The best traffic-free bike rides in North Dakota

There are 12 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in North Dakota featured in this guide, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty. You'll find 5 easy routes and 7 moderate routes to explore.

North Dakota's no traffic road cycling routes offer diverse terrain. You can find relatively flat, easy rides like The Greenway loop from Bethel Lilo and Stitch Park with minimal elevation gain. However, routes within areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, such as the East River Road to Scenic Loop Drive and Boicourt Overlook loop, feature significant climbs, with some tours gaining over 750 meters in elevation, providing a more challenging experience through the Badlands.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The The Greenway loop from Bethel Lilo and Stitch Park is an easy, paved option. The Lake Metigoshe Bike Path also offers an enjoyable 17 km circular route with scenic views, perfect for a family outing. For more options, consider paved trails like the Red River Trail or the Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail, which are generally flat and traffic-free.

Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you can cycle past dramatic Badlands formations and viewpoints like the Painted Canyon Overlook and the Ridgeline Nature Trail Overlook. The Lake Metigoshe Bike Path provides views of Lake Metigoshe and passes an entrance to Lake Metigoshe State Park. Other areas like the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway offer picturesque river views and charming towns.

The best time for road cycling in North Dakota is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. Fall offers particularly scenic rides with changing foliage, especially in areas like the Sheyenne River Valley or Turtle Mountains. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. The East River Road to Scenic Loop Drive and Boicourt Overlook loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a challenging 56 km loop. The Lake Metigoshe Bike Path is an 17 km circular route, and The Greenway loop from Bethel Lilo and Stitch Park is an easy 19 km loop.

The no traffic road cycling routes in North Dakota are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.96 out of 5 stars from 24 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning, quiet landscapes, particularly the dramatic Badlands scenery and the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the dedicated bike paths.

Absolutely! Especially in areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you have a good chance of spotting bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. Other routes through the prairies and badlands may offer sightings of deer, pronghorn, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.

Yes, bicycles are permitted on all park roads open to vehicular traffic, including the scenic drives. However, they are not allowed on hiking trails or off-road. Cyclists should be aware that roads can be narrow and shared with vehicles, including RVs, and wildlife is present. For detailed information, you can visit the National Park Service's bicycling page: nps.gov/thro/bicycling.

Parking availability varies by route. For routes within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, designated parking areas are available at visitor centers and trailheads. For paved trails like the Red River Trail, Lake Metigoshe Bike Path, or Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail, you can typically find parking at associated parks or access points. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient parking options.

While many routes are shorter, some paved trails like the Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail offer longer, dedicated car-free sections. Additionally, while not entirely car-free, many of North Dakota's scenic byways and backways, such as the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, are known for their low traffic volumes, providing an experience close to car-free cycling over longer distances. For more information on byways, visit ndtourism.com/bywaysbackways.

Amenities vary depending on the route's location. Routes near towns like Medora (for Theodore Roosevelt National Park) or Fargo (for the Red River Trail) will have access to cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. For more remote routes, such as those in the Turtle Mountains or along certain scenic byways, amenities might be sparse, so it's wise to plan accordingly and carry sufficient supplies. State parks often have basic facilities.