Beyond the Loop (41 miles) |
Rides in the St Croix River Valley area, centered around Stillwater, Minnesota.
More of a challenge for mid-level road riders, and away from built-up areas... this ride starts out on the new St Croix River Crossing Loop trail, paralleling the St Croix River, crossing the new suspension bridge with its phenomenal view north towards downtown Stillwater, then into beautiful Wisconsin countryside. At the top of the gradual climb it picks up the east-bound portion of the St Croix Bike & Pedestrian Trail Coalition’s designated “Beyond the Loop” orange and purple trail, alongside the blufftop entry to Andersen Scout Camp, on towards the Bass Lake Waterfowl Production Area, Boardman (rest stop) and Willow River Wildlife Area, then a nice long gradual descent to prepare you for a 2-mile climb up scenic Trout Brook Road along the west boundary of Willow River State Park. Eventually you will reach the steep but scenic overlook and descent to cross the historic lift bridge back into downtown Stillwater.