Biking Trails in Minnesota

Biking can be one of the most fun and rewarding sports out there today. It can also be incredibly frustrating, especially if you live in a big city. There are cars everywhere, and drivers sometimes don't watch where they are going. That's why it's always nice to find a bike trail. Somewhere where you can bike without worrying about getting hit.

Minnesota is a great place for bike trails. According to www.exploreminnesota.com, Minnesota has over 700 miles of asphalt trails, ideal for people with road bikes. Here's a list of a few of the better trails around the Minneapolis area.

1. Ft. Snelling State Park

This is a great park for pretty much any outdoor activity. Ft. Snelling has at least five miles of asphalt biking trails, which are separate from the hiking trails, so you don't have to worry about any pedestrians. The trails take you through Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, so the views are breathtaking. If mountain biking is your thing, there are at least 10 miles of mountain biking trails as well. If you want a more detailed view of the trails, visit this website.

The trails open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily. There is no cost to ride the trail, however there is a cost to park your car. If you are just going for the day, the parking fee is $5. But, if you plan on visiting multiple times, then a parking permit might be a better option. You can pick one up for $25.

2. Regional Trails in Ramsey County

Ramsey County has some great trails for bikers. What I love about Ramsey County is there is a huge variety of trails. You can ride on paved trails, or take your mountain bike out for a spin. There's something for everybody to enjoy. Also, the scenery changes quite a bit. Sometimes you are going through wooded areas, and other times you are riding right next to a beach by the lake. There are no costs associated with the trails, so get out there and enjoy them! Head to the Ramsey County Trails website for more information.

3. Gateway State Trail

Located in St. Paul, this is an 18 mile multi use trail. This is a great trail because of its location. It's right next to downtown St. Paul, and takes you through Washington County. It passes through the Phallen-Keller Regional Park, so the views will be pretty great. It is a multi use trail, so there will be pedestrians as well as horseback riders in the area, so you have to be pretty diligent. However, it's worth it for the views and the convenient location.

This is only a partial list, there are many more trails around the area. Minnesota, in my opinion, is one of the best states for biking, so take advantage of the wonderful trails throughout the state. There are great views that are diverse and always changing. And one of the greatest things is, if you get bored with a particular trail, there's another one not too far away.