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A ride on the Luce Line Trail By Sid Stamm and Sam Corr Being the lazy people we are, we decided to get a ride up into the cities so that we could save our energy for the trip home. In order to find the beginning of the trail, which is in Plymouth, we needed a map. The Minnesota DNR has maps of the Luce Line, and it was helpful to have one. Once we got to the entrance to the trail, which is on 10th Ave. N., we unloaded our bicycles, hoisted our backpacks onto our backs, and headed for home. The first thing that we found unusual was the fact that everyone on the trail this Saturday morning was pleasant. Nobody seemed in a bad mood, which meant that all the people enjoying the trail this morning wanted to be there. We also noticed that there were a variety of different modes of transportation being used. Some people biked, some walked, and some were running. Along the way, mile markers were posted for the people who traveled the trail, which was a nice feature, since somebody will always want to know how far they have gone. For the first 10 miles, every half mile, there was a post with a number on it telling us how far we had gone. Unlike the "natural" surface that we encountered on the way to Hutchinson, this paved surface was pleasant and flat with relatively few bumps. Since this trail used to be a railroad route, the hills were slanted at a minimum, and it was not much trouble getting to the top of any of them. When encountering a large road such as US Highway 12, a stream, or a large set of railroad tracks, a wooden bridge is used to cross safely. These wooden bridges were held up well by supports and were in very good condition. On the way towards Watertown, there were three rest stops with bathrooms and picnic tables, and benches were provided at various points along the route. Leaving Plymouth, the first major landmark is Gleason Lake. When you cross this, you can hardly even tell that you have, because the part you cross is so narrow. About a quarter of a mile after Gleason Lake, you come to Highway 101. The stretch between where we started and Stubbs Bay Road is free of snowmobiling in the winter. This keeps the trail in really good shape. Right outside of Long Lake there is the second rest stop, which is just a mini-biff in the woods. You can tell when you get into Watertown because the trail suddenly turns into asphalt. This pavement is fairly new and in wonderful shape, which allows a person on a bicycle to go really fast. When you are just south of the Crow River, the trail forks. One end goes to a fishing dock and stops, the other keeps on going. The fishing dock is a great stopping point for lunch. After passing through Watertown, you end up at Winsted Lake, right at the dam. You have another mile to go and then you will end up by a baseball field in the area of South Shore Drive. Biking to Hutchinson was the most difficult part of the trail, and we decided not to go on to Cosmos because of the trail conditions. Between Winsted and Silver Lake, the trail was fine and dandy, and gave us no real trouble. It wasn't until we got out of Silver Lake that we decided not to go on. The scenery was beautiful throughout the whole trail, and if you start in the morning at about six, you will not have to worry about sunburns. Between Plymouth and Cosmos the trail is about 65 miles, and is a great ride for somebody who loves to bike. On the map there are two types of trail. Natural surface means that it is what it is, and is low maintenance. Paved surface means that the trail is covered with gravel, and is flattened to a point that it is easy to bike on. Soon the trail will be extended to Clara City and hopefully be all paved. Back to top of page   LUCELINE.COM Along the Way | Trail Events | Organizations | This & That History | About This Site | Contact Us | Luce Line Home Page