Multi-use trail at Murphy

[GoatGirl]

I rode the Multi-use trail on Sat, Feb 26th. It was slow going, didn't get out of granny in the rear. The climbs were not happening but the sections of trail that were in the prairie had enough traction to stay on the bike and attempt cadence. The downhills were interesting more like skiing than biking. If people biked it more the area could be good. I had to stop for one group of horses to pass. All in all it was a power workout in the warm sun I had fun. This is the map of the winter trails at Murphy.

http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/parks/maps/MurphyHan_winter.pdf

[konaLeaf]

I feel that Murphy is one of the worst trails in the state of Minnesota. I rode it once during the one month you can ride it and it was not fun.

[SickBoy]

Peter,

Just checking, but did you have something positive and/or constructive to contribute to this thread?

Last I checked, Lisa was not looking for opinions. Considering the winter multi-use trail isn't the one you rode, I see your comment as completely pointless and irrelevant.

Most people would be interested in this thread since a lot of us like to know the whereabouts and conditions of trails that can be ridden in winter.

Please think about basic posting norms next time.

[Tex]

Is the "multi-use trail" the same trails that we can ride in season, or are these different trails? I've ridden Murphey a few times, and unlike Peter, I found them to very challenging and fast. I can't imagine trying to do them covered in snow.

[TML]

I feel that Murphy is one of the worst trails in the state of Minnesota. I rode it once during the one month you can ride it and it was not fun.



There may be big changes in store for Murphy. You may need to re-assess your opinion of it in another couple of years. . .

Welcome to the forums konaLeaf.

[SickBoy]

Take a look at the trail map that Lisa linked. The trails that are typically open in late summer/early fall for MTB are also the winter XC ski-only trails. The multi use trails are on the other side of that gravel road.

[Tex]

That's what I thought, I didn't realize that there were more trails on the other side of the road. Which brings on my next question. Are the "multi-use trails" there open to bikes all year long, and if so, are they worth checking out?

[JayT]

Which brings on my next question. Are the "multi-use trails" there open to bikes all year long, and if so, are they worth checking out?

The trails designated as winter "multi-use" are not open to mountain bikes in the summer. It's something that is not stated clearly on the Three Rivers PD web site.

[KleinCrazy]

That's what I thought, I didn't realize that there were more trails on the other side of the road. Which brings on my next question. Are the "multi-use trails" there open to bikes all year long, and if so, are they worth checking out?

Those trails are only open for the listed activities in the winter, they are closed to everything except horses for the rest of the year I think.

[KleinCrazy]

That's what I thought, I didn't realize that there were more trails on the other side of the road. Which brings on my next question. Are the "multi-use trails" there open to bikes all year long, and if so, are they worth checking out?

I believe the trail is only open in the winter.

[daveyp]

Have ridden occasionally on this trail since early 1980's. Three Rivers Park rules are fairly user unfriendly for this as a winter trail since technically you are required to pay for a "permit" to even ride on it in winter. The rules are kind of hard to find though.
Yes they are only open in winter and they are not great riding anyway in summer due to hoofprints, wet areas making teeth-jarring type riding. Doesn't flow nearly as well as northern Murphy anyway in my humble opinion.
Use in general has gone up along with the suburb enchroachment to Murphy and the hikers/horses generally make it posthole city for bikes in any kind of snow and the ruts and muddy frozen hoofprints do the same with light/no cover. So generally you are better off someplace else. But then it is an adventure.