The best gravel rides around Apple Valley

There are several gravel bike trails around Apple Valley, with at least five distinct routes detailed in this guide. These routes explore the scenic Minnesota River Valley, offering a mix of easy and moderate options.

Gravel bike trails in Apple Valley are characterized by the varied terrain of the Minnesota River Valley. You'll find paths along the river, through scenic lakes, and diverse habitats, providing a mix of surfaces suitable for gravel biking.

Yes, Apple Valley offers several easy gravel bike routes. A great option is the View of the Minnesota River – Old Cedar Avenue Bridge loop from 16 Av S, an easy 10.1-mile path that features a loop around the Minnesota River and passes the historic Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. Another easy route is the View of the Minnesota River – Old Cedar Avenue Bridge loop from Bloomington Central, which is 15.0 miles long.

The longest gravel bike route featured in this guide is the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This moderate trail spans 21.5 miles (34.6 km) and typically takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes to complete.

Yes, several routes offer unique features. The View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop includes a distinctive hand-pulled bike ferry crossing. Many routes also pass by the historic Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. You can also find highlights like the I-35W Minnesota River Bridge and the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake.

The gravel biking routes in Apple Valley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 5 reviews. Users often praise the scenic views of the Minnesota River and the diverse natural habitats encountered along the trails.

Absolutely. The region is known for its scenic lakes and diverse habitats. Many routes follow the Minnesota River, providing views of the water. You can also find highlights like Jensen Lake and Lake Marion nearby, and the trails often pass through areas like the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Yes, many of the gravel biking routes around Apple Valley are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of the Minnesota River – Old Cedar Avenue Bridge loop from 16 Av S and the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop.

Several routes start from convenient locations. For instance, the popular Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop begins from the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Other routes start from areas like 16 Av S or Bloomington Central, offering various access points to the trail network. You can also find trailheads like MN River Greenway - Cedar Nichols Trailhead and MN River Greenway - Black Dog Trailhead.

The duration of a gravel bike ride in Apple Valley varies depending on the route and your pace. Easy routes like the 10.1-mile Old Cedar Avenue Bridge loop from 16 Av S can take around 1 hour 22 minutes, while longer, moderate routes such as the 21.5-mile Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop typically take about 3 hours and 6 minutes.

Yes, the area offers natural beauty and viewpoints. You can visit Pine Bend Bluff SNA, a natural monument, or enjoy the scenery from the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake, which provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape.