Plymouth/8th Avenue Bridge (river mile 855) to the Franklin Avenue Bridge (river mile 851.5).

A continuous 8-mile loop follows both sides of the river. For a shorter trip, there is the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail, a 1.8-mile, interpretive loop that crosses the river at the Stone Arch Bridge, with its spectacular views of St. Anthony Falls. A series of self-guided, interpretive kiosks and historical markers guide you through the history of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District, which is the birthplace of Minneapolis. This trail can easily be enjoyed as a leisurely walk and is located near St. Anthony Main.

On the East bank of the river, the trail is well developed, a fairly easy ride, and off-road. The west bank of the river has interruptions in the trail. Overall, the downtown section on the west side of the river is more complicated and in some cases, difficult for wheeled travelers. Trails wind through a number of attractions, from quiet, city parks and historic neighborhoods, to the roaring St. Anthony Falls and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Upper Lock and Dam in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

Call the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for additional information. (612) 661-4800.

Trail Notes and Gaps:
On the West bank of the river, the trail is off-road from the Plymouth Ave. Bridge all the way to Minnehaha Park (River mile marker 855 to 848).

However, on the East Bank of the river the going is not so smooth:

1. There is a gap in the trail on Nicollet Island between the Merriam Street Bridge and the short dirt path that connects to Boom Island. Follow East Island Avenue until the trail picks up again.
2. Another gap exists on the east bank between the Stone Arch Bridge and the University of Minnesota campus. From the Stone Arch Bridge, follow 6th Avenue north to 2nd Street SE, which takes you under I-35W to University Avenue. Continue east on University and cross the wooden pedestrian/bike bridge. Turn right on East River Road and follow it until the trail picks up again at Arlington Street.
3. Dinkytown Bikeway Connection. On the east bank this converted railroad bridge is located on East River Road next to the University’s Minerals & Materials Building. On the west bank the connecting trail is between the 10th/19th Avenue bridge (concrete) and the I-35W bridge (green metal) off West River Parkway.
4. The Washington Avenue Bridge has a pedestrian/bike path on the upper level, above the actual roadway. On the east bank a ramp along East River Road will provide access to the bridge. On the west bank take 4th Street, just southeast of the bridge, up the hill to the U of M campus. Pass the Ted Mann Concert Hall and take a right turn toward Ferguson Hall, following the bike route signs into a courtyard where marked bike lanes lead straight to the Washington Avenue crossing.
5. East River Flats Park is located below the U of M campus next to the Mississippi River. A 1.6-mile trail closely follows the river, passing waterfalls and crossing a cantilevered bridge above the water. At the east end of the trail an extremely steep hill switches back to the trail along the bluffs.

Printable Map and Trail Notes