Strap on a helmet and hit Minnesota’s 4,000+ miles of paved biking paths to celebrate National Bike Month in May. Whether readers are opting for a joy ride or something that will get their heart racing, these below trails are “wheelie” good to help celebrate next month:
- Explore the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the country: the 115-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail. Starting in Brainerd and ending in Bemidji, bikers experience woods, wetlands, lakes, meadows and farmland. Those opting for a greener ride can make a pit stop at one of the five e-bike repair areas on the trail for some juice.
- In the driftless region of southern Minnesota, the 42-mile Root River Trail allows for a smooth pedal on asphalt with little elevation change. Riders can begin their journey in Fountain, MN and all of the state’s rich culture on one ride, including the Norwegian-inspired Preston and the historic town of Lanesboro.
- Mountain bikers of all levels can test their skills at Cuyuna Recreation Area, or the new Redhead Mountain Bike Park on Minnesota’s Iron Range, with their easy paved trails or single track mountain bike trails. In Cuyuna, the Miner’s Mountain Rally Center features 50 miles of world-class mountain bike trails with singletrack dirt trails designed in a variety of difficulty levels.
- Rent a bike to experience the Twin Cities’ natural beauty via the 15-mile Chain of Lakes bike path in Minneapolis. Viewing the interconnected lakes in Minneapolis – Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet – is a local favorite summer activity.
Before hitting the trails, learn more about mountain biking opportunities through the state here and Minnesota’s 1,000 mile adventure bike route here. Happy pedaling!
