Minnesota's Best Paved Bike Trails

The Central Lakes State Trail provides a flat, easy ride for all ages and abilities. Built on former rail lines, it runs for 55 miles between Fergus Falls and Osakis. Rolling forested hills, bucolic red barns, and countless lakes decorate the landscape, including Lake Christina, a top spot for birding.

The path also puts riders within sniffing distance of wildflowers, wetland ponds, and the charm of rural farm country. As you approach Alexandria, consider visiting the Runestone Museum< or offering a friendly greeting to “Big Ole,” a giant viking who stands 28’ tall.

Get yourself up north to the Gitchi-Gami State Trail to take in spectacular views of Gooseberry Falls, Beaver Bay, Split Rock Lighthouse, and other stops along Lake Superior. One day, the trail will extend for 88 miles and connect the towns of Two Harbors and Grand Marais.

In its current form, however, the Gitchi-Gami Trail offers 33 total miles of paved surface. The longest continuous paved section is nearly 18 miles and runs between Gooseberry Falls and Silver Bay. Beautiful birch and aspen trees border the trail, but the pedaling can be difficult; several steep hills and curves may pose a challenge to some riders.

The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway connects more than 50 miles of off-street urban bike trails. It’s an unbeatable way to explore nearly all of Minneapolis by bike—whether you tackle the full loop or ride it in smaller segments.

A typical route might include a visit to the Mississippi Riverfront in downtown Minneapolis, where you can see some of the city’s oldest surviving structures. From there, head into the woods at Theodore Wirth Park , where the city lights shimmer in the distance.

Other iconic stops along the Grand Rounds include Minnehaha Falls and the Chain of Lakes —a scenic group made up of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet.

The Heartland State Trail was Minnesota’s first rail-to-trail conversion. Established in 1974 and completed in 1977, it opened nearly 50 miles of smooth, flat pavement for cyclists to enjoy.

Today, the trail stretches from Park Rapids to Cass Lake, intersecting with the Paul Bunyan State Trail near Walker. Riders pass through hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and alongside lakes, rivers, and streams—with spots for camping and fishing along the way.

Enjoy 17 miles of paved trail and wilderness road for a magnificent ride through Itasca State Park. Start at the headwaters of the world-famous Mississippi River, then ride past Peace Pipe Vista, the Pioneer Cemetery, and old-growth pines at Preacher’s Cove.

Stop to admire the state’s tallest white pine, visit a historic bison kill site, or look out for otters, mink, and deer. Autumn brings especially scenic views, as rolling hills and winding curves reveal a colorful, picturesque landscape.

Lake Wobegon may not actually exist, but the Lake Wobegon Trail is very real — and runs 62 scenic miles through small-town America. Starting in St. Joseph, it stretches 50 miles west to Sauk Centre, then turns northeast for 20 miles until Albany emerges from the hills and streams.

Along the way, dairy farms and covered bridges evoke a simpler time, full of wonder and possibility. Just follow the trail markers, and you won’t lose your way.

The Mesabi Trail is more than 150 miles long and traverses Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range , one of the state’s most gorgeous regions. Running from the Mississippi River in the west all the way to the doorstep of the Boundary Waters in Ely, the trail takes riders past all manner of woodland, wetland, and awe-inspiring lakes.

The Mesabi also connects 28 small towns and communities, offering countless opportunities for two-wheeled tourists to rest, recharge, and learn about the local history. Well-mapped and well-maintained, this is premium pavement for cyclists of every stripe.

Find your inner Huck Finn on the Mississippi River Trail , a 620-mile network of narrow road shoulders and scenic regional trails. Beginning at Itasca State Park, the trail follows the Mississippi River way down to the Iowa border through pine forests, limestone bluffs, and a dozen cities big and small.

Riders are rewarded with incredible views of the Mighty Mississippi and Vermillion Falls in Hastings. Breathtaking bluffs and the world’s largest boot also beckon in Red Wing. And further downriver, the 17-mile Apple Blossom Scenic Byway provides scenic overlooks with dazzling panoramic views. Don’t miss this ride!

The North Star Route starts in St. Paul and terminates at the Canadian border. The route serves up 315 miles of existing road and mixed-use trail between these points. Stellar paved trails account for half the mileage, including regional gems such as the Bruce Vento, Gateway State, Willard Munger, and Gitchi-Gami trails. These sections are suitable for all riders.

The northernmost 150 miles hug Lake Superior and include on-road segments suitable for more experienced riders. From Duluth to Grand Marais, the North Shore’s beaches, bluffs, and best vistas are on full display.

Stretching for over 115 miles, the scenic and varied Paul Bunyan State Trail is the sixth-longest paved rail trail in the U.S. and the longest in Minnesota. Extending from Crow Wing State Park all the way to Lake Bemidji State Park , the Paul Bunyan Trail connects the towns of Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pine River, and Hackensack to Walker and Bemidji.

Postcard-perfect lakes, sprawling meadows, and secluded woods with tall canopies provide a calming backdrop for your ride. Future extensions will connect the Paul Bunyan with the Blue Ox Trail to complete a 210-mile rail-to-trail conversion.

The Root River State Trail is a paved 42-mile bike trail that meanders from Fountain to Houston through southeastern Minnesota’s famed Driftless Region. Surrounded in sections by fields of wildflowers and towering limestone bluffs, this rail-to-trail runs mostly flat as it passes over rail bridges and the occasional small dam.

Attractions along the way include the Mystery Cave in Preston, the International Owl Center in Houston, and the giant sinkhole in Fountain. Plentiful restaurants and B&Bs make this route ideal for a relaxing multi-day trek.

Like other trails on the list, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail occupies a long abandoned railroad bed. Flat and easy, it spans 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault. Passing through remnants of where the Big Woods once met the great prairie, the trail serves up equal parts shaded forest and sunny cultivated farmland.

At the trail’s halfway point in Waterville, clear signs route riders through quiet city streets. Several lakes and river crossings offer opportunities for rest, including swimming beaches at Waterville, Elysian, Madison Lake and Cannon Lake.

Find more bike trip ideas in Minnesota.