1.
Mesabi Trail intersection – Mesabi trail system. Minnesota's hidden asset loop from Biwabik
39.0km
01:45
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
The best road cycling routes around Mckinley
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 28, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Mckinley, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. Sifting through countless routes to find the ones genuinely worth your time and effort is a real challenge, and it's hard to tell the highlights from the filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've curated a shortlist of the very best to save you the guesswork.
Road cycling around Mckinley offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. You'll find yourself pedaling through serene forests, past numerous lakes, and along gently rolling terrain, often on paved trails that follow former railway lines or connect charming small towns. The elevations are generally moderate, making for accessible cycling experiences that range from easy loops to more challenging rides.
If you're looking for an easy ride through varied scenery, we'd start with the Mesabi Trail intersection – Mesabi trail system. Minnesota's hidden asset loop from Biwabik, a popular 24.2 miles (38.9 km) route that truly showcases the region's character. For those ready for a bit more, the Honk the Moose – Gilbert loop from Main Chalet offers a moderate 38.2 miles (61.4 km) with over 1,200 feet (380 m) of elevation gain, featuring a great mix of open stretches and forested sections. More than 20 road cyclists have already explored Mckinley's varied terrain with komoot, so dive in and find your next favorite ride.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesabi Trail intersection – Mesabi trail system. Minnesota's hidden asset loop from Biwabik | 39.0 km | 260 m | Easy |
| Honk the Moose – Gilbert loop from Main Chalet | 60.1 km | 370 m | Moderate |
| Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert loop from Eveleth | 36.2 km | 260 m | Easy |
| Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert loop from Lakeland Store | 48.2 km | 180 m | Moderate |
2.
Honk the Moose – Gilbert loop from Main Chalet
60.1km
02:30
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
3.
Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert loop from Eveleth
36.2km
01:33
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
4.
Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert loop from Lakeland Store
48.2km
02:02
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
View route
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
Alex
June 30, 2025, Lake Ore-Be-Gone
Lake Ore-be-gone spans a 140-acre artificial lake formed from the flooding of three old open-pit iron ore mines. This lake is popular for scuba diving, fishing, boating, camping, and biking on the Mesabi Trail. Enjoy the best views from Ore-be-gone Park.
0
0
Alex
June 30, 2025, Honk the Moose
Honk the Moose is a cherished statue in Biwabik, found in literature and as a popular roadside attraction. This life-size moose calls Biwabik's city park along Main Street its home. This park has a playground, port-a-potties, a large grassy area with shade under trees, and benches for relaxation.
0
0
Alex
June 30, 2025, Floating Bridge on the Mesabi Trail
The ¾-mile floating bridge on the Mesabi Trail crosses the Embarrass Wetland Complex within the Darwin Myers Wildlife Management Area. This bridge was built in early 2025, and even though the bridge floats, it's stable and responds to changes in water levels. Cyclists often notice a unique sensation and sounds when crossing, describing it as both exciting and noisy.
1
0
Alex
June 30, 2025, Junction to Oldtown-Finntown Overlook
Here, where the Mesabi Trail meets this small paved parking area, head northeast walking your bike to the Oldtown-Finntown Overlook to get a great view over the Mesabi Mountain Mine, now filled with water.
0
0
Gilbert, Minnesota, sits in the heart of the Iron Range in St. Louis County. Established in 1907, it is rich in small-town charm. Lake Ore-Be-Gone, a reclaimed mine pit, brags clear waters that are ideal for swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. Divers search for submerged mining ruins. Gilbert's downtown features eateries and shops like the Whistling Bird, known for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine, and Kandy N Konez, a popular spot for sweet treats.
0
0
maniboyflex
June 4, 2025, Mesabi Trail intersection
This is the junction with the Mesabi Trail, which features a floating metal boardwalk over the wetlands. If you're hiking the NCT here, you can choose to follow Highway 135 or take the Mesabi Trail. Opting for the trail adds only about 2 extra miles to your route, and it’s well worth the detour. It’s also an interesting stretch even if you're just passing by, offering a chance to walk above the wetlands and spot wildlife.
0
0
Renner Anderson
November 17, 2021, Floating Bridge on the Mesabi Trail
This highlight is a 3/4 mile floating bridge in the Darwin Meyers Wildlife Management Area. Be forewarned, it is very noisy as you ride your bike across it.
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around McKinley?
Road cycling routes around McKinley feature a landscape characterized by forests, numerous lakes, and gently rolling terrain. Many routes follow former railway lines, offering smooth, accessible cycling experiences. Elevations are generally moderate, making the region suitable for various skill levels.
Are there any easy road cycling routes for beginners in the McKinley area?
Yes, the region offers easy routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Mesabi trail system. Minnesota's hidden asset loop from Biwabik is an easy 24.2-mile trail that provides a comfortable ride through varied scenery.
What are some popular road cycling routes for more experienced riders?
For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Honk the Moose – Gilbert loop from Main Chalet is a popular choice. This 38.2-mile path features a mix of open stretches and forested sections with an elevation gain of over 1,200 feet (380 m).
Can I find routes with scenic lake views in McKinley?
Absolutely. The region is known for its numerous lakes. The Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert loop from Eveleth is a 21.1-mile trail that leads through areas with beautiful lake views and local landmarks.
How many road cycling routes are available in the McKinley area?
There are at least 5 road cycling routes detailed in this guide, with many more available on komoot. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging moderate rides.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in McKinley?
Given the region's characteristics of forests and lakes, late spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling, with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in McKinley?
Yes, many of the routes in the McKinley area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert loop from Esquagama Lake is a moderate 48.1-mile circular route.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I expect to see along the routes?
The routes often pass through forested paths, offer lakefront views, and sometimes traverse areas with historical significance, such as former industrial landscapes that have been converted into recreational trails. You'll experience the natural beauty of the region's lakes and woodlands.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in McKinley?
The komoot community often praises the region for its varied scenery, which includes peaceful forests and picturesque lake views. Cyclists appreciate the well-maintained trails, many of which follow former railway lines, providing smooth and enjoyable rides for all skill levels.
Are there options for longer road cycling tours in McKinley?
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, routes like the Honk the Moose – Gilbert loop from Main Chalet offer a substantial distance of over 38 miles, providing a good workout and extended exploration of the area's diverse landscapes.
What is the typical elevation gain on road cycling routes in McKinley?
The McKinley region features gently rolling terrain, so elevation gains are generally moderate. For example, a route like the Honk the Moose – Gilbert loop from Main Chalet has an elevation gain of over 1,200 feet (380 m), while easier routes have less.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
