Course Description:
Located on the Crow River, this park offers an uninterrupted expanse of peaceful wilderness. Among the scenery, the restored prairie is a year-round attraction for its ever-changing color palette. Miles of trails wind through the park reserve and give an opportunity to spot wildlife like deer, fox, coyotes, trumpeter swans, hawks and bald eagles. Scenic trails and group campsites that accommodate horses make this park a popular destination for horseback riders.
This course traces the outer loop of Crow-Hassan's trail system. It consists of primarily bridle trail, with a very short section of single track between the 2nd and 3rd miles, if running clockwise. The route starts at the park's southernmost terminus, right off of 109th Ave N and the city of Hanover sign. I chose this starting point because it is also the connecting point to the Lake Independence Regional Trail, which connects Crow-Hassan, the Baker Park Reserve, and the Luce Line State Trail.
The outer loop totals just shy of 11 miles, but longer routes can be made by combining other inner loop trail sections. Terrain is mostly rolling hills through woods and prairie. It is 100% trail, with no asphalt. The bridle trails do get maintained with loose dirt and sand, so some sections feel more like you're at a beach than in the woods, but at least the surface is soft.
Here is the park link:
https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/crow-hassan-park-reserve
Report
I decided to double an 8.5 mile RPE tempo ladder with an FKT to get Crow-Hassan on the map. It's one of my favorite places to run. The reserve has great trails and so much beauty. It always serves to remind me why I run.
It was sunny but low 20s today for temperature, with a light snow layer covering most of the trail. I cooled down for the two and change miles at the end of the tempo and got to really absorb some of the park's winter beauty.
I contemplated starting the outer loop course at one of the main entrances, but thought the connection point with the Lake Independence Regional Trail was best. I hope to build out longer versions of this system over time.
Pics before and after included.
