Theo Wirth Park / Minneapolis
Theodore Wirth Park occupies more than 750 acres—90 percent the size of Central Park—on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, with 12+ miles of wooded singletrack.
Midtown Greenway: This is How We Do It
There’s a reason the Twin Cities are annually recognized as one of the country’s most bike-friendly communities. Look no further than the Midtown Greenway. View
River Bottoms / Minnesota River, Bloomington
The River Bottoms trail along the Minnesota River offer a great out-and-back introduction to trailriding in the south metro — and even a rope-tow barge!
Stillwater Paved Trails / Gateway, Brown’s Creek, and beyond
You can go for miles upon miles in the St. Croix Valley—across the river to Wisconsin and back over the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge.
Greater Duluth Trail System
Easily the best “trail system” in the state, with punishing climbs and breathtaking descents overlooking Lake Superior.
Jackpot / High Climber Trail, Tofte
When people ask my favorite trail in Minnesota, I can say without hesitation: JACKPOT! If you haven’t experienced this epic ride yet, make your plans.
Giants Ridge / Biwabik
Nestled on the edge of the Boundary Waters, it’s one of the best ski areas in the state. The biking can be epic as well.
Tioga / Grand Rapids
When they talk about riding Red Dirt, they're talking about the Iron Range with its miles of converted mining trails. Tioga’s trails do not disappoint.
Redhead / Chisholm
The home to the high school state mountain bike championships, riding into Redhead is like riding into a giant playground on the edge of town.
Split Rock Wilds Singletrack
Not far from the iconic lighthouse, an hour north of Duluth, a raucous network of singletrack connects Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Beaver Bay.
Mount Kato / Mankato
As most ski hills go, Mount Kato is relatively small, but the cross-country mountain bike trails will leave you breathless. Well worth the drive south!
Mankato River Bottoms
If you’re looking for a great introduction to trail riding on flatter terrain, this area is a great place for finding your mountain biking groove.
Cuyuna Lakes
The red dirt in these hills sparked a resurgence of mountain biking when they created this northwoods mecca. An absolute jewel in the Minnesota crown.

Posts published in “Features”

Minnesota Mountain Biking 2026

Minnesota Mountain Biking 2026

By Troy Melhus on May 16, 2026

There is more to mountain biking in Minnesota than just the metro trails and Cuyuna. Here are six destinations in Greater Minnesota worth the drive.…

Taos, New Mexico: Rugged and Refined

Taos, New Mexico: Rugged and Refined

By Troy Melhus on September 4, 2005

Free Wheeling: Medora, North Dakota, is prime mountain-bike terrain

Free Wheeling: Medora, North Dakota, is prime mountain-bike terrain

By Troy Melhus on May 2, 2004