The Ultimate Twin Cities Biking Guide: 10 Scenic Trails to Ride
We love biking in the Metro! Minnesota has some of the BEST biking trails in the country (have you heard of Cuyuna?!). Here are 10 incredible biking trails around the Twin Cities—a mix of scenic urban rides, lakeside loops, and longer regional trails. Gateway and Luce Line are our favorites!
1. Grand Rounds Scenic Byway (Minneapolis)
Distance: ~50 miles (can be broken into smaller sections)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
Connects major parks and lakes in Minneapolis
Passes by Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun), Lake of the Isles, and the Mississippi River
Paved and well-maintained
2. Midtown Greenway (Minneapolis)
Distance: ~5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
Dedicated bike highway through the heart of Minneapolis
Separated from vehicle traffic
Great for commuting or leisure
3. Cedar Lake Trail (Minneapolis)
Distance: ~4.4 miles (connects to other major trails)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
One of the first bike freeways in the U.S.
Follows old rail lines through green spaces
Connects to the Mississippi River and Downtown Minneapolis
4. Gateway State Trail (St. Paul to Stillwater)
Distance: ~18 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
Paved rail-trail through woodlands and prairies
Connects St. Paul to the charming river town of Stillwater
Gentle slopes and scenic views
5. Samuel H. Morgan Regional Trail (St. Paul)
Distance: ~7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
Follows the Mississippi River
Great views of river bluffs and downtown St. Paul
Connects to other regional trails
6. Luce Line Trail (Minneapolis to Winsted)
Distance: ~63 miles (paved for the first 30 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights:
Follows an old railroad line
Passes through woods, wetlands, and small towns
Mostly flat with some rolling hills
7. Minnesota River Bottoms Trail (Bloomington)
Distance: ~11 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights:
Unpaved, single-track trail
Great for mountain biking
Follows the Minnesota River through woods and wetlands
8. Rice Creek North Regional Trail (Shoreview)
Distance: ~14 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
Paved path through woods, wetlands, and suburban areas
Follows Rice Creek
Great for a mix of nature and suburban views
9. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail (Edina, Hopkins, Richfield)
Distance: ~15 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
Winding boardwalks and bridges over wetlands
Scenic creek views
Gentle hills and lots of wildlife
10. Big Rivers Regional Trail (Mendota Heights)
Distance: ~4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
Follows the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers
Amazing river valley views
Connects to Fort Snelling State Park and other trails
That’s a solid list of options for any biking vibe—whether you're into scenic rides, urban commutes, or off-road adventures. 🚴♂️🌲
