Type: Paved Path, Loop
Difficulty: 3 / 10
Altitude: 939 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
The 1,045-acre Cleary Lake Regional Park, southwest of Burnsville, is one of the most popular year-round recreation spots in the southern metro area. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on groomed trails.
This 8-foot wide trail has grass shoulders, and loops around Cleary Lake. It is fairly flat with just one gradual hill. There are three rest stops and one water pump stop. The trail has connections leading to both the east and west for access from outside the park.
A 3.355 mile paved loop circling Cleary Lake passes mainly through prairie and some small woodlots. Wildlife can be seen along this trail, particularly in the fall.
Unpaved ski-trails are also available for running during the non-ski season. Note: they are not well marked. These trails, which travel through more heavily wooded sections than the paved trail, are lit in the fall months (making the trail easy to follow -- simply run light to light) until the snow falls. At that time, these trails are converted to ski trails and are not accessible to runners. The short loop has been measured at 1.4 miles. The long loop at 2.9 miles.
The daily parking fee is $4 Friday through Sunday. Mondays through Thursdays are now free, excuding holidays, or visitors may purchase a Parks Plus Patron package for $25, which includes an annual parking permit and a patron card good for special rates at Hennepin Parks and participating businesses.
Located near Prior Lake on Scott County Road 27. From I-35W, follow Highway 21 (185th Street exit) to County Road 27. Go south on 27 to the park entrance. From Highway 169, follow the Highway 13 exit (towards Savage). Take Highway 13 south to County Road 42. Go east on 42 to County Road 27. Follow 27 south to the park entrance. Phone: (952) 447-2171 (Visitor Center).
Posted by: tradkelly and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
Comments
Be the first to leave a comment, advice, or personal anecdote.
Leave a Comment