Best Way to find the Trailheads?

[Mathmarauder]

I have never ridden Theodore Wirth before, I live in Saint Paul near Saint Thomas. I was wondering what the best way to reach the trail heads is? My general plan this summer is to ride down the Green-Way to Lake of the Isles then ride north on France to reach Wirth. I have been looking at the trail maps and Google Earth maps but things could look totally different at ground level. Thanks for the help.

[blake.remmick]

Theo is not presently open for riding. With the construction of the Luce Line running through the area, the trail is closed. Please be advised that it is closed and is not to be used. However, please keep an eye out on this forum for news and trail opening information.

[jonesdb]

The main trail is still closed because the parks are putting in a big paved trail through the middle of the mountain bike trails...hopefully it will be done soon.

The south loop is really short, but the entrance is right at Wirth parkway and Hwy55, just north of the the trail map kiosk in the trees.

[mara]

From the Greenway, I take the Kenilworth trail to left on the Cedar Lake Trail ( immediately after you cross Cedar Lake Parkway. ) Go around the lake, over the bridge, past Brownie Lake and over 394. CLP will turn into Theodore Wirth Parkway after you cross 394. Stay on the path. It will cross Glenwood at a stop sign and cross Highway 55 at a light. The south loop trailhead is on the northwest corner of Theo Wirth Parkway and 55.

The par three clubhouse is slightly further north on TWP. They have basic bike repair tools, drinks, food, and indoor plumbing.

As noted above, the south loop is quite short, albeit fun, and is the only part of Theo currently open to riding.

[Mathmarauder]

Until the North loop is open again I plan on taking the Green-Way to the south loop, then hitting the Brownie loop then taking Calhoun and Harriet then following the Minnehaha Park-Way back to Saint Paul. I'm usually away for college from the end of August until June, is there a chance Theo will be ride able before the end of August? Also do people generally bring extra tools for the trail work, I'd like to help but I mostly commute on my bike so I can't carry tools.

[jitterjepp]

Until the North loop is open again I plan on taking the Green-Way to the south loop, then hitting the Brownie loop then taking Calhoun and Harriet then following the Minnehaha Park-Way back to Saint Paul. I'm usually away for college from the end of August until June, is there a chance Theo will be ride able before the end of August? Also do people generally bring extra tools for the trail work, I'd like to help but I mostly commute on my bike so I can't carry tools.

No we have tools for anyone that shows up. Just bring bug spray and water. We fully welcome anyone that shows up and we try and make it a good time for everyone! Come on out.

[QtmMech]

For a bicycle commute to Theo wirth, I like to take the Kennelwirth trail a little farther to 21st St. Take a left across the tracks and enjoy the BMX trail near hidden beach or just turn right along the shore (as you face the lake) and share the single track respectfully with the dog walkers and fishing people. Once you get spit out onto the tracks, cross the tracks before you get fenced out. Continue west along the tracks and drop onto the Brownie Lake trails on your right. Continue North to climb a big eroded City of Lakes Loppet Trail hill, pass over the I394 and poach some unofficial single track in the bog section of theo wirth. (Just try to stay off the ski trails) Once you cross Glenwood, you are pretty much resigned to paved paths til you get to the little South loop across Hwy. 55. Don't forget to visit Eloise butler to fill your water bottles with Glenwood/Inglewood spring water!

[guaranteedkill]

Once you cross Glenwood, you are pretty much resigned to paved paths til you get to the little South loop across Hwy. 55.

Actually, you are missing some pretty sweet trails that are located directly between Glenwood and 55. When you come to the 4 way at Theo and Glenwood, bang a left onto Glenwood and climb the hill for about 50 yards or so. Eventually, you will see a trailhead on the right leading into the woods. Take it. Follow it for a little bit through the woods and you will come to an intersection where you can go left or straight. Go left and this will put you onto a sweet downhill with a nice log drop at the bottom. There will be a nice flowy section after that and then you will come back out onto Theo Wirth Parkway. Cross Theo Wirth and pick up the next trail. It is short and will spit you out onto a paved trail. Go left and about 100 yards up on your left will be another trail. Follow this fun trail through the woods all the way to the intersection of Theo Wirth and 55. Cross 55 for the south loop. Enjoy.

[mara]

and poach some unofficial single track in the bog section of theo wirth. (Just try to stay off the ski trails)

The singletrack is not unofficial -- it is posted as closed to biking.

Please do not ride in the Quaking Bog or Eloise Butler.