In Central Minnesota, find an extensive network of single-track and easy-to-moderate mountain bike trails to enjoy. Explore the following list, with many state, regional, and city parks that maintain off-road trails to provide riders at every skill level with a fun experience. Whether seeking a serene roll or a challenging thrill, there’s no shortage of mountain bike trails to explore in Minnesota. When planning that next adventure in the Heartland, here are several trail systems to choose from.
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, have fun on the trails in the Heartland.
Central Minnesota mountain bike trails to shred
Alexandria
Lake Brophy County Park: 6.5 miles
Perfect for beginners and experts to expert, this Central Minnesota gravity flow mountain bike trail system offers 200 feet of elevation change. The top overlooks the entire park and the city of Alexandria and has a prairie landscape. Here find dock jumps, drops, and a rock garden on the more technical, expert sections on the west side of the trail system. The eastern part is a cross-country ride with long straightaways and sweeping turns. There are bathrooms, beach access, and a playground. The paved Central Lakes Trail skirts the park and provides access by bike. Map
Kensington Rune Stone Park: 7.5 miles
Beginner to intermediate, dedicated singletrack. The park has a visitor center with bathrooms. Gromed for fat bikes in the winter.
More Info
Fun on the trail
Cuyuna – Crosby, Deerwood, Ironton
Cuyuna Lakes State Recreation Area: about 70 miles
An IMBA Silver Level Ride Center, the Cuyuna one-way singletrack trails are marked from easy/beginner to hardcore/expert. Along the trails, enjoy stunning views from the top of overburdened piles left from the area’s mining days. Deep mine lakes offer refreshing dip after a hard ride. At the trailhead, dive in or take the kayak out for a paddle. The town of Cuyuna also has a pump track. Lots of trails are groomed for fat biking in the winter, including the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail, which runs through the heart of the system and connects many of the mountain bike trail clusters. Look for the new 7.5-mile adaptive trail that accommodates hand cycles. Map
Fergus Falls
Ferber Park: 2.2 miles
A mix of rolling hills and flat terrain in wooded and grassy areas with less difficult to more challenging trails. Trails were developed by volunteers with help from the City of Fergus Falls and continue to be improved. Look for additional trails in the future.
Map
Glenwood
Barsness Park: 7 miles
The park offers beginners and those with intermediate skills a single track system. Two challenging climbs take you to panoramic views of Lake Minnewaska near downtown Glenwood. This system packs in many rollers, berms, and fun, flowy sections, including some rock obstacles.
Map
Hutchinson
Stahl’s Lake Park: 3 miles
Moderate terrain with some small hills, a balance beam, and seesaw.
Map
McGregor
Savanna Portage State Park: 10 miles
Here find a mixture of grass and dirt double-track trails. The park offers varied topography in its several loops, with a challenging climb up the Continental Divide with an awesome view as a reward.
Map
Milaca
Milaca City Trails: 14 miles
Located near the Rum River, this system offers a variety of
Trail options for riders of all skill levels.
Most of the parks trails are singletrack and go through a mix of woods, hills, and fields. Trails are groomed for fat biking in the winter.
Map
Pillager – Brainerd Lakes Area
Pillsbury State Forest: 27 miles
The State Forest trails are a mixture of gravel, grass, and dirt logging roads, The trails wind and twist through the forest and past lakes with rolling terrain. All trails are multi-use, encounter some horseback riding activity.
Map
Pine River
Cut Lake Trail: 10 miles
Perfect for beginner to intermediate skill levels, find grassy trails through the forest around Deer and Cut Lakes. Great backcountry riding when you are looking for solitude. Map
Saint Cloud
North Loop – Jail Trail: 7.5 miles
Beginner to intermediate with advanced options. Singletrack trail runs through dense woods with sections along the fence of the Minnesota Correctional Facility. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter.
Info
Plum Creek – River Bluffs Regional Park: 3 miles
Beginner singletrack loop near the Mississippi River. Groomed for fat bikes in the winter.
Info
Quarry Park: 2 miles
The new Quarry Park trail system has been cut by hand by Mid Minnesota Cycling Club (MMCC) members over the last few years. Trails are a mix of gravel, dirt, and grass around some granite outcroppings. Passing through a heavily wooded area with a few fairly technical sections where you bike over billion-year-old bedrock. There are many other trails at the park to create an enjoyable MTB trail experience for all rider skill levels. The entrance to the new trail is near the gated entrance. Just follow the fence line to the trailhead. Map
Spicer – Willmar
Prairie Woods ELC: 4 miles
Easy singletrack trails at the Environmental Learning Center start at the parking lot and wind through a mix of open prairie and deciduous woods. The Oak Savannah Trail has a seesaw; other trails have short boardwalk sections and bridges. The Kandi Trail Riders maintain these trails and groom for fat biking in the winter. Info
Wadena
Black’s Grove: 8 miles
Beginner to advanced scenic trails that wind through a wooded setting and along Oak Creek. Groomed for fat biking and skiing in the winter. Map