Metro Mountain Biking
The many communities that make up the Metropolitan Area of the Twin Cities have provided for an extensive network of rugged single track and easy to moderate mountain bike trails. Many regional and city parks maintain trails as well as state parks provide something for everyone. There are also many races in the metro area as well as fun rides. See our events page.
Minnesota River Bottom, Bloomington 11 miles one way 952-563-8878 Intermediate:Mostly singletrack winds through wooded area near river. Challenging trail, can be muddy after rain. Plenty of jumps and some obstacles.
Terrace Oaks, Burnsville 2.3 miles 952-895-4500 Intermediate: Mainly singletrack. Pretty technical. Lots of climbs with amazing descents. Challenging trail.
Buck Hill, Burnsville 3 miles
Beginner to advanced: Includes challenging climbs as well as awesome downhill sections. Plenty of interesting loops through the wooded slopes. Only open for race practice sessions. Bike shop sponsored race events every Thursday.
Louisville Swamp, Chaska 6 miles 952-492-6400
Beginner: Pretty level, grassy trail. Some historic sights. Lots of oak trees.
Mammoth Trail, Chaska 12 miles Intermediate to advanced:
Relatively young trail system. Not well marked. Some challenges and excellent views. Has a real local feel to it.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan 8.7 miles
651-554-6530 Mostly intermediate:
This course is much improved and a favorite for many. Effective mixture of rolling hills and more technical singletrack. Woods provided secluded feel in suburban area.
Battle Creek, East St. Paul 7 miles 651-266-6400
Intermediate to advanced:
Battle Creek features a wide selection of trails within its boundaries. Plenty of steep, narrow singletrack. Thickly wooded, some limited visibility on turns.
Hill Side Park, Elk River 7 miles 763-635-11150
Advanced:
An expert trail that is either climbing or descending for the entire course. Good skills practice.
Fort Snelling State Park, Fort Snelling 10 miles 651-725-2389 Beginner:
Enjoyable ride along the river. Generally flat trail, but scenic. Starts as a wide double track, then narrows to singletrack. Avoid in spring or after a good rain.
Afton Alps, Hasting 7.5 miles 800-328-1328 Intermediate to expert:
Combine the elements of all that a challenging biking trail has to offer with scenic vistas of the St. Croix River Valley and you have described Afton Alps. Opportunities for multiple skill levels. Fall colors are especially breathtaking.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo 8 miles
651-430-8370 Beginner to intermediate:
Beautiful park. Pleasant view of Eagle Point Lake. Trails in good condition. Only downside is use of equestrians on the same trail.Some hard-packed singletrack, some grassy trail.
Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis 3.4 singletrack, 4.36 total to ride both loops 612-230-6400 Intermediate to advanced:
Singletrack has twists and turns with many technical features. Challenging course and a great trail system.
Elm Creek Park Preserve, Osseo 1 mile paved, 4 miles dirt and grass 763-694-7894 Beginner:
http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/parks/Elmcreek.cfm
Chance to ride paved path as a change from the dirt and grass. Good workout for an easier trail. Single and double track.
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford 3.8 miles
763-694-7860 Intermediate:
Trail is wide and non-technical, but the hill climbing may challenge some beginners. Excellent trail conditions, beautiful scenery, not overused.
Murphy-Hanrehan, Savage 6 miles 763-694-7777 Intermediate to advanced:
Fairly hilly. Some uphills are challenging, downhills are exciting.
