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Fish Creek Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Maplewood, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fish Creek Natural Area'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.
What runners say about Fish Creek Natural Area
“Paul, this preserve combines woodlands, restored prairie, and scenic bluffs along the Mississippi River .”
“Fish Creek Natural Area is a 70-acre gem offering a peaceful retreat into nature without leaving the city.”
A lovely mile, a puppy’s pace, Through whispering trees, a gentle grace. Look up! The skies did not deceive— Three bald eagles soared with ease. Deer dance near the freeway’s hum, Nature’s show as cars still run. Benches placed where views align, Layered hills and trees entwine.
Fish Creek Natural Area is a 70-acre gem offering a peaceful retreat into nature without leaving the city. Part of the larger Fish Creek Greenway, which stretches from Carver Lake in Woodbury to the Mississippi River in St.
I don't really want to rate this. I would like to keep it the secret that it is. Great paved path thru some oak woods and restored prairie. A gem of a park in the heart of the Cities.
I’ve enjoyed watching the progress of the restoration of this area. The paved walking path offers recreation of bikers, walkers and your leashed pet. A variety of flowers and plant life bloom along the paths and there are fenced off areas that have sensitive growth and restoration happing inside.
Trail conditions & character
“The path was wide and paved (meaning one can steer clear of tick habitat) and we didn't see one biting fly, gnat, or mosquito.”
“Paul, this preserve combines woodlands, restored prairie, and scenic bluffs along the Mississippi River .”
“The short loop takes 20 minutes at a steady pace, the longer route takes about 30 minutes.”
“Fish Creek Natural Area is a 70-acre gem offering a peaceful retreat into nature without leaving the city.”
Plan your run at Fish Creek Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Websitemaplewoodmn.gov
- Phone+1 651-249-2170
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Maplewood
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Carver Lake Park and Beach
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Grandview Park
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Vista Hills
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