Glacial Lakes State Trail

Glacial Lakes State Trail
Length22 mi (35 km)
LocationMinnesota, USA
DesignationMinnesota state trail
TrailheadsHawick
Willmar
UseBiking, hiking, horseback riding, in-line skating, mountain biking, snowmobiling
GradeMostly level
DifficultyEasy
SeasonYear-round
SightsGlacial landforms
HazardsSevere weather
SurfaceAsphalt, grass
WebsiteGlacial Lakes State Trail

The Glacial Lakes State Trail is a multi-use recreational rail trail in south-central Minnesota, USA. Developed from a former Burlington Northern Railroad grade, it traverses a landscape of lakes and gently rolling hills formed 10,000 years ago during the last glacial period.[1] The trail currently extends 22 miles (35 km) from outside Willmar through the communities of Spicer, New London, and Hawick to the North Fork Crow River. Beyond that the undeveloped railbed is open for some recreational uses for another 22 miles (35 km) through the city of Richmond, but some of the original railroad bridges are closed.[2] The developed section is continuously paved, with parallel grass trackways or shoulders for horseback riding along the whole route. Bicyclists can connect to a 3-mile (4.8 km) roadside route to access Sibley State Park.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Glacial Lakes State Trail". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-16.
  2. ^ Glacial Lakes State Trail (PDF) (Map). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2011. Retrieved 2011-06-16.