Heading out for a day’s mountain biking is one of the best ways to get fit, have fun and enjoy the open air. With lots of biking trails nearby, the city of Rochester, MN is a great place to start. So grab your bike, strap on your helmet, and head out for an exhilarating ride on one of these fantastic bike paths.
1. Eastwood Park Biking Trails
Eastwood Park’s trails are of the old-school variety and squeeze a lot of mileage into a comparatively small area through tightly packed loops and turns. The trails are primarily made up of three sections, with lots of connector trails in case you make a wrong turn.
The best way to attempt the trails in the park is to begin by heading clockwise, starting near the gazebo on the western trail, taking in the eastern and central trails along the way. Most of the singletrack is fairly level, with some small ups and downs and ma made obstacles, but overall this is a very easy ride, suitable for everyone.
2. Gamehaven
The Gamehaven network of mostly machine-built trails are some of the newest in Rochester and are located to the cities southeast. The tails are mostly comprised of rolling singletrack, with a few short, yet steep climbs.
The trails get progressively more challenging the further one ventures into the system, with steeper uphill sections and some fast descents. Start on the Reservoir Parking Connector trail, then cross a bridge to enter the trail system proper on the Middle Gamehaven trail. The total length of the system is just under 8.5 miles.
3. Kaplan’s Woods
Situated almost exactly due west of Rochester, Kaplan’s Woods offers tight loops of newly built, family-friendly singletrack that also includes some challenging climbs. At just over 5 miles in length, it’s a fairly short distance overall, but still makes a good workout, with lots of steep climbs that make the most of the landscape, with those steep climbs also come steep descents, so make sure those brakes are in top condition!
4. Cherry Hill Plowline Trail
This trail gives riders a wonderful view of the Mississippi River as it curves over high bluffs and through dense forests. The trail is broadly divided into 4 sections, separated by the main road that cuts through the center of the four quadrants. The trails broadly follow the edge of the thick forest, or the plowline, and rise and fall with the prevailing terrain, although none are particularly steep and the trail is usually rated easy to intermediate. Overall, the trail covers just over 6 miles, with beautiful overlooks of the Stockton Valley.
These are just some of the fantastic trails that can be found within only a short drive from Rochester, but there are lots more out there to discover. Need a new car to take you on your next mountain biking adventure? Then visit Rochester Toyota today, where our friendly staff will be happy to help you choose your dream ride.
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