The Best Places to Run in the Eau Claire Area
from Eau Claire to Augusta, here's some inspo for your next run
Jake Smith, photos by Andrea Paulseth
If you asked anyone here at Volume One to describe me in a sentence, they’d probably say “Jake likes to run… a lot.” They would be correct. I’ve logged many-a-mile here in the Chippewa Valley, and here are some of my favorite spots to do so:
1. Double I
Town of Washington • Corner of South Lowes Creek Road and Deerfield Road to the corner of County Highway F and Deerfield Road
About 2.25 miles of rolling hills – a great way to break up the monotony of bike trails. Traffic is usually pretty chill, but always be mindful.
2. Putnam Trail
Eau Claire • Start near Demmler Park on Putnam Dr., continue until you hit the UW-Eau Claire campus hill
A hidden gem for the dog days of summer. A flat 1.5 miles from start to finish on easy gravel, with 99.99% of it being in the shade.
3. The High Bridge
Eau Claire • Up the Forest St. hill, run across the bridge until you get to 1st Street (pretty self-explanatory once you're goin').
Probably a cop-out answer, but it’s still one of my favorites. On a clear day, running across and looking South toward downtown… one of the best views.
4. Northwest Park Ski Trails
Eau Claire • 729 Van Es Parkway
Another shady-trail gem, but this time with rolling hills and the opportunity to hop on some single track if that’s your jam. A completely underrated trail system in the city of Eau Claire.
5. Horse Creek Road
Augusta • Coon Fork County Park
It’s a bit out of the way, but in my opinion it’s worth the trip. A solid 5-mile stretch of soft surface (gravel) running, and can take a dip in the lake when you’re done. What’s not to like?
B-B-B-BOOOOONUS SPOT: Ice Age Trail – Chippewa Moraine Segment
New Auburn
This isn’t in Eau Claire and isn’t really the Chippewa Valley, but it’s too good not to mention. The Chippewa Moraine Segment itself is about 6 miles, but the “circle loop” is 4.6 miles of grassy trails and nature. Definitely worth the drive!