Sakatah Section 2 - Eagle Lake Bridge to Madison Lake
The section starting at the bridge over Eagle Lake to the Madison Lake trailhead is very flat. There are some stands of trees, but it is
mostly open fields. This area really shines in the fall, with the Woodland Sunflowers along the sides of the trail and the golds and browns
of fall. Getting closer to Madison lake, you'll see the reds of Sumac. On windy days this particular stretch can be grueling, due to the
fact that there is little windbreak.
Mile 5.4 - The Junk Car & Mini-Junkyard
Just after the crossing the bridge at Eagle Lake, looking to your left, you'll come across the "Junk Car". One of the more unusual
sights along the trail. The car is the most evident part of what appears to be a small junkyard in the back grove of an old farm.
The car appears to be a model from the 1930's, I don't know very much about car models, so I don't have a clue about it's make and
model. All the easy identifiers have been long shot away. The car is riddled with bullets from being used as practice for probably
50+ years. The bullets give it that great "Bonnie & Clyde-esce" appeal. There is nothing left for usuable parts for the collector -
so don't bother looking. There is also the remains of an old radio, and every year a fresh group of bottles come to the surface.
Evidently, the junkyard had it's use in the mid-to-late 50's, because most of the bottles date from that era. If anyone in ther area
knows about the junkyard, and the origin of the car. I'd be fascinated. As you can see, the car has been there so long, that a tree
has grown through the front frame.
To be honest, it's more interesting to look at from the trail than up close. There are briars and other nasties between you and the car.
It's advisable to avoid them if possible.
Just a little farther up the trail, on the left, you will find spotted "Touch-Me-Nots', in the late summer / early fall, the orange
flowers produce seedpods, that when touched quickly pop open ("Explode") flinging their seeds out. Lot's of juvenile fun!
Mile .2 - Wooden bridge
You will cross a wooden bridge with a fairly deep ravine and stream below, if you look carefully to the side on the left, you'll see the
limestone remains of the old railroad system, a little beyond that are a stack of old railroad ties, all that remains of the railroads that used to pass through here.
Mile .56 - Rest area 1
Early on, we come to the first rest area, these rest areas are built and maintained by the DNR. There are many on the trail. This
picture is typical of them, so when I mention them in this narrative from time to time, you can think of this picture. This particular
one is close to the beginning of the trailhead to accomodate older walkers that need a rest. They are usually located in very scenic spots
along the way.
A little farther ahead, in the springtime, look for Dogstooth Violets to the right, along the side of the pavement, look carefully, they are small!
Fall scene taken somewhat east of the Lime Valley entrance.
Mile .62 - North Riverfront Drive Bridge
If you got to the Lime Valley entrance from highway-22 you crossed over the trail on this bridge as you came in.
Mile 1.56 - Highway-22 Bridge
You pass under the Highway-22 bridge and you are on your way out. Be careful in this area of people entering from the Highway-22
trailhead on your lefthand side. There will also be walkers, rollerbladers and people with pets. Slow down and be courteous to them.
Mile 1.81 - County 12 Bridge
Up to this point, the trail is somewhat submerged and your view was limited to just the immediate features trailside. As you pass the Highway 22 entrance, you will pass under a bridge supporting a the highway.
You'll notice the bridge itself proudly proclaims "Sakatah". Crossing under the bridge will bring you through a short tunnel and you will emerge on level
with the surrounding fields. Along this part of the trail, you will see the Mankato development which is rapidly grabbing at the trail, already a housing development has sprung up near the trail on the
right. It will be interesting to see what this section of trail will look like in 10 years. The treeline is very thin, still, you can observe many small things like berries
in the fall, wild hops and grapes sporadically.
As a bicylist, you'll observe that most of the public "hugs" the first couple of miles of trail. Once you travel about a mile out, seeing
people walking or running becomes very scarce. Along this part of the trail, you'll notice many people enjoying a briskk walk with their dog, or rollerblading, running and
all sorts of activities. There is a road entrance as you approach the railroad tracks that has people parked so that they can walk their dogs. I must say that every dog I
have encountered on the trail has been well trained and behaved. So, if you are worried about such a thing, you needn't be concerned, based on my experience.
Mile 2.99 - Railroad crossing at Lime siding
As you travel farther east, you'll meet the railroad tracks, there is a jog where the trail crosses the tracks and then resumes on the other side. caution
be very careful crossing the tracks. Always make sure that you make your crossing on them so that you wheel makes a 90 degree angle with the track. Failure to cross the
track properly can cause the wheel to slip into the track rut and cause a nasty fall (sound like I have done this?). Also, remember that tracks are steel, in the morning
they will be made slippery in rain or early morning the dew.
Crossing the tracks, we skirt some fields, riding along side the track we just crossed. This area of the rail was named "Lime Siding" and is still in use today, although I have
seen a just a handful of trains. Usually, the area is a temporary place for railcars. In the late summer, early fall, the field edge to the left will be covered with
Woodland Sunflowers.