The bluffs on the west bank along Dakota County's Big River Trail provide excellent views of the Mississippi. The trail continues through Lilydale Regional Park which is a fine example of floodplain ecology. This area was settled early in Minnesota's history, but because of repeated flooding, the original town was moved up the bluff. Experienced locals can still point out the foundations of homes and buildings in this area. Downtown St. Paul marks the end of the road for these trails which dead end just upstream of the Robert St. Bridge.

The trail on the east side of the river passes through the Hidden Falls area, an intriguing place to explore. Continuing upriver the trail parallels Shepard Road into downtown St. Paul. Be aware that the downtown section of the trail is undergoing major construction. In some cases you will need to follow city streets that are not marked with bicycle lanes and can be very busy with traffic.

Information sources: Shepard Road Construction (651)266-6080. Lilydale/Hidden Falls St. Paul Parks and Recreation at (651)266-6400. Big Rivers Trail -Dakota County Parks (651)438-4671.

1. The trail ends at the western edge of Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park. If you continue three quarters of a mile along Lilydale Road, you can join the Big Rivers Regional Trail.
2. There is a gap in the trail at the eastern entrance to Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park. Follow Lilydale Road one fifth of a mile until the path picks up again. The road is narrow here and little or no shoulder exists, so be careful. Another short break in the trail occurs where a railroad bridge shrinks Lilydale Road to one lane. The trail continues immediately on both sides of the bridge, so watch for traffic from both directions and follow the road under the bridge.
3. The trail on the east bank follows both the old and new Shepard Roads. Hidden Falls/Crosby Farm Regional Park is the best place to access this trail. Call Saint Paul Parks & Recreation at 651-266-6400 for details.
4. A riverfront walkway stretches along the west bank from Harriet Island to east of the Robert Street Bridge. While ramps and stairs connect to the Wabasha Street Bridge, no direct connection exists to the Robert Street Bridge.
5. Kellogg Park, which overlooks the river, lies along the bluffs of the east bank from Wabasha Street to Robert Street. Sidewalks along the Wabasha Street Bridge connect to Harriet Island, and city sidewalks connect to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Headquarters and the Science Museum of Minnesota, home of the Mississippi River Visitor Center. Sidewalks also connect via Kellogg Boulevard and Jackson Road to Lower Landing Park (Link to No 5 below).