NEXT TRAIL TO TAKE

Trails at Murphy-Hanreham Park Reserve have much to offer

BY TOM SCHARDIN

The terrain of MurphyHanrehan Park Reserve is known for posing a unique challenge to bicyclists.

Mountain bikers are often seen on the over 10 miles of narrow, dirt trails that can be difficult to navigate by foot. The trails are maintained by trail volunteers with the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists organization.

There are also walking trails, where woodland flowers can be seen. The reserve’s pond-dotted forest is a spot for spring ephemerals. Three Rivers Park District puts out about 200 pounds of wildflower seeds every year throughout its parks.

Murphy-Hanrehan, which is located in the northeast part of Scott County, remains undeveloped for the most part. That also makes is appealing for birdwatchers.

The park reserve has also been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. There’s a bird loop that’s lined with trees that attract warblers. That loop is open seasonally and closed from August to November to avoid disrupting the bird’s migratory patterns.

For the most part, from summer to fall, bike riders can take on the challenging single-track trails at Murphy-Hanrehan. The loose rock and sand ridges make it a more nature-friendly ride.

Many new trails in the metro have been been made by machines, which can strip the ground of its natural features. The dirt trails that weave through Murphy-Hanrehan are about a foot wide. A wider trail can mean more erosion, which is also not always good for the environment.

Mike Binkowski, a former Prior Lake mountain bike team coach, is an avid biker and he said Murphy-Hanrehan is a popular spot and one of his favorites.“I love this trail for a number of reasons, first of which is that it’s so close that I can ride to and from the trailhead,” Binkowski said. “It’s only a mile from my house. The trail itself is a fun, twisty single track ride through a 10-mile trail, all loops, and it’s got a little bit of climbing, a few bridges and other features to keep things interesting.

“The bird loop is another favorite section, even though it’s only open for part of the year,” Binkowski added.

There are plenty of signature spots at Murphy-Hanrehan, including a 45-foot narrow bridge that has five drops that are spaced about nine feet apart. Riders also need to watch out for poison ivy, prickly ash and wild parsnip that grow in the area.

There are built-in safety features called qualifiers. They help riders distinguish between the more advanced trails and the beginner ones.

Qualifiers are like obstacles that bikers need to cross to access advanced trails. It forces them to slow down to connect to more difficult terrain.

Three Rivers Park District has also had plenty of biking competitions at Murphy-Hanrehan over the years, including the Nocturnal Mountain Bike Race Series that runs in October when they weather is starting to turn cooler.

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FILE PHOTO

Bikers can ride the single-track trails at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage year-round.

MurphyHanrehan Park Reserve

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Address: 15501 Murphy Lake Road, Savage, Minnesota 55378 Phone: 763-694-777 Website: threeriversparks. org/location/murphyhanrehan-park-reserve