DNR: Luce Line Horse Trail from Vicksburg Lane to Winsted Closed Due to Unsuitable Conditions, Bridge Work Will Close Portion of State Trail

The Luce Line State Trail is a 63 mile long former railroad grade which is developed for biking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and skiing. The limestone surfaced trail runs from Plymouth 30 miles west to Winsted, with a parallel treadway for horseback riding. From Winsted to Hutchinson, the trail is gravel, from Hutchinson to Cedar Mills it is crushed granite and Cedar Mills to Cosmos it is Natural (mowed grass). Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail west of Stubb’s Bay Road.

Stretching across the varied landscapes of metropolitan and rural Minnesota, the Luce Line is a preserved strip of countryside alive with many varieties of plants and animals. In the east the influence is woodland, a carry-over from the Big Woods that once occupied the area. Rolling stands of sugar maple and basswood, along with many colorful forest floor ground-cover plants can be found here. From Hutchinson westward, the Big Woods give way to remnants of the tall-grass prairie, with some prairie plants still visible.

Wildlife inhabitants range from deer, fox and mink to owls and pheasant. Many adjacent lakes also support ducks and geese. The Luce Line is truly like a jaunt down a quiet country road.

Parking

• Plymouth, off of 10th Ave. No. and Vicksburg Lane.
• Long Lake, off Stubbs Bay Road.
• Lyndale, off County Road 92.
• Off of Carver County Road 127, south of County Road 20.
• In the towns of Watertown, Winsted, Hutchinson and Cosmos.

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