Minnesota is a cyclist’s dream, offering miles of scenic trails that wind through forests, lakes, charming towns, and river valleys. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a full-day ride, these top bike trails across the state deliver unforgettable views and experiences.
📍2 hours from the Twin Cities
Stretching over 120 miles, this is one of the longest continuously paved trails in the country. Running from Brainerd to Bemidji, the trail takes riders through peaceful pine forests and small lakeside communities. It’s ideal for both beginners and seasoned cyclists looking for a longer journey.
📍2 hours from the Twin Cities
Located in southeastern Minnesota near the charming town of Lanesboro, this trail is known for its stunning bluff country views. The paved loop connects several small towns, making it perfect for a leisurely ride with stops for ice cream, shopping, or dining along the way.
🌊 Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail
📍45 mn from the Twin Cities
Just west of the Twin Cities, this trail offers a mix of suburban convenience and lakeside beauty. Riders can enjoy smooth pavement, scenic water views, and easy access points, making it a popular choice for a quick ride close to home.
📍St. Paul
Starting near St. Paul, this trail is perfect for a relaxing ride through wooded areas and wetlands. It connects to the Brown’s Creek State Trail, giving riders the option to extend their adventure toward Stillwater.
🌲 Mesabi Trail (Staff Favorite)
📍2.5 hours from the Twin Cities
For a unique northern Minnesota experience, the Mesabi Trail offers over 160 miles of paved pathway through the Iron Range. Expect beautiful forests, mining history, and access to dozens of scenic overlooks and picnic spots.
Tips for Planning Your Ride
- Check trail conditions: Minnesota weather can impact trail surfaces, especially in spring and fall.
- Pack essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a repair kit go a long way.
- Use trail apps for easy navigation: There are several great mobile apps that help you discover, map, and navigate bike trails:
- AllTrails – Perfect for beginners and families, this app features thousands of trails with user reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings. It’s especially helpful for finding popular, well-maintained routes.
- Komoot – One of the best apps specifically for cyclists. It allows you to plan routes based on fitness level, terrain, and ride type, with turn-by-turn navigation and detailed trail insights.
- Strava – Great for tracking rides and discovering popular routes through its “heatmap” feature, which shows where other cyclists ride most often.
Using one (or a combination) of these apps can help you confidently explore new trails, avoid getting lost, and even discover hidden gems across Minnesota.
From peaceful lakeshores to dramatic river bluffs, Minnesota’s bike trails offer something for everyone. Whether you’re riding for fitness, fun, or fresh air, these trails are the perfect way to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes—one mile at a time.