Louisville Closed?

[cheese4brains]

Does anyone know if Louisville Swamp is really closed to mountain bikes? The trail conditions page lists it as closed, although the entry is from this spring.

I'm new to the sport this year, and the Louisville Swamp was the site of my first half dozen or so rides. It's rather convenient as I live 10 minutes away in Shakopee. Anyways, there's no signage indicating that the trail is closed to bikers, and to the contrary many of the signs indicate that biking is an intended use of the trail(s). Having said that, the signage is at times confusing, and it appears as if the only single track along the Mazomani trail isn't intended for bikes.

Does anyone know what's up?

Cheers,

Cheese4brains

[socrates]

Originally posted by cheese4brains
Does anyone know if Louisville Swamp is really closed to mountain bikes? The trail conditions page lists it as closed, although the entry is from this spring.

I'm new to the sport this year, and the Louisville Swamp was the site of my first half dozen or so rides. It's rather convenient as I live 10 minutes away in Shakopee. Anyways, there's no signage indicating that the trail is closed to bikers, and to the contrary many of the signs indicate that biking is an intended use of the trail(s). Having said that, the signage is at times confusing, and it appears as if the only single track along the Mazomani trail isn't intended for bikes.

Does anyone know what's up?

Cheers,

Cheese4brains

I don't believe it is closed....but the trail itself isn't the best...alot of horses use the trail and really give it a good beating...I'd rather ride River Bottoms in Bloomington if your looking for a close (non-technical) trail...I'm in Shakopee as well and River Bottom's only takes me 5 mins to get to

[cheese4brains]

Thanks for the suggestion. Louisville was the location of my first "ride", so it will always be one of my favorites regardless. The views of the river valley, bridges, and complete solitude are somewhat appealing, and make up a bit for the lack of singletrack. It's also a place that I should be able to take my young son once he's become adept with his new bike (first 2 wheeler). I'll check with the park station that's further south along 169 sometime, and get the scoop about what's open for riding and what's not. Note that I rode some of the flood-prone areas earlier this year after they'd dried out, and it was pure h3ll trying to work through the ruts. It was a challenge, though, that had me hooting and hollering. Possibly you heard me ... :D

I've ridden the riverbottom west several times now, and it's OK. I look forward to the fall and early winter when the foliage has died back. I prefer early morning rides, and I usually end up soaked from all the dew on the grass (along with my sweat!).

Cheers!

[daveyp]

I believe Wildlife Refuge Master Plan includes eventually limiting the Louisville Swamp trails to hiking/other non-bicycle users, except for the State trail along the river. To my knowledge this is not yet in effect except for some of the signage and their outdated/less than accurate website.
Great trail except for the horse bumps along the river, great variety and pleasant solitude. It would be very sad to see it go, as the wildlife and change of seasons are fantastic in the various areas.

[halls]

The Swamp is open. Ride only on the marked trails. It is under water in spots right now but when dry ....go for it. The DNR has told me it's open were marked.:p

[mtmc1969]

I went down thier on sunday 6-5 and it was posted no bikes just past the entrance....................................

[halls]

The signage is very confusing. You have to stay to the right once in the main parking lot. All the trails to the left by the Biffo are hiking only. Once you go to the left ,it's a two lane dirt road. It's all open to bikes and horses. I suspect the updating the signs is on a low priority. I think the only signs current are on the hiking side of the swamp. I've called twice about this trail and both times the response was the same. They have also admitted to confusion over old signs.
Let me know if you have any other problems. :cheesy:

[undsioux7]

Does anyone have any updates if the swamp is officially closed to bikes?
I was there about a week ago and saw a "no bike" sign by the main entrance. I went in a little ways, but soon realized it had probably not been ridden for quite some time, so I didn't want to get into trouble and turned around.

Its too bad since it is close to my house and seems to be suited more for beginners. I am also close to the Farm and Mammoth, but have not rode those and figure I need a guide/more skill to tackle those and this would be a close place to get some skill.

Thanks,

[Wolfchimp]

Blaine- Welcome to the forums! As far as I know, it is open. The signs are confusing and still need to be updated. If youre up for a good ride, take a short trip to Chaska and I'd be happy to show you around the Farm and Mammoth.

[undsioux7]

From some of your other posts I have seen, I am guessing you work at the Bike shop just off of 212? If so, that is where I got my Raleigh M80 just about a month ago.
My wife is doing the Triathlon right there also this weekend.
I am open almost any evening during the week, so if your available next week sometime, I would love to hit up the Farm/Mammoth.
I was going to ride the minnesota river trail after my wifes Tri since it looks like a nice ride to help me get my legs under me. I was sore after riding Theo Worth. :) Even though I have been running this summer, I definetely used some different muscles for biking!

[Wolfchimp]

Yeah, "Get Your Gear Outfitters" the name isnt great but its a good shop.( Ha ha ha!) If you just bought your M80 a month ago you do have free adjustments for a better part of a year and you also have a complimentary complete tune up. (granted you didnt toss the card) I work there on monday and thursday evenings so stop in sometime.

[undsioux7]

Yeah, "Get Your Gear Outfitters" the name isnt great but its a good shop.( Ha ha ha!) If you just bought your M80 a month ago you do have free adjustments for a better part of a year and you also have a complimentary complete tune up. (granted you didnt toss the card) I work there on monday and thursday evenings so stop in sometime.

Didn't know if I could say the name of the bike shop on the forums, but since you did, yes, I got it at "Get your Gear Outfitters!" I actually just brought the bike in monday night after riding Theo. I saw the boss man standing outside the store on my way home around 8:30, so I just dropped it off for the night and had adjustments done and ready for me to pick up the next evening. That was cool of him since the store was offically closed at the time.

[Wolfchimp]

Yeah I was talking to Mike when you pulled up....I was just leaving to ride home. Yeah, we open the doors for people after closing, quite a bit. Its never been a big deal. Glad we could get things ironed out for you.

[halls]

The signs are confusing at the Swamp. However it's open. Stay off hiking trails to the left of the main parking lot. Ignore the no bikes sign when you come in. That's were you go in. The only signs that are important are the ones that say hiking only. Nice place to ride and stretch you legs after riding hard . Great place to bring a new Mtn. biker. Good luck..:geek:

[undsioux7]

The signs are confusing at the Swamp. However it's open. Stay off hiking trails to the left of the main parking lot. Ignore the no bikes sign when you come in. That's were you go in. The only signs that are important are the ones that say hiking only. Nice place to ride and stretch you legs after riding hard . Great place to bring a new Mtn. biker. Good luck..:geek:

Thanks, Do you know if you go over 2 bridges on the loop? I followed the sign for the mazomani trail which started out as doubletrack but then went to single and there was a lot of growth and trees down. I went over 1 bridge that you had to get off of the bike, and then I went over a red bridge, but turned around shortly after that because it looked like a place where they leave dead bodies. :shocked: I have heard that the state trail also runs through there, so I didn't know if I was on the right track or not. Oh well, I should be smarter and take a guide first time, but I was just giddy with my new mountain bike and had to do something about it!

[halls]

Well it sounds like you found the "Valley of Lost Souls" ! You have to wear garlic around your neck when you go through there. (just kidding, onions work just as well.) The last time i was at the Swamp, one bridge was under water. It's a weird deal , you have to bunny hop one bridge to get up on it. Yes the state trail goes through the Swamp. It goes forever. Very flat ,but a great epic ride ,do it when it's dry! Just remember the hiking trails are off limits. Go counterclockwise and when you cross the dam go clockwise. Just remember wherever the horse riders go, you can go also. Bikes are premitted. The signs have been outdated for 15 years. Did you see the new signs with mileage indicators? I've posted some pictures from my ride in the spring in the user section. Also the Minnesota River Valley has a web site with info. Enjoy!

[hendu]

I haven't seen any posts since last year on Louisville. Hopefully, that's not a bad thing. Has anyone rode here this year? I thought I would check it out, since it sounds like Mammoth & The Farm are pretty tough to do, if you haven't been there before. It also sounds like the Farm is dead, or will be soon.

[jswing]

Louisville is still swamped! I live near by and try to get my riding legs back in the spring there. Checked it out on Sunday and the water level is actually back up from where it was last weekend. You can get a few miles in before each leg of the trail ends up in the river - where the trail isn't under it is dry.

[bike>>rider]

Does anyone know whether Louisville Swamp is open and ridable (as in, if the trail is buried under two feet of unpacked snow it probably isn't very ridable) during the winter? I know, I know, not exactly a timely question but I also live close and if it were open in the winter I'd certainly hit it up every now and then. Thanks -

[hockeynut]

Does anyone know whether Louisville Swamp is open and ridable (as in, if the trail is buried under two feet of unpacked snow it probably isn't very ridable) during the winter? I know, I know, not exactly a timely question but I also live close and if it were open in the winter I'd certainly hit it up every now and then. Thanks -
If I remember correctly bowhunters and snowmobilers are the two winter users (and bowhunting is done on Dec 31st - I used to bowhunt there all the time). If enough people rode it I'm guessing that it would actually be pretty decent (in the winter everything is more fun), but you would probably be the sole biker, so everything would be through virgin (or walked through) snow.... so not ideal. The Swamp is open though as far as I know if you wanted to try.

[bike>>rider]

Thanks, Isaac. I was thinking that it could be a good winter trail. Maybe I'll dig this thread up again in 7 months and post the results.

As for now, for anyone who checks on this trail please post up here and in Trail Conditions when the trail becomes ridable this summer. Got to get the Swamp back on the map!!

[undsioux7]

Thanks, Isaac. I was thinking that it could be a good winter trail. Maybe I'll dig this thread up again in 7 months and post the results.

As for now, for anyone who checks on this trail please post up here and in Trail Conditions when the trail becomes ridable this summer. Got to get the Swamp back on the map!!

Once its dry enough, if you need riders to help pound the trail down, I would be willing to help out :)

Re-reading through this thread, I am still confused as to what part of the trail system everyone is talking about, but maybe we all can do a group ride there someday and post up better directions if mountain biking is still allowed.

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/minnesotavalley/louisville.html

There is a map on the above link. When you talk about the trail, are you talking about the Mazonami trail and little praire loop?

[bike>>rider]

Hey Blaine, sounds good.

I'm not actually sure exactly where bikes are supposed to go either, to be honest. I've only been out there once. I don't even remember exactly where I went. I did call and ask last summer what was open for bikes and what was not. I wrote down the answer and have it at home -- I'll find it and post tonight. As I recall, the answer wasn't all that enlightening though, but it was something about the difference between the federal part of the park and the non-federal part. The signage is mega-confusing because they have the bike with the line through it by those info boards, but if I read halls' post correctly below they are apparently outdated.

I'm no expert on this trail. Maybe someone who is can definitively clarify:

Can anybody tell us from the map Blaine posted which areas of Louisville Swamp are open for bikes?

[bike>>rider]

When I called last fall, I was told that the "federal" part of Louisville swamp is NOT open to mountain bikes, but that the "state" part and "main corridor" parts ARE open to mountain bikes.

Now I have to look at that map again to see if this makes any sense . . .

[jswing]

It's confusing out there because the Louisville Swamp mostly isn't open to MTB's. The Mazomani Trail/Little Prairie Loop are the main trails that make up the Swamp and are closed to bikes, but the State Corridor Trail runs through it and is open to MTBs. Look for the trails highlighted in Gray on the map; they are OK for bikes.

A good route to take is park at the 145th lot off Hwy 169, take the trail to the north (right when entering the park) and head down till you come to a right turn and take that, go till you come to a left and then take that. This has you out on the State Corridor Trail. Go south - you can take either the first or second left. First is the Carver Rapids Unit (not Louisville but MN-DNR managed) loop, second is Middle Rd. If you take first turn, this will take you to a fork, go left to the CRU. This will Y and either way will take you to the same point (do it as a loop for a little more distance). This path will take you back up to the trail you started out on and back to the parking lot. If you take the Middle Rd trail, it will also take you to a turn off for the CRU or out to the second Louisville parking lot. This isn't technical at all, but take more of the State Corridor Trail or do a couple of laps and it is a really good workout to thaw out from winter with. Always see deer out here and rarely any people.

Louisville Swamp and the State Corridor Trail are managed by the MN Valley Nation Wildlife Refuge which is US Fish and Wildlife, ie federal land. While the Carver Rapids Unit in this same area and the trails connect, is MN DNR, ie state land. Atleast this is what I was told by a US F&W officer.

[bike>>rider]

Thanks for the info!

jswing, do you know whether that route gets ridden by mt bikers in the winter? Would it be ridable?

When I was screwing around out there I kept thinking, I bet this might be pretty cool in the winter (although I wasn't sure what was open for bikes or not and probably just may have went where I wasn't supposed to -- won't do that again).

Not to discount the summer riding there, but like you say, there are better options . . .

[jswing]

I'm not sure about winter riding - I know the State Trail is open to snowmobiles and I'm sure open and ridable to MTB's. Also the trails are all open to skiiers. And with the lack of snow the past year or 2 I'm guessing it would be more usable to bikes than skiies.

On a day like today let's try not to think about winter...wait, was that a snowflake I just saw?!?!

[bike>>rider]

I rode Louisville Swamp tonight - er, I tried. State Corridor trail (rightmost trailhead off the parking area) is dry until you get to the bridge (after taking the left that JSwing describes), where it is muddy and within 20 yards after the bridge the trail becomes submerged. I stopped at the bridge and walked back up the hill to the state trail. Continued on straight (i.e., not taking the left), but only got as far as where the trail passes under the RR tracks - again mud.

So anyway, you can ride a few miles of trail out and back if you like, but then mud kills all the fun. Saw a turkey (or was it a peacock? :))

[BKocka]

Yeah, "Get Your Gear Outfitters" the name isnt great but its a good shop.( Ha ha ha!) If you just bought your M80 a month ago you do have free adjustments for a better part of a year and you also have a complimentary complete tune up. (granted you didnt toss the card) I work there on monday and thursday evenings so stop in sometime.

oh man i used to work there...... im not a fan. mike practicly fired me cuz im a chick..... :cryin:

[jswing]

There is a map on the above link. When you talk about the trail, are you talking about the Mazonami trail and little praire loop?

Nope - those 2 are off limits to bikes (except a small part of the Mazonami). On the map you link, the bike trails are the lines that are highlighted in gray.

Go Sioux!!!

[undsioux7]

Go Sioux!!!

:banana: :banana:

[bike>>rider]

I rode the Swamp today and it is 99% ridable. Mostly dry with maybe a half dozen big puddles that must be ridden/walked around. I wonder if those ever dry out?? Anyway, it's not single-track but more like snowmobile trail so I didn't feel bad riding around the standing water. Bring bug-spray and pray that you don't get a flat tire.