The best cycling routes around Lake Elmo

There are over 75 touring cycling routes available around Lake Elmo, catering to various skill levels. This includes 42 easy routes, 36 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options.

The touring cycling routes in Lake Elmo feature diverse landscapes, including serene natural beauty, prairies, forests, and lakes. You'll encounter well-maintained recreational infrastructure with gentle hills and varied terrain. Many routes offer picturesque lake views and access to the scenic St. Croix River Valley.

Yes, Lake Elmo offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Gateway and Bruce Vento Trails Loop is an easy 18.1-mile (29.1 km) trail connecting significant paved multi-use paths. Another accessible option is the Duluth Junction – Gateway State Trail loop from Pine Springs, an easy 24.5 km route.

While cycling in Lake Elmo, you can expect picturesque lake views, especially within the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Routes often wind through open prairie and forest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like pheasants and white-tailed deer. You'll also find sections alongside designated trout streams like Brown's Creek and stunning views of the St. Croix River, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Yes, several routes connect to notable landmarks. The Stillwater Lift Bridge – St. Croix Crossing Bridge loop from Pine Springs, for instance, features crossings over the St. Croix River and passes by the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge and the modern St. Croix Crossing Bridge. The Gateway State Trail – Duluth Junction loop from Pine Springs also connects to the Duluth Junction.

Yes, parking is generally available, especially at key access points like the Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The park offers extensive facilities, and many trailheads for routes like the Gateway State Trail also provide parking options.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, interconnected paved trails, the diverse scenery of prairies and forests, and the access to the scenic St. Croix River Valley. The year-round cycling opportunities, with some paved trails plowed in winter, are also a highlight.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Lake Elmo are designed as loops. Examples include the Gateway and Bruce Vento Trails Loop and the Stillwater Lift Bridge – St. Croix Crossing Bridge loop from Pine Springs, which offers a scenic ride across the St. Croix River.

Absolutely! Lake Elmo is a family-friendly destination for touring cycling. The Lake Elmo Park Reserve features 5.4 miles of paved trails that are generally gentle and offer picturesque lake views. The park also has a swimming pond, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for a family outing combined with cycling.

Lake Elmo offers year-round cycling opportunities, with some paved trails in Lake Elmo Park Reserve even plowed in winter. However, the spring, summer, and fall months generally provide the most comfortable conditions for touring cycling, allowing you to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and natural beauty.

While the Lake Elmo Park Reserve itself is focused on natural preservation, the surrounding areas and towns connected by trails, such as Stillwater, offer various cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel and relax after your ride. The Gateway State Trail, for instance, extends through suburban areas where amenities are more readily available.

Routes vary significantly in distance and duration. You can find shorter, easy rides like the Lake Elmo Park Bike Path – Eagle Point Lake loop from Stillwater Boulevard & Kelvin Avenue, which is about 14.5 miles (23.3 km) and takes around 2 hours. Longer, moderate routes, such as the Gateway State Trail – Duluth Junction loop from Pine Springs, cover about 23.6 miles (37.9 km) and can take over 2 hours.