Bike Trails

With hundreds of miles of paved bike paths, over a thousand miles of natural surface trails, and a world class mountain biking park, Minnesota's bike trails provide an enjoyable ride for all. Take advantage of Minnesota's wide variety of trails!

• For kid-friendly paved trails with a gentle grade, try a state trail that follows an old railroad. See examples in the list below!
• Use ParkFinder to search for a bike trail in a state park!
• Get your heart pumping with specially designed singletrack at the Cuyuna mountain bike system.
• Learn the basics with free gear rentals at an I Can Mountain Bike! Program!
• More information, biking safety, and tips for biking all year long.
• Use this list of all Minnesota state trails to find even more biking options!
• Curious about fat biking in state parks? Learn more here!

Make a weekend of it! Rent a campsite or cabin and get the full experience.

Purchase a vehicle permit today and get a year of unlimited visits to all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas!

A few suggested trails:

Central Lakes State Trail - 55 paved miles This trail traverses many differing landscapes, from open prairie in the west to forested, rolling hills in the east, and passes lots of lakes.

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail - 6 paved miles, 25 singletrack miles Abandoned by mining companies over 35 years ago, this trail passes many lakes that were once mine pits. There's also a specially designed 25-mile singletrack mountain bike system for thrill seekers!

Gateway State Trail - 18 paved miles, 10 parallel unpaved miles This former Soo Line Railroad Grade starts near downtown St. Paul, passes through woods and wetlands, and ends near Stillwater. East of I-694, an unpaved treadway runs parallel to the paved trail.

Gitchi-Gami State Trail - 25 paved miles (not continuous) This trail for all ability levels features one scenic view of Lake Superior after another, and is a terrific path from which to spot wildlife.

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail - 18 paved miles This railroad grade trail passes through wooded areas and farmland. Very level, except for some steep hills south of Co. Rd 16.

Luce Line State Trail - 63 miles, mostly packed limestone This former railroad grade trail stretches across the varied landscapes of metropolitan and rural Minnesota. Primarily crushed limestone surface with a parallel treadway.

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area - 6 paved miles, 36 unpaved miles Not far from the Twin Cities. Watch for wildlife as you travel the multi-use trail, which is paved for six miles from Shakopee to Chaska and unpaved from Chaska to Belle Plaine.

Paul Bunyan State Trail - 112 paved miles This former railroad route is long, lovely, and generally level, except for a nine-mile segment through the Chippewa National Forest.

Root River State Trail - 42 paved miles Discover the dramatic blufflands of southeastern Minnesota on this popular trail. Very accessible, except for some hills near Houston.

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail - 39 paved miles, 10 parallel unpaved miles Despite the "hills" in its name, this trail is on a former railroad and therefore quite level. Follows a stretch of the Cannon River and passes by many lakes.