The best cycling routes around Maple Grove

Maple Grove offers around 35 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. Most of these, about 26, are considered easy, while 9 are moderate, ensuring there's a suitable option for nearly every cyclist.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain, from extensive paved trails that are great for smooth rides to some unpaved segments for those seeking a bit more challenge. Routes often weave through wooded areas, around the city's 13 named lakes, and connect various parks, providing scenic journeys.

Yes, Maple Grove is very family-friendly for cyclists. Many routes are easy and feature paved surfaces, making them suitable for all ages. The extensive trail system connects parks and lakes, offering safe and enjoyable rides for families. Consider routes like the Valley Trail loop from Boundary Creek Park, which is an easy option.

While cycling, you can explore numerous natural features and landmarks. Routes often pass by significant lakes like Fish Lake Regional Park, Rice Lake, and Medicine Lake North Shore. You might also encounter the Coon Rapids Dam or ride through the picturesque Elm Creek Park Reserve, the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District.

Many of Maple Grove's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Rush Creek Regional Trail – Coon Rapids Dam loop from 96 Av N, the Valley Trail – Fish Lake Regional Park loop from 96 Av N, and the Medicine Lake Regional Trail – Rice Lake loop from Maple Creek Park.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Maple Grove, with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. However, the extensive trail system, particularly in areas like Elm Creek Park Reserve, is also groomed for fat biking in winter, providing year-round options for dedicated cyclists.

Parking is generally available at various access points to the trail system and within the numerous parks. For example, Elm Creek Park Reserve Parking Area is a convenient spot. Many regional and city parks, such as Central Park and Fish Lake Regional Park, also offer dedicated parking facilities for trail users.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 59 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive and well-maintained trail network, the beautiful natural landscapes, and the variety of routes that cater to different abilities, especially the scenic rides around the lakes and through the park reserves.

Absolutely. Elm Creek Park Reserve is a major highlight, spanning 4,900 acres with extensive paved and natural-surface trails. Central Park of Maple Grove also offers excellent walking and biking trails that connect to the broader city system. Additionally, Fish Lake Regional Park and Maple Grove Arboretum provide picturesque settings for rides.

The routes vary significantly in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Eastman Nature Center loop from 96 Av N, which is about 17.9 km (11.1 miles), or longer, moderate rides such as the Valley Trail – Fish Lake Regional Park loop from 96 Av N, covering approximately 38.9 km (24.1 miles).

Yes, Maple Grove is known for its comprehensive trail system, boasting over 55 miles of trails. For more detailed information on the city's parks and trails, including an interactive cycle infrastructure map, you can visit the official Maple Grove website: maplegrovemn.gov/540/Parks-and-trails.