at The Local Store, 604 Galloway St, Eau Claire, WI (715) 552-7377

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Putnam Park Woods Route

5 miles / 25 minutes
(paved bike trail, streets, packed gravel)

Putnam Park Tunnel

The Putnam Park tunnel under State Street.

Ride some downtown trail, then on a few streets through the historic Third Ward neighborhood to the highlight of the ride, the Putnam Park nature preserve trail.

This flat, heavily wooded, and wide packed gravel trail features a wetland on one side of you and a steep forest hill on the other. Off-shoot walking paths can take you closer to the water, or up steps up the hill.

Pass through the iconic tunnel under State Street and eventually arrive on the beautiful UW‑Eau Claire Campus where you take a bridge across the Chippewa River, and ride through Owen Park and the Grand Avenue Neighborhood on your way back to The Local Store.

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Mileage & Times

While mileage for these loops and routes are accurate, the time offered is only an estimate. These times reflect a very casual pace of 12mph, assuming the occasional stop or photo opportunity, etc. Of course if you plan to get off your bikes to shop, eat, or sightsee, you’ll need to plan for more time.

Trail Maps

Both printed and digital route maps are available when you check in for your rental.

Trail Navigation App

Download the Ride with GPS App to put these routes on your phone. We’ll provide instructions when you check in.

How do I follow the digital maps while riding?

It can be helpful to put in one earbud so you can hear the direction cues, while keeping the other ear open for your surroundings. When following along visually, please be careful and stop before looking too hard at your map.

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