Discover Twin Cities Bike Trails: A Guide to Minnesota’s Top Riding Destinations
If you’re looking to explore the Twin Cities by bike, you’re in luck! From the heart of St. Paul to the surrounding suburbs and beyond, there are miles and miles of trails waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or a casual cruiser, you’ll find plenty of beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, and well-maintained paths to explore in the metro area. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of some of our favorite Twin Cities Bike trails, offering pro tips and recommendations along the way. So grab your helmet, pump up your tires, and let’s hit the trail!
St. Paul and the Metro Area
The Twin Cities are home to a wide variety of bike trails, many of which can be found right in the heart of St. Paul. The city’s extensive network of bike lanes and paths make it easy to get around by bike, and there are plenty of destinations worth checking out. One of the city’s most popular trails is the Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile bike path that runs through the heart of the city.
The trail is perfect for casual riders, with a smooth, paved surface and plenty of sights to see along the way. Other popular trails in St. Paul include the Theodore Wirth Park, which offers miles of wooded trails for mountain bikers, and the Cedar Lake Trail, a paved path that runs along the shores of the lake.
If you’re looking to explore the wider metro area, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Brown’s Creek State Trail is a popular choice for riders, with a gentle grade and beautiful scenery. The Luce Line State Trail is another popular option, offering 65 miles of paved path through wooded areas and small towns. And if you’re looking for a more challenging ride, the West River Parkway offers miles of steep hills and challenging terrain.
Best Places to Ride
There are plenty of great places to ride in the Twin Cities, and it’s hard to go wrong no matter where you choose to go. Some of our favorite trails include the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis, which offers beautiful views of the city’s lakes and parks; the Medicine Lake Regional Trail, which runs through wooded areas and residential neighborhoods; and the Bde Maka Ska, a popular spot for both casual riders and mountain bikers.
If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, the Mississippi River Trail is a great option. This multi-use trail runs along the river for miles, offering beautiful views and plenty of challenging terrain for experienced riders. And for those who are really looking for a challenge, the miles of mountain bike trails at Theodore Wirth Park are sure to satisfy.
State and Regional Trails
Minnesota is home to a number of state and regional trails that are perfect for bike riding. One of the state’s most popular trails is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, a paved path that runs through the heart of the state and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes. The Itasca State Park is another popular destination for riders, with miles of wooded trails and beautiful scenery.
For those looking to explore the surrounding area, the Gateway State Trail is a great option. This multi-use trail runs from the Twin Cities to the St. Croix River, offering beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. The Carver Park Reserve is another popular destination, with miles of trails and beautiful scenery. And if you’re looking to ride through the heart of Minnesota, the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway offers miles of paved trails through the state’s natural wonders.
Urban and Suburban Options
If you’re looking to stay closer to the city, there are plenty of options for bike riding in the Twin Cities’ urban and suburban areas. Minneapolis is home to a number of bike lanes and paths, making it easy to get around by bike. Some of the city’s most popular trails include the Midtown Greenway, which runs through the heart of the city, and the Cedar Lake Trail, which offers beautiful views of the lake.
For those looking to explore the suburbs, the Southwest LRT Trail is a great option. This multi-use trail runs through the western suburbs, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Root River State Trail is another popular destination, with miles of paved and unpaved trails through the state’s natural wonders. And if you’re looking to ride in a more urban setting, the Heartland State Trail offers easy paved paths through the heart of Minneapolis.
Bike Paths in St. Paul
St. Paul is home to a number of bike paths that are perfect for riders of all levels. One of the city’s most popular trails is the Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile bike path that runs through the heart of the city. The trail is perfect for casual riders, with a smooth, paved surface and plenty of sights to see along the way. Another popular option is the Cedar Lake Trail, a paved path that runs along the shores of the lake and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Brown’s Creek State Trail offers miles of gravel roads and wooded paths through the city’s suburbs. The trail is a great option for mountain bikers, with plenty of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. And if you’re looking for a scenic ride, the West River Parkway offers miles of paved trails along the river, with beautiful views of the city’s parks and lakes.
State Trails in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to a number of state trails that are perfect for bike riding. One of the state’s most popular trails is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, a paved path that runs through the heart of the state and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes. The trail is a great option for both casual riders and mountain bikers, with plenty of options for both easy and challenging rides.
Another popular destination for riders is the Itasca State Park, which offers miles of wooded trails and beautiful scenery. The park is a great place to ride, with plenty of options for both easy and challenging rides. And if you’re looking to explore the state’s rivers, the Mississippi River Trail is a great option. This multi-use trail runs along the river for miles, offering beautiful views and plenty of challenging terrain for experienced riders.
Riding in South Minneapolis
South Minneapolis is home to a number of bike trails and paths, making it easy to get around by bike. One of the city’s most popular trails is the Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile bike path that runs through the heart of the city. The trail is perfect for casual riders, with a smooth, paved surface and plenty of sights to see along the way.
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Lake Street Bike Lanes offer miles of bike lanes and paths through the city’s neighborhoods and parks. The lanes are a great option for both casual riders and commuters, with plenty of options for both easy and challenging rides. And if you’re looking for a scenic ride, the Luce Line Trail is a great option. This multi-use trail runs through the city’s western suburbs, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forests and lakes.
Biking in the Suburbs
The Twin Cities’ suburbs are home to a number of bike trails and paths, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas by bike. One of the area’s most popular trails is the Gateway Trail, a multi-use trail that runs from the Twin Cities to the St. Croix River. The trail is a great option for both casual riders and commuters, with plenty of options for both easy and challenging rides.
Another popular destination is the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, which offers miles of paved trails through the city’s western suburbs. The trail is a great option for both casual riders and commuters, with plenty of options for both easy and challenging rides. And if you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Carver Park Reserve offers miles of trails and beautiful scenery. The reserve is a great place to ride, with plenty of options for both easy and challenging rides.
No matter where you choose to ride in the Twin Cities, you’re sure to find plenty of beautiful trails and breathtaking scenery. So grab your bike and start exploring!