Get your wheels spinning

There are some great places to spin your wheels in Minnesota! If you need kid-friendly miles of smooth asphalt with a gentle grade, try a state trail that follows an old railroad. Don't miss the new Shift Gears Saturdays series of guided bike rides along some of Minnesota's most scenic state trails.

Prefer unpaved? Try the bike trails in state parks. And if you're looking to get your heart pumping with the rugged twists and turns of specially designed single-track, don't miss the new Cuyuna mountain bike system!

Some of our favorite places to ride:

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

Cuyuna Lakes State Trail - 6 paved miles, 25 single-track 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 single-track mountain bike system for thrill seekers!

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

state map showing this park's location

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.

Learn more about how and where to bike in Minnesota