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Routes
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United States
Minnesota
Anoka County

Columbia Heights

The best cycling routes around Columbia Heights

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120

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Touring cycling around Columbia Heights offers routes that feature diverse natural landscapes, including the Mississippi River and Rice Creek. The area is characterized by a network of trails winding through woodlands, prairies, and alongside various lakes. Cyclists can experience both scenic river views and stretches of open natural areas.

Best touring cycling routes around Columbia Heights

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop, a 28.0 miles (45.0 km) trail that takes…

Last updated: May 1, 2026

4.0

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1

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#1.

Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop

45.0km

02:38

210m

210m

Cycle the Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop, a moderate 27.9-mile route with diverse scenery and some challenging hills.

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Moderate

2.0

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Cycle the easy 13.0-mile Rice Creek Regional Trail Loop through prairies and woodlands, with scenic views of Rice Creek and lakes.

Easy
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Columbia Heights

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Tips from the Community

Sue
June 23, 2025, View of BNSF Northtown Rail Yard from St. Anthony Parkway Bridge

The St. Anthony Parkway Bridge crosses over the busy BNSF Northtown Rail Yard. Originally built in 1925 as a five-span Warren truss bridge, it was replaced in 2016 with a modern steel truss structure that honors its historic predecessor. Today, the bridge includes an interpretive plaza with preserved truss elements and great views of the rail yard, providing an insight into the area's industrial history.

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This park is unique in its focus on providing a space for people to practice and appreciate the interaction between humans and the natural environment. The view of Silver Lake from the park island is absolutely stunning.

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This 8-acre park consists of three islands located in the Mississippi River. While Chase Island is accessible on foot, the other two can be reached by water or enjoyed from a distance. The park earned its name from its founder's quote, "Where Peace Is A Way of Life Every Hour of Every Day for All Those Willing to Share the Experience."

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From here, you can see the Water Power Park on the Mississippi River’s East Channel—an impressive structure that harnesses the power of this mighty river.

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The Rice Creek Regional Trail near Mounds View is split into a northern and a western section. The northern section follows the name-giving Rice Creek and encircles two little ponds while passing through woodlands and open meadows.

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An easily accessible section of the Mississippi River Boulevard that offers an elevated view of the river, with the Lake Street Bridge visible in the background. The lush green trees framing the scenery and the flowing river make this path a perfect place to ride.

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A spot along the trail where you can pause and appreciate the river views. There is a bench where you can sit and admire the river flowing gracefully between the trees.

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Lisa
January 2, 2025, Minnehaha Falls

When waters run high, this 53-foot-tall waterfall turns into a thundering cataract. There are picnic tables up top, and a trail that takes you down to nice views of the falls from below. It's well worth parking your bike to spend some time here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Columbia Heights?

The touring cycling routes around Columbia Heights, Minnesota, offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find trails winding through woodlands, prairies, and alongside various lakes. Many routes feature scenic views of the Mississippi River. The area includes both paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels and some unpaved sections with significant elevation gains for more experienced riders.

Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Columbia Heights?

Yes, Columbia Heights offers several family-friendly touring cycling routes. Many trails feature mostly paved surfaces and are considered easy, making them suitable for all skill levels. An excellent option is the Rice Creek Regional Trail Loop, an easy 13.0-mile path that winds through prairies and woodlands, providing scenic views of Rice Creek and several lakes.

What natural features can I see while cycling around Columbia Heights?

Cyclists in Columbia Heights can enjoy a variety of natural features. Many routes offer scenic views of the Mississippi River. You'll also encounter Rice Creek, numerous lakes, and extensive woodlands and prairies. Specific highlights include Como Lake, Lake of the Isles, and the View of the Mississippi River.

When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Columbia Heights?

The most popular months for touring cycling around Columbia Heights are May and August. During these months, the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities, allowing cyclists to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes, including river views, woodlands, and prairies.

What are some notable landmarks or attractions along the cycling routes?

While cycling around Columbia Heights, you can explore various attractions and natural landmarks. You might pass by Como Lake, Lake of the Isles, and the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. The North Mississippi Regional Park also offers scenic views of the Mississippi River.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?

Yes, there are several excellent circular touring cycling routes. For instance, the Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop is a moderate 28.0-mile route offering diverse scenery. Another popular option is the Rice Creek Regional Trail Loop, an easy 13.0-mile path that winds through prairies and woodlands.

How many touring cycling routes are there in the Columbia Heights area?

There are over 120 touring cycling routes available around Columbia Heights. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 81 easy routes, 40 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, ensuring options for every type of cyclist.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Columbia Heights?

The touring cycling routes in Columbia Heights are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 130 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, including the Mississippi River views, Rice Creek, and the mix of lakes and woodlands. Over 1,100 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain.

Are there routes with significant elevation changes for a more challenging ride?

Yes, while many routes are easy, there are options with more significant elevation changes for those seeking a challenge. For example, the Stone Arch Bridge – View of Saint Anthony Falls loop from Columbia Heights is a moderate 28.9-mile route with an elevation gain of approximately 277 meters, offering a more demanding experience.

Can I find routes that offer views of the Mississippi River?

Absolutely. Many touring cycling routes in and around Columbia Heights offer stunning views of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop is a prime example, providing diverse scenery with prominent river views. You can also find the View of the Mississippi River highlight along some paths.

Are there any easy, paved routes suitable for beginners?

Yes, Columbia Heights offers numerous easy, paved routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. The Long Lake loop from New Brighton is an easy 19.9-mile route that provides a comfortable cycling experience. The Rice Creek Regional Trail Loop is another easy option, winding through scenic natural areas.

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