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Elm Creek Park Reserve – Valley Trail loop from The Svitak Family Forest Preserve
34.4km
01:27
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 2, 2026
If you’ve ever tried to plan road cycling around Plymouth, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many routes crisscrossing the region, it’s tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That’s where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless miles here, so we’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best road cycling routes around Plymouth, saving you the guesswork.
Road cycling in Plymouth truly offers a diverse experience. You’ll find everything from gentle coastal paths with refreshing sea breezes to picturesque river valleys like the Plym, and then the rolling hills that lead up to the wilder fringes of Dartmoor National Park. This mix means you can choose between leisurely rides or more demanding ascents, depending on what your legs are up for. The landscape shifts dramatically from the historic waterfront to open moorland, providing a constantly engaging backdrop.
For a taste of the region’s variety, we’d start with Elm Creek Park Reserve – Valley Trail loop from The Svitak Family Forest Preserve. This easy 21.4-mile (34.4 km) route offers a great introduction to the area's scenic beauty without being overly strenuous. If you’re looking for something a bit longer and more challenging, the Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake is a fantastic choice at 33.1 miles (53.3 km), providing a moderate workout with plenty to see. With over 390 road cyclists having explored Plymouth using komoot, you’re in good company.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elm Creek Park Reserve – Valley Trail loop from The Svitak Family Forest Preserve | 34.4 km | 180 m | Easy |
| Boardwalk – Luce Line Regional Trail loop from St Philip Park & Ride | 31.2 km | 110 m | Easy |
| Luce Line State Trail – West Medicine Lake Park Beach loop from Schmidt Lake | 25.8 km | 130 m | Moderate |
| Fish Lake Regional Park – Medicine Lake Regional Trail loop from The Svitak Family Forest Preserve | 28.7 km | 130 m | Easy |
| Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake | 53.3 km | 210 m | Moderate |
| Welcome to Loretto Sign loop from 19 Av N | 33.7 km | 190 m | Easy |
| Cedar Lake – Bde Maka Ska loop from Medicine Lake | 37.4 km | 160 m | Easy |
| Arcola Trestle Bridge – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from 12 Av N | 32.9 km | 160 m | Easy |
| Welcome to Loretto Sign loop from 28 Av N | 30.3 km | 190 m | Easy |
| Hardin Park loop from 12 Av N | 36.7 km | 180 m | Moderate |
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34.4km
01:27
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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31.2km
01:22
110m
110m
The Boardwalk – Luce Line Regional Trail loop from St Philip Park & Ride offers a delightful road cycling experience, guiding you through a mix of suburban and natural settings. You'll glide over unique long boardwalk sections that traverse wetlands, providing a distinct feel to the ride, and pass through wooded areas and alongside lakes. It's a smooth, easy route, perfect for a relaxed outing.
This 19.4-mile (31.2 km) racebike loop, with a gentle 373 feet (114 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete. While the "St Philip Park & Ride" starting point might be informal, the Luce Line Regional Trail itself is well-known for its paved sections, especially east of Vicksburg Lane, making it ideal for road bikes. It's a family-friendly option, with mostly flat terrain and some moderate, manageable climbs within Theodore Wirth Park.
Originating from a former railroad line, the trail's consistent, gentle grade is a boon for cyclists. It's a key connector in the Twin Cities' trail system, linking to other major routes and offering diverse scenery from urban fringes to remnants of tallgrass prairie. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and various bird species as you enjoy the ride.
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25.8km
01:08
130m
130m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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28.7km
01:11
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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53.3km
02:15
210m
210m
This extensive road cycling route, the Midtown Greenway – Lake Harriet loop from Medicine Lake, offers a dynamic tour through Minneapolis's acclaimed trail system. You'll start with the serene, tree-lined paths of the Medicine Lake Regional Trail, enjoying views of the lake and its surrounding marshes. The journey then weaves through the urban landscape on the Midtown Greenway, a unique below-street-level corridor, before circling the scenic Lake Harriet with its iconic Victorian bandshell. It's a fantastic way to experience both the natural beauty and urban infrastructure that make Minneapolis a cycling haven.
Planning your ride on this 33.1-mile (53.3 km) route, which features 689 feet (210 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes, is straightforward thanks to the well-maintained, paved surfaces. The moderate difficulty makes it suitable for a wide range of cyclists. While the Medicine Lake trail offers a quiet start, the Midtown Greenway and Lake Harriet sections can get busy, so an early morning or late afternoon start might offer a more relaxed experience. The interconnectedness of these trails means you can enjoy a long ride with minimal traffic interruptions.
What makes this route truly stand out is its seamless blend of natural and urban environments, showcasing the city's commitment to accessible green spaces. The Midtown Greenway, built on a former railroad corridor, is a prime example of urban revitalization, transforming industrial history into a world-class cycling path. This loop is a testament to Minneapolis's extensive park and trail system, providing a comprehensive and popular road cycling experience that highlights the region's diverse landscapes and community spirit.
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33.7km
01:24
190m
190m
The Welcome to Loretto Sign loop from 19 Av N offers a pleasant escape into the Minnesota countryside, guiding you through rural roads and parklands. You'll enjoy a mix of flat sections and gentle rolling hills, all on mostly well-paved surfaces, with open countryside and marshlands providing a scenic backdrop. Keep an eye out for a notable landmark along the way, adding a point of interest to this easy road cycling experience.
This 21.0-mile (33.7 km) route, with a modest 637 feet (194 metres) of elevation gain, is classified as easy and can be completed in about 1 hour and 24 minutes. It's easily accessible and suitable for cyclists of any fitness level looking for a relaxing ride. No special permits are required, making it a hassle-free option for a spontaneous outing.
This loop is a top favorite among local road cyclists in the Loretto area, known for its scenic nature and welcoming terrain. The broader network of cycling routes here caters to various abilities, but this particular loop stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking an enjoyable, low-effort ride through charming rural landscapes and natural features.
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37.4km
01:37
160m
160m
The Cedar Lake – Bde Maka Ska loop from Medicine Lake offers a delightful road cycling experience, winding through Minneapolis's iconic lakefronts. You'll pedal past the shimmering waters of Cedar Lake, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake of the Isles, enjoying a blend of wooded public lands and urban scenery. The route is largely paved and easy, making it a fantastic option for a relaxed outing.
This 23.2-mile (37.3 km) loop features a gentle 530 feet (162 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. It's an accessible ride for all skill levels, though recent Light Rail Transit construction has added a few overpass hills. Parking is generally available near Medicine Lake, and the trail's integration into the city's park system makes it easy to access.
What truly sets this route apart is its seamless connection of multiple major lakes and trails within the Minneapolis park system. The Cedar Lake Trail section is particularly well-designed for cyclists, featuring dedicated unidirectional paths. It's a prime example of the best road cycling Minneapolis has to offer, combining natural beauty with urban convenience.
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32.9km
01:22
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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30.3km
01:15
190m
190m
The Welcome to Loretto Sign loop from 28 Av N offers a delightful spin through the scenic rural roads of Loretto, Minnesota. You'll pedal past open countryside, serene parklands, and marshland areas, with the occasional stretch of lush forest providing a refreshing backdrop. The route is characterized by gentle rolling hills and well-paved surfaces, making it a smooth and enjoyable experience for road cyclists looking for an easy ride.
This 18.9-mile (30.4 km) route, with a modest 629 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. It's an excellent option for a leisurely outing, suitable for nearly all fitness levels. While specific parking for the 28 Av N start isn't detailed, you'll find convenient access points and parking within the Loretto MN cycling network.
What makes this route particularly charming is its blend of natural beauty and local character, including the chance to spot the iconic "Welcome to Loretto Sign." It's a highly-rated option among Loretto Minnesota road cycling routes, providing a taste of the region's diverse natural landscapes without demanding significant effort. Consider this loop for a relaxing and picturesque escape on two wheels.
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36.7km
01:40
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Getting near Elm Creek park as you get to this bridge.
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A nice regional trail that tucks in and out of the woods
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Nice park with lots of woods and snakey bike paths.
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Elm Creek Park offers a large parking area near the Elm Creek Chalet and trailhead. The chalet, a blend of modern and rustic design, is a venue for events. It features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a cathedral-style ceiling, and large windows that provide beautiful views of Elm Creek Park Reserve.
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Clifton E. French Regional Park provides a wide range of activities, including playgrounds, a visitor center, swimming beach, fishing pier, and illuminated trails. The north shore of Medicine Lake is the most popular area, attracting people who enjoy swimming in the water and relaxing on the beach.
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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.
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THis 12-acre park along the shore of Medicine Lake is a good spot to have a water or snack break during your ride. There's a playground for the kids too, if you are out on a family ride.
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Plymouth offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 40 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy and moderate options.
Road cycling around Plymouth offers a diverse landscape. You'll find scenic coastal roads with stunning sea views, picturesque river valleys like the Plym, and rolling hills that lead towards the fringes of Dartmoor National Park, providing opportunities for more challenging ascents.
Yes, Plymouth has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride. For example, the East Medicine Lake Park – West Medicine Lake Park loop from Plymouth is an easy 13-mile (21 km) path. Many routes along river valleys also offer gentler gradients.
For more demanding rides, head towards the rolling hills surrounding Plymouth and the Dartmoor National Park fringes. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Arcola Trestle Bridge loop from Hennepin County, though moderate, offers varied terrain. Routes venturing into Dartmoor, such as the Burrator Reservoir area, provide significant elevation changes.
Plymouth is a key point on the National Cycle Network, specifically Route 27, the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route. This route stretches 99 miles to Ilfracombe, offering a longer cycling adventure through picturesque landscapes and rural countryside.
Parking availability varies by route. For routes like the Plym Valley Trail and Drake's Trail, designated parking areas are typically available at key access points. For coastal routes or those venturing into Dartmoor, look for public car parks in nearby towns or villages. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.
Plymouth's city center is accessible by public transport, including train and bus services, which can help cyclists reach starting points for various routes. Some routes, like Drake's Trail, are designed to be accessible from urban areas, making public transport a viable option for reaching trailheads.
Yes, routes like the Plym Valley Trail and sections of Drake's Trail are excellent for families. These paths often follow disused railway lines, providing flatter, traffic-free surfaces through scenic woodlands and river valleys, making them safe and enjoyable for all ages.
Many routes offer historical and natural points of interest. You can cycle along Plymouth's historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour, or admire impressive structures like the Plym Valley Trail Viaducts. The iconic Plymouth Hoe also offers panoramic views of Plymouth Sound, providing a rewarding stop on a cycling tour.
The road cycling routes around Plymouth are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 26 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from stunning coastal views to the tranquil river valleys and the challenging climbs towards Dartmoor.
Yes, many road cycling routes in Plymouth are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The Boardwalk – Luce Line Regional Trail loop from St Philip Park & Ride is an example of a circular route. The Burrator Reservoir Loop is another popular circular option on the fringes of Dartmoor.
Many popular routes, especially those passing through villages or near the city, offer opportunities for refreshment stops. Along Drake's Trail, for instance, you'll find cafes and pubs in towns like Yelverton and Tavistock. Coastal routes also often have establishments in waterfront areas or seaside villages.


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