The best running trails in Chippewa County

The Owen Park – Phoenix Park Bridge loop offers a vibrant jogging experience through the heart of Eau Claire, tracing the banks of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. You'll weave through well-maintained green spaces like Owen Park, known for its old-growth pines, and the lively Phoenix Park, before crossing several pedestrian bridges that offer unique city and river vistas. The route combines paved paths with packed gravel, providing a varied surface underfoot as you take in the urban landscape and natural beauty.

This difficult 10.1-mile (16.2 km) route, with its 321 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, is a substantial workout that typically takes around 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete. Parking is generally available near Owen Park or Phoenix Park, making either a convenient starting point for your run. Be mindful of Eau Claire's cold, snowy winters, which may require specific gear, though many paths are cleared for year-round enjoyment.

Eau Claire is famously known as "The City of Bridges," and this loop showcases that heritage beautifully, particularly with the historic Phoenix Park Bridge, an old railroad Whipple truss bridge now converted for pedestrian use. The trail also passes through the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire campus and highlights the significant confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, offering a blend of natural features and urban landmarks.

The Lakeshore Trail – Owen Park loop from Eau Claire offers a refreshing jogging experience, blending urban parkland with picturesque lakeside views. You'll enjoy the smooth, accessible Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Trail, which provides expansive vistas of Half Moon Lake and Carson Park, before transitioning into the tranquil, tree-lined paths of Owen Park. This 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route, with its minimal 68 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and can be completed in about 49 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a consistent, scenic run.

For planning your visit, Owen Park is a great starting point, equipped with parking and restrooms for your convenience. Given its popularity as one of the best jogging loops in Eau Claire, arriving early is a good idea to ensure a spot, especially during peak times. The trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for jogging throughout much of the year, though checking local conditions is always recommended.

This route stands out for its blend of accessibility and natural beauty, with the Half Moon Lake Boardwalk being ADA-compliant. It also connects seamlessly with the broader Chippewa Valley Trail System, offering opportunities to extend your run if you desire. The varied scenery, from open lake views to the lush greenery of Owen Park, makes it a local favorite for those seeking a pleasant and engaging outdoor workout.

This moderate 3.3-mile (5.3 km) jogging loop, taking about 33 minutes, offers a delightful urban escape with minimal effort. You'll enjoy flat, accessible terrain, crossing several bridges that showcase Eau Claire's unique character as the "City of Bridges." The route provides excellent viewpoints over the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, especially from the iconic Phoenix Park Bridge.

Phoenix Park is a popular starting point for many running routes in Eau Claire, serving as a significant trail hub. The area is easily accessible, and the Phoenix Park Bridge transforms into the "River Lights Bridge" at night with its colorful LED display, making it a great option for an evening jog. Parking is available, but as a popular spot, it's wise to consider off-peak times.

The Phoenix Park Bridge itself is a historic former railroad bridge, notable for its rare Whipple truss span and its modern conversion into a pedestrian and trail bridge. This loop connects to the extensive Chippewa River State Trail, offering options for longer runs, and Phoenix Park features public art like the Planet Walk and sculptures from the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour.

This challenging loop offers an extensive jogging experience through Eau Claire's scenic riverside landscapes. You'll follow the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, enjoying continuous water views and passing through the lush, tree-lined Owen Park with its old-growth pines. The route combines urban parkland with natural river scenery, including wooded and marshy sections where you might spot wildlife, and features majestic rail bridges.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with Owen Park serving as a key access point that provides restrooms and picnic tables. The trail connects various parts of Eau Claire, often using the Chippewa River State Trail system, making it easy to integrate into a city visit. Given its difficult rating, 20.2 miles (32.5 km) distance, and 489 feet (149 metres) of elevation gain, allow approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes and ensure you're well-prepared for a long run.

What makes this route stand out is its blend of natural beauty and urban connectivity, offering a diverse visual experience for joggers. It's a popular choice for those seeking a long, scenic, and demanding run, providing a comprehensive tour of Eau Claire's riverfront and green spaces.

The Owen Park – Putnam Trail Gravel Path loop in Eau Claire is a fantastic option for a quick, scenic jog, offering a blend of urban parkland and preserved natural areas. You'll wind through heavily wooded sections, enjoying views of the Chippewa River, and pass through the ecologically diverse Putnam Park, a Wisconsin State Natural Area known for its rich flora and fauna. The terrain is primarily packed gravel and some paved sections, making for an easy gravel jogging path that's stable underfoot.

This moderate 3.6-mile (5.8 km) loop, with a gentle 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 36 minutes. Parking is readily available at Owen Park, which is a convenient trailhead access point. It's a great choice for a morning or evening run, especially during the warmer months when the abundant shade is a welcome relief.

What sets this route apart is its unique combination of urban accessibility and natural preservation. Beyond the scenic views, Putnam Park is a significant botanical laboratory, boasting over 400 plant species and serving as a haven for wildlife spotting, including over 100 bird species. The trail also features an iconic tunnel and a bridge crossing the Chippewa River, adding distinctive landmarks to your experience.

The Phoenix Park Bridge loop offers a delightful blend of urban and natural scenery, perfect for a refreshing jog. You'll follow paved paths, enjoying picturesque views at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. The highlight is undoubtedly the River Lights Bridge, a former railroad bridge that now glows with LED lights at dusk, providing stunning photo opportunities and unique perspectives of the city and waterways.

This moderate 4.0-mile (6.5 km) jogging route, with a gentle 80 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 40 minutes to complete. Phoenix Park is a popular starting point for many local routes and acts as a trailhead for the wider Chippewa River State Trail. Parking is available at the park, which is easily accessible via multiple bridges within Eau Claire.

Phoenix Park is more than just a trailhead; it's a vibrant community hub. Beyond jogging, you can find a year-round farmer's market and various concerts hosted here. The presence of multiple bridges, including historic railroad conversions, adds to the unique charm and accessibility of this area for runners and offers connections to an expansive regional trail network.

If you're looking for an easy, scenic jog that won't demand too much of your legs, the Running loop from Front Porch Plaza is a fantastic choice. This moderate 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route, which you can comfortably complete in about 34 minutes, offers a delightful escape with minimal effort, gaining only 129 feet (39 metres) of elevation. You'll enjoy a journey through River Prairie Park, with mostly paved surfaces winding past landscaped gardens, mature oak trees, and picturesque river views along the Eau Claire River. It's a perfect option for a quick, refreshing run or a leisurely stroll, offering a pleasant blend of nature and urban parkland.

Starting directly from Front Porch Plaza, this route is incredibly accessible, making it one of the most convenient running routes starting from Front Porch Plaza River Prairie Altoona WI. Parking is readily available, and the well-maintained paths are suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. There are no permits or fees required, so you can simply show up and enjoy. Consider visiting during the warmer months, especially when events are happening at Front Porch Plaza, to experience the lively atmosphere.

This loop is part of a larger interconnected trail system in the Eau Claire area, offering plenty of options if you want to extend your run. The family-friendly environment of River Prairie Park, complete with playgrounds and a splash pad, makes it an excellent destination for a day out, combining your run with other activities. It's a great example of how urban planning can create beautiful, accessible green spaces for everyone to enjoy.