Explore the best rated trails in Minneapolis, MN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Interlink Trail and Mississippi River Regional Trail (Anoka) . With more than 100 trails covering 876 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I covered the Thompson Lake to Oddfellows Park in Hutch at the end of July on a bike. There is plenty of parking and shade at Cosmos County Park and a bathroom with running water. The trail starts as Cadillac gravel through trees and then pops out to a gravel parking lot next to grain bins and a business. At the 4 way stop, it’s an easy crossing of highway 7 and a Casey’s to load up on snacks and water. It isn’t well marked to pick the trail back up, make a left at Gemini Ave and you find the sign for the trail. This is where the fun begins in my opinion. It starts gravel, but turns to grass. At the time I rode, the grass had not been mowed, but was 100% rideable. Your mileage may vary depending on bike and fitness level. The grass section is about 8 miles and incredibly beautiful to be riding through sloughs and catching a glimpse of what this prairie once was. The trail turns back to gravel after Cedar Mills, then eventually pavement near Hutch. An easy access gas station with bathrooms and water refill and snacks is next to Oddfellows Park. Though the parks in this section have restrooms as well.
Continuing on the trail, you arrive in a campground that accommodates both RVs and tents next to the Crow Wing River. Plenty of shade, a beautiful view of the river, and each spot has a fire ring and a picnic table. You will get traffic noise, but the location and amenities are worth it. The city of Hutchinson has done an impressive job incorporating this trail as a city resource. I saw lots of walkers, runners, and young kids on bikes using the trail to navigate the area.
Continuing on to Silver Lake, the trail surface is paved, but gets a little more rough. There are areas where some of the cracks are large enough to grab a narrow tire, so mind the gap. The scenery on this September ride was beautiful. I made the side trip to the Crow Wing Winery, just to check out the gravel trail. This is also a worthy stop for yummy food and a glass of wine, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The trail to Silver Lake remains about the same with lots of sumac and trees to shade the trail.
I absolutely think this would make a wonderful and pretty easy bikepacking trip.
Twice we've taken this trail for a Sunday outing from Woodland Park in Elk River to Zimmerman, enjoying a light lunch @ D's Smokehouse & then back. Can't wait for the continued expansion north.
This is not a destination trail, but does loop between the two parks and go under highway 62. It’s mostly gravel north of 62 and paved south of it and the part in Lone Lake park is very hilly. It also goes past the Lone Lake mountain bike loops if you’re looking for more adventure.
Bike the trail and especially liked the area between Central and University. Almost like a state forest!
I attempted this trail for the first time last week. I agree with one of the reviews where the beginning point in Belle Plaine is tough to find. The parking lot is may be enough for three or four cars gets washed out dirt all rutted. After unloading my bike, I went to what appeared to be the entrance completely overgrown with weeds. My E bike gives me 40 miles to a battery. I tried going through just a mile and coming back, a total of 2 miles, it used up 25% of my battery due to so much mud. It would be perfect for a gas dirtbike. Not worth a trip.
My first time on the trail was on 8/13. As soon as I got into the trees, I was met by two turkeys on the trail then a few miles further on, two deer ran across the trail, smooth going all the way. About halfway through the trail, I saw people on inner tubes floating down the river, having a great time. Made it all the way to the end and a mile towards Redwing. On the way back I jumped 6 more deer. A gorgeous trail that’s well-kept. Nice bathrooms and rest areas. I live in Brooklyn Park and it was well worth the drive. I’ll do it again, especially in the fall.
So far we have only ridden the west from approximately HWY 100 to Hopkins. It has beautiful scenery with woods and marshland. The boardwalks are fun especially now that we have e-bikes with shock absorbers. For a metro trail you can go quite a ways without having to cross a street.
Bumpy ride in Maplewood. St. Paul section was nice, well marked, beware of the hills by the bird sanctuary.
The beginning of the trail in Shoreview is nice but then you have to go in streets for quite a while and then it actually cuts off for a block or so. The trail is closed on the north end too. Trail is smooth at times but mostly bumpy.
I just went for my first road bike experience yesterday on this trail, driving to zimmerman to hop on it. To my luck, I came to find it was newly paved! It’s a lovely route to elk River and I actually think it may be closer to 8 or 9 miles one way, according to mile markers. The only down side is the stretch of land east to the elk River landfill…depending on which way the wind is blowing, it can be stinky. I can’t wait to bike again!
This is a really fun trail to ride as it goes along the river much of the time and also behind downtown Stillwater. A bike trail is the perfect use for the old lift bridge and it’s an enjoyable crossing. It is a very long hill to ride up to Houlton, WI. The Wisconsin portion has a rest stop along the bike trail and the new bridge is downhill and a very fast decent back to Minnesota.
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