Habu Trail

Sorry for the lack of posts.  Chris has been extra busy, which means I've been extra busy.   But finally - a relaxing weekend!

Today we set out to tackle the fabled Habu Trail on Kadena.  Although I've heard about this running path through several running groups and websites, I haven't seen more than just general directions and references (for example, from about :45 to 1:30 of this video is on the Habu Trail but no indication about how to actually get on the path).  So we decided to mix up our training and do a little exploring.

We started off at Risner gym doing the Alternate #2 5k route.  After turning down Vincent Ave, we spotted the unmarked trail head near McKennon Ave.

One of the entrances to Kadena's Habu Trail,
just off the intersection of Vincent and McKennon

The path followed the perimeter of Kadena near highway 23 and 58.  It was very hilly in sections (definitely made me wish the BOB had a hand break!) and I'm glad the weather was slightly overcast because there wasn't much shade.  Every half mile (and in some places every quarter mile) was marked.  Starting from McKennon, we followed the trail for just over 1.5 miles, turned around near the base pass center at Gate 1, and then finished up the rest of the 5k route.

A section of the Habu Trail

Another trail entrance in Arnold Terrace base housing

Directions to Habu Trail:  The closest public parking lot I know of is at the Olympic Mall.  From Gate 3, turn left onto McKennon Ave after Risner gym and the baseball fields.  There is a Popeye's, Dunkin Donuts and a shopette near the Olympic Mall building.  After parking, follow McKennon past the Wakaba CDC.  McKennon will end in a T-intersection at Vincent Ave, the entrance to Habu Trail is just ahead on the right.  (The trail entrance is near the water station marked on this map.)

Next running adventure, we'll figure out Futenma's Habu Trail...