The best traffic-free bike rides in Ramsey County

Ramsey County offers over 60 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes. The majority of these, around 45, are rated as easy, making them accessible for various skill levels.

Yes, many routes are suitable for families. The Saint Paul Grand Round and Vadnais Lakes Loop is an easy 35 km ride that connects lakes and parks, offering a pleasant experience for all ages. The Como Lake area also features family-friendly paved multi-use trails.

You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from urban areas with skyline views to natural woodlands, wetlands, and river bluffs. Routes often follow the Mississippi River, circle scenic lakes like Como Lake and Lake Phalen, or traverse regional parks such as Battle Creek Regional Park with its extensive natural areas.

Absolutely. The Mississippi River Corridor is a major highlight. Routes like the Fort Snelling Scenic Overlook – Harriet Island Regional Park loop provide stunning river views. You can also find trails along the Mississippi in parks like Hidden Falls Regional Park and Crosby Farm Regional Park, offering opportunities for birding and scenic vistas.

Ramsey County boasts an interconnected trail network. The Gateway State Trail, for instance, is an 18-mile paved multi-use trail that extends from St. Paul and can connect to areas like Lake Phalen. The Bruce Vento Regional Trail also links to the Sam Morgan Regional Trail, which in turn connects to Hidden Falls Regional Park and Indian Mounds Regional Park.

Many routes pass by or near significant attractions. You can cycle around Lake Phalen or Como Lake. The St. Paul Grand Round connects various parks and river views. You might also encounter the Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden or the scenic Harriet Island Regional Park.

Yes, you can find natural features like waterfalls. The Hidden Falls Creek is a notable highlight in the region, accessible via trails that offer a refreshing stop during your ride.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Ramsey County, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, traffic-free paved trails, the scenic beauty of the lakes and river, and the accessibility to various parks and attractions.

While many routes are easy, there are moderate options for those seeking a longer ride. The Bde Maka Ska – Lake Nokomis Pathway loop from New Brighton is a moderate 58 km route, and the Fort Snelling Scenic Overlook – Harriet Island Regional Park loop covers over 64 km, offering a more extensive cycling adventure.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Saint Paul Grand Round and Vadnais Lakes Loop and the Gateway State Trail – Duluth Junction loop, providing convenient circular journeys.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling. Autumn is particularly scenic, with spectacular foliage along the river gorge and in parks. While some trails are maintained in winter, the warmer months provide the most comfortable and accessible experience.

Yes, several routes traverse beautiful natural areas. Battle Creek Regional Park, for example, encompasses over 1,800 acres of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands with extensive paved multi-use trails. Swede Hollow Park, accessible via the Bruce Vento Regional Trail, also offers a ride through a forested valley.