Ride into fall with the new Kato Bike Fall Fest, September 27 – 28. A weekend of cycling fun for riders of all ages and skill levels!
Experience the beauty of Mankato’s fall colors while enjoying family-friendly activities, group rides, and more on paved trails, scenic rural roads, and off-road adventures in south-central Minnesota when the colors are at their peak.
Enjoy Paved Trail Rides
Enjoy Mankato’s beautiful paved trail network, perfect for families, beginners, and those looking for a relaxed ride through stunning fall scenery.
Many Family-Friendly Activities
Kids and adults alike can participate in guided rides, interactive cycling games, and fun challenges designed for all ages.
And Several off-road Cycling Adventures
For those looking to try something new, the festival will also offer introductions to Gravel, Cyclocross, Bike Polo, and BMX experiences.
More on the Kato Bike Fall Festival
All routes start at Mount Kato (20461 Old State Highway 66, Mankato, MN).
On Saturday
Mountain bikers are encouraged to arrive early on Saturday. Explore the short demo trail and learn all about the new Rockwell Adventure Park just north of Mankato. The trail will be open at 1 pm, and no pre-registration is required.
After exploring the trail, head over to Mount Kato to ride some of the oldest mountain bike trails in the state. Trails will be open from 5 pm, followed by a bonfire, snacks, and beverages sponsored by Mankato Area Mountain Bikers. Register via the drop-down menu in the event registration. No Charge.
Not interested in cycling but want to come early and enjoy the area? Join GMBWA Board Member Samantha Wendt, owner of Empowered by Nature Wellness Center, on a 5k walk on trails and gravel in the vicinity of Mount Kato. The walk departs Mount Kato at 3:00 p.m. Register via the drop-down menu in the event registration. No Charge
Hang out at Mount Kato to catch the Kato Cross cyclocross race, too, when you get back to the start.
Sunday Route Descriptions:
Routes Include:
The 12.4 Mile (paved) Minneopa Loop is a mostly traffic-free trail ride to Minneopa State Park, where you’ll enjoy a 40-foot-tall waterfall and a historic stone and timber shelter.
The 37.2 Mile (paved) Mankato Loop takes you on the scenic route of the area, covering many area trails.
The 11.4 Mile (gravel) Red Jacket Loop is a great way to dip your tires into gravel riding. A mixture of trails and gravel roads with a fun, challenging climb midway through the ride.
The 38.7 Mile (gravel) Good Thunder Loop takes riders south to, you guessed it, the town of Good Thunder for some great gravel grinding, climbs, and descents!
Photos from the past Mankato River Rambles event can be found here online.
Come early and ride all that Mankato offers.
Nestled along the Minnesota River in Southern Minnesota, Mankato is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore over 50 miles of paved trails by bike, scooter, or on foot, and even more trails to satisfy the need to get off the paved path.
If you choose to spend some extra time exploring all that Mankato offers, here is a list of lodging options to consider.
About Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates (GMBWA)
With the help of BikeMN (Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota), GMBWA encourages individuals and families to walk and bike as part of a fun and healthy lifestyle. They also view biking and walking as critical solutions to many environmental problems.
GMBWA collaborates with city, county, and state governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to enhance the infrastructure and opportunities for walking and biking in our local community.
For the last 14 years, GMBWA has received funds from its former Fall Bike Ride (the Mankato River Ramble). Those funds have been intentionally recirculated back into our community to support cycling and walking activities and infrastructure. For example, over the years, thousands of dollars raised from the Ramble have been invested in mountain bike trail construction and other improvements in the Mankato area.