1.
Bde Maka Ska – Lake Nokomis Pathway loop from Fridley
67.8km
02:52
290m
290m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides in Locke County Park
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 30, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling in Locke County Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many paths and connections, it's tough to tell which Locke County Park cycling routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, allowing us to cut through the noise and give you a curated shortlist of the best no traffic road cycling routes in Locke County Park. We've done the legwork so you don't have to.
Road cycling here is all about escaping into a wooded oasis, with the calming presence of Rice Creek meandering alongside many of the trails. You'll find a pleasant mix of paved paths, often part of the Rice Creek West Regional Trail, offering a welcome break from urban surroundings. While mostly gentle, there are manageable hills to keep things interesting, with routes ranging from easy spins to more moderate challenges. It's a place where mature trees provide ample shade and a serene backdrop for your ride.
For a fantastic, longer day out that truly showcases the area's connections, we'd point you towards the Bde Maka Ska – Lake Nokomis Pathway loop from Fridley. At 41.8 miles (67.3 km) with 985 feet (300 m) of elevation gain, it's a moderate ride that delivers big on varied scenery. If you're looking for something a bit shorter but still packed with the park's character, the easy Elm Creek Park Reserve – Rush Creek Regional Trail loop from Champlin Park High School, at 25.4 miles (40.8 km), is a great choice for a relaxed ride. With more than 350 road cyclists having explored Locke County Park with komoot, you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bde Maka Ska – Lake Nokomis Pathway loop from Fridley | 67.8 km | 290 m | Moderate |
| Rush Creek Regional Trail – Coon Rapids Dam loop from Islands of Peace County Park | 26.6 km | 60 m | Easy |
| Long Lake Park – Through the pines loop from New Brighton | 27.1 km | 130 m | Moderate |
| Elm Creek Park Reserve – Theodore Wirth Parkway loop from 101 Lane | 68.4 km | 280 m | Moderate |
| Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park – Wooden Turtle Sculpture loop from Circle Pines | 25.0 km | 70 m | Moderate |
2.
Rush Creek Regional Trail – Coon Rapids Dam loop from Islands of Peace County Park
26.6km
01:02
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
3.
Long Lake Park – Through the pines loop from New Brighton
27.1km
01:08
130m
130m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult 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.
Elm Creek Park Reserve – Theodore Wirth Parkway loop from 101 Lane
68.4km
02:49
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
5.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park – Wooden Turtle Sculpture loop from Circle Pines
25.0km
01:06
70m
70m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
View route
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
Robert Hanson
October 3, 2025, Boardwalk in Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park
an amazingly long straight boardwalk. Easily bikeable.
1
0
tcbscott
September 22, 2025, Medicine Lake Regional Trail
A nice regional trail that tucks in and out of the woods
0
0
maniboyflex
June 11, 2025, Wooden Turtle Sculpture
Just a cool and fun turtle sculpture carved into a tree stump.
0
0
maniboyflex
June 11, 2025, Minnehaha Creek Trail
The Minnehaha Creek Trail is a paved path that follows the creek through parks and neighborhoods, connecting spots like Lake Nokomis and Minnehaha Park. It’s a good place to ride, with small bridges, views of local homes, and access to lakes and waterfalls. It’s a multi-use path, so be respectful, considering it's not really ideal for fast riding.
0
0
Alex
May 21, 2025, Luce Line Regional Trail
The Luce Line Regional Trail seamlessly connects the city to the Minnesota prairie for hikers and cyclists. Visitors cross wooded bridges with views of Bassett Creek marshlands and Medicine Lake, then pass through Plymouth and Golden Valley into Theodore Wirth Park. Enjoy great views of the Minneapolis skyline and access major trails like the Cedar Lake Trail and Midtown Greenway. West of Vicksburg Lane, the Luce Line State Trail extends more than 60 miles, transitioning from crushed limestone to pavement and natural paths. The Luce Line Regional Trail is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
0
0
Daniel Krueger
January 20, 2025, Rice Creek North Regional Trail
The Rice Creek Regional Trail near Mounds View is split into a northern and a western section. The northern section follows the name-giving Rice Creek and encircles two little ponds while passing through woodlands and open meadows.
1
0
Sue
January 16, 2025, Elm Creek Bridge on the Medicine Lake Regional Trail
The bike path features this lovely bridge over Elm Creek. As you ride along Maple Grove Arboretum, you get an up-close view of the beautiful trees that line the 15-acre park, especially in autumn when the leaves change.
0
0
Sue
January 16, 2025, The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Part of Theodore Wirth Park, The Trailhead is a hub for outdoor recreation in the community. Here, you'll find ski passes and all the essentials for your adventures in the park. There are lockers, a drinking fountain, restrooms, concessions, and equipment rentals.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in Locke County Park?
Locke County Park offers a good selection of traffic-free road cycling routes. You can find over 20 routes in the area, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, ensuring options for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic road cycling routes in Locke County Park?
The no-traffic road cycling routes in Locke County Park feature a mix of paved and some primitive gravel sections, particularly along the Rice Creek West Regional Trail. The park is characterized by a wooded oasis with mature trees and the meandering Rice Creek, offering a scenic and varied riding experience.
Are there any challenging sections or hills on the no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, the trails in Locke County Park include challenging, yet manageable, hills on both paved and unpaved surfaces. This adds variety to your ride and provides opportunities for some elevation gain, such as on the Coon Rapids Dam – Coon Rapids Dam loop which features over 170 meters of elevation gain.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Locke County Park?
Early spring is particularly recommended for road cycling in Locke County Park. During this time, the leaves are just beginning to bud, offering clearer views of Rice Creek and the surrounding natural beauty. The park's wooded environment provides pleasant conditions throughout the warmer months.
Are the no-traffic routes in Locke County Park suitable for families?
Yes, Locke County Park is a versatile spot for recreation, including family enjoyment. The presence of a playground and picnic areas, combined with the traffic-free nature of many cycling paths, makes it a suitable destination for families looking to cycle together. There are 9 easy routes available, perfect for less experienced riders.
Can I bring my dog on the cycling trails in Locke County Park?
Locke County Park is generally dog-friendly, featuring a dedicated dog park. While cycling, please ensure your dog is on a leash and you adhere to any specific park regulations regarding pets on trails. Always be mindful of other trail users.
What scenic features or landmarks can I see along the routes?
The routes often run alongside and cross the meandering Rice Creek, providing picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife observation, including deer and various waterbirds. Footbridges over Rice Creek further enhance the scenic appeal. The park itself is a wooded oasis with mature trees, offering a beautiful natural backdrop for your ride.
Are there any loop routes for no-traffic road cycling in Locke County Park?
Yes, several loop routes are available for no-traffic road cycling. For example, you can explore the Coon Rapids Dam loop from Brookdale Dr, which offers a moderate 26.5 km ride. These loops provide a convenient way to experience the park's beauty without retracing your steps.
How do other cyclists rate the no-traffic road cycling experience in Locke County Park?
The no-traffic road cycling experience in Locke County Park is highly regarded by the komoot community. It has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews. Cyclists often praise the park's natural beauty, the peaceful environment, and the variety of trails available.
What amenities are available in Locke County Park for cyclists?
Locke County Park offers several amenities for visitors. Besides the cycling trails, you'll find a shaded picnic area, a playground, and a dog park. These facilities make it a great place to relax before or after your ride, or for a family outing.
Is there parking available for accessing the no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, Locke County Park is conveniently located and provides parking facilities for visitors. You can find parking areas within the park, making it easy to access the various no-traffic road cycling routes and other amenities.
Can I connect to other regional trails from Locke County Park?
Absolutely. Locke County Park is integrated into the broader regional trail system, allowing for extended cycling adventures. It incorporates a portion of the Rice Creek West Regional Trail, which can connect you to other areas and expand your riding options beyond the park's boundaries.
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.
