Features:
Here’s an opportunity to get in a waterfront run and a hill climb with great views all in one run and right near downtown! The Superior Hiking Trail runs between Central Park and Enger Park for 2.4 miles. A gravel path with good footing, the trail climbs steeply for 1 mile to a tower, affording great views of the city and lake. The trail continues west for another 1.3 miles to the end of Enger Park, adjacent to the golf course, at the N. 24th Avenue West Trailhead.
Longer option: the Superior Hiking Trail actually starts at Arena Waterfront Park, at the Convention Center. The first 0.5 miles is a flat, paved section along the water, then cutting through the Great Lakes Aquarium. To continue on the Superior Hiking Trail, you’ll have to cross I-35 — look for Jeno’s Walk, then picking up the trail again off W. Michigan St. near Point of Rocks. Then the trail continues as described above.
Another option to extend the run on the west (Enger Park) end is to run from the N 24th Ave. Trailhead for ~ 1 mile along the Lincoln Park Trail, paralleling Lincoln Park Dr. and Miller Creek.
Road Option: W. Skyline Parkway. This is a decent road option instead of or in combination with the trail. It’s a major parkway, but there’s a decent (soft) shoulder from N. 10th Ave. in the Observation Hill area west to Highway 53, paralleling the trail in parts. The 1-mile section looping between the east and west intersections with Hank Jensen Dr., and up to the tower, are especially pretty.
- Several distance options: It's 2.4 miles from Central Park to Enger Park. Add 1.2 miles starting at Convention Center.
- 230+ feet. Hilliest/steepest section is the 1 mile from Central Park to the Tower.
- East End: Convention Center or Central Park; West End: N. 24th Avenue West Trailhead
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