Discover the Hank Aaron State Trail

I’m all about mixing up my running routes. Usually I gravitate towards the water, and end up along the lakefront near downtown Milwaukee. I live in Bay View so I run through South Shore Park and along the Oak Leaf trail into Cudahy and South Milwaukee.

But there is another trail I’ve been enjoying lately.

The Hank Aaron State Trail is ideal for bicyclists, walkers, runners, and skaters. It starts at Lakeshore State Park and runs east-west through Miller Valley! The well-maintained trail takes you through the third ward, past Potowatomi Casino, Miller Park, and rejoins the Oak Leaf trail on both ends. The west end will lead you into Doyne Park where you can get to  Hart Park and into Wauwatosa, while the east end connects with the Oak Leaf Trail along the lakefront.

If you’re going to enjoy the trail, a good place to start is near the Harley-Davidson Museum. If you do an out-and-back along the trail headed west, you will head uphill first and have a mostly downhill run/ride for the way back. From the HD museum to Hart Park is about 6 miles. If you choose to bike the path, this is a great roundtrip distance and you get some really good hill workouts where you can feel the burn in your thighs!

I’d suggest taking a look at the map (PDF) before you head out because there are just a few spots where it can get a little tricky when you are supposed to turn into a park or there is a fork in the road.

There is also a 5K race on the trail, coming up in August!

11th Anniversary Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run / Walk

Saturday August 14, 2010

Race Start 8:30 am

Registration 7:00 – 8:15 am

“Held each August, the Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run / Walk is a great way to enjoy the Trail. The course starts in the shadow of Miller Park, travels through the Menomonee Valley along Canal Street, and winds its way on the Trail along the river finishing again near Miller Park. The run/walk is always a wonderful family event with lots of information on the trail and local organizations, raffle prizes, beautiful scenery, and a great venue for teams.”