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Anoka Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 52 Google reviews · Running trail in Anoka, Minnesota · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Anoka Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve with many trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.
What runners say about Anoka Nature Preserve
“The trails are well kept, so I'm never really worried about slipping and sliding or turning an ankle when I'm here.”
“This has been my favorite running spot for a few years now.”
“Great path for hiking, biking, dog walking and seeing wildlife.”
Great trail to walk. Nice path around a corn field It is a nicely maintained dirt trail, it can get pretty muddy on rainy days...or more recently from the snow melting. Numerous trails that will link to other trails along the Rum River. Parking near the Rum River library. Highly recommend!
This has been my favorite running spot for a few years now. There's a nice loop that goes down to the river, and there are also plenty of trails nearer to the parking lot that go through the trees. The trails are well kept, so I'm never really worried about slipping and sliding or turning an ankle when I'm here.
Really beautiful and varied walk. The Rum River section is particularly pretty, although you can only see it clearly in a couple of places. It looks like it would be a wonderful section to canoe (do not know where the closest entry point is). Wide chipped stone paths made for an easy walk.
Excellent little bit of nature in Anoka. In the 200+ acres of land, there are oak savannas, Rum River waterfront, rolling terrain, open areas. There is a playground near the trailhead behind the Rum River Library. We walked along the wide gravel path-for 2 miles.
Trail conditions & character
“Note for anyone when you go, however: please keep your dogs on a leash.”
“There's a nice loop that goes down to the river, and there are also plenty of trails nearer to the parking lot that go through the trees.”
“We walked along the wide gravel path-for 2 miles.”
“It connects with paved trails in a couple spots.”
“Nice path around a corn field It is a nicely maintained dirt trail, it can get pretty muddy on rainy days.”
“There's a nice loop that goes down to the river, and there are also plenty of trails nearer to the parking lot that go through the trees.”
Plan your run at Anoka Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteanokanaturepreserve.org
Running trails near Anoka
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rivers' Bend Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
River-adjacent park offering a playground, picnic tables and tennis courts, as well as trails and fields.
Sunny Acres Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 175 reviews
Green space for recreation featuring sports fields, tennis courts and a playground.
Kelsey Round Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
Park featuring a boardwalk over wetlands, plus paved trails and birdwatching.
Rudy Johnson Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 55 reviews
Park offering a playground and picnic facilities, plus basketball courts and a rink.
Kings Island
4.6 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Mississippi River Community Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 181 reviews
Wooded park featuring playgrounds, trails and benches and fishing dock.