Three Rivers Park District system.
Monitoring
Tracking items:
- Trail maintenance and improvement projects
- Trail condition reports
- Three Rivers Park District funding and capital projects
- New trail development or rerouting proposals
- Access point or trailhead improvements
External Sources
- MN Trails: Twin Cities Metro Mountain Biking — Trail information and descriptions
- Three Rivers Park District: Biking — District management and trail information
- Trailforks: Search "Rice Creek Chain of Lakes" — Condition reports and user reviews