Biking
Biking in Three Rivers is a great way to get the whole family outside. Whether you’re the casual rider or a cyclist in training, you can enjoy more than 240 miles of off-roadway bike/hike trails that wind through woodlands and grasslands and rim the shorelines of lakes and ponds at our parks throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Just strap on your helmet, hop on the pedals and you’re on your way to a great ride.
Where to Bike
- Anderson Lakes
- Baker Park Reserve
- Bassett Creek Regional Trail
- Big Woods Regional Trail
- Bryant Lake Regional Park
- Carver Park Reserve
- Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park
- Cedar Lake Regional Trail
- Cleary Lake Regional Park
- Crystal Lake Regional Trail
- Dakota Rail Regional Trail
- Eagle Lake Regional Park
- Elm Creek Park Reserve
- Fish Lake Regional Park
- French Regional Park
- Gale Woods Farm
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Lake Independence Regional Trail
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
- Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail
- Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
- Luce Line Regional Trail
- Medicine Lake Regional Trail
- Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
- Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
- Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail
- North Cedar Lake Regional Trail
- North Mississippi Regional Park
- Northeast Diagonal Regional Trail
- Rush Creek Regional Trail
- Shingle Creek Regional Trail
- Silverwood Park
- Sochacki Park
- Spring Lake Regional Park
- The Landing
- Twin Lakes Regional Trail
- West Mississippi River Regional Trail
All Programs & Events
Upcoming biking programs and events.
Miles of Trails
Regional Trails
Bassett Creek, 7, paved
Big Woods, 12.4, paved
Cedar Lake, 4.5, paved
Crystal Lake, 8.6, paved
Dakota Rail, 13.5, paved
Lake Independence, 15.9, paved
Lake Minnetonka, 15.8, aggregate
Luce Line, 9, paved
Medicine Lake, 20.7, paved
Minnesota River Bluffs, 9.2, aggregate
Nine Mile Creek, 15.3, paved
Nokomis-Minnesota River, 5, paved
North Cedar Lake, 4.4, paved
Northeast Diagonal, 0.6, paved
Rush Creek, 9.9, paved
Shingle Creek, 8.4, paved
Twin Lakes, 4.4, paved
West Mississippi River, 10.4, paved
Park Trails
Anderson Lakes, 1.1, paved
Baker, 12.5
Bryant, 2
Carver, 9.1
Cleary, 3.5
Eagle Lake, 1
Elm Creek, 20
Fish Lake, 3
French, 4.6
Gale Woods Farm, 2.2
Hyland, 8.6
Lake Minnetonka, 3.2
Lake Rebecca, 7.8
Mississippi Gateway, 1
North Mississippi, 1.6
Silverwood, 1
Sochacki Park
Spring Lake, 3
Park Trails
Hard-surfaced trails are shared by bikers, hikers, runners, in-line skaters/roller-skiers and dog-walkers. Some are also appropriate for wheelchairs and strollers. The trails are two-way and may include wooden bridges and road crossings. In addition to the many in-park trails, Three Rivers also operates regional trails, popular among bike commuters and those just out enjoying the ride.
What Bikes are Allowed?
Most types of bicycles are allowed on the trails, including e-bikes if they meet the state’s definition and requirements. No matter what type of bike you're riding, you must operate it safely and at a safe speed. Be sure to Share the Trail!
E-bikes
E-bikes (electric-assist or pedal-assist bicycles) can be used wherever traditional bicycles are allowed within Three Rivers, including regional trails, paved in-park trails and singletrack trails, if they meet the state’s definition and requirements. A motorized bicycle that does not meet this definition is not allowed on any Park District trail. Learn more about e-bike use in the parks.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes can be ridden on trails, but if you’re looking for trails designed specifically for your mountain bike, check out our singletrack mountain biking trails in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, Carver Park Reserve, Elm Creek Park Reserve and Lake Rebecca Park Reserve.
Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
Three Rivers allows appropriate Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) in parks and trails to assist persons with mobility disabilities to more fully enjoy park areas, facilities and trails. Review the OPDMD Guidelines and learn more about accessibility at Three Rivers.
Bike Rentals
Need a bike? No problem. Three Rivers offer bike rentals at Baker Campground and Lake Auburn Campground at Carver Park Reserve. Rentals are open to everyone, not just campers.
Bike Camping
The regional trail system offers great opportunities for bike-friendly camping, load up your bike trailer or panniers and head out for an overnight or week of adventure. Campgrounds with reservations are available at Baker, Lake Auburn and Cleary Lake campgrounds.
Looking for a bike-only campsite? No cars are allowed at a communal campsite at Lake Auburn. The site is accessible by the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, and amenities include a commons area with a fire ring, picnic tables, hammock posts, bike rack and all the other nearby facilities of Carver Park Reserve. As drop-in sites, no reservations are available. Camping fee is $10 per tent per night; the site can accommodate up to 10 tents.
In Three Rivers, having fun doesn't have to cost a thing. From free parking to free activities to free programs and events, find your adventure!
It pays to be nice! Learn how to Share the Trail with bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Winter Plowing
Over 100 miles of the regional trail system are maintained in the winter, generally from mid-November through March. This is achieved through a partnership between Three Rivers and local cities.
See complete winter trail maintenance information.
The Three Rivers Blog
My Bike Ride Through Carver Park Reserve
By: Terrie Cummings
A Three Rivers bike enthusiast takes us on a ride through and around her favorite park.
Creating a Healing Space in Nature: A Q&A with Innovative SOULutions’ Farji Shaheer
By: Amanda Fong & Farji Shaheer
Learn how outdoor recreation has helped nurture healing in victims of gun violence in this Q&A with Farji Shaheer, founder and director of Three Rivers’ partner organization Innovative SOULutions.
Creating Access and Equity in Biking
By: Kaja Vang
At Three Rivers, we get so excited for #30daysofbiking in April, but we know not everyone feels comfortable on bikes and trails. Learn how we're working with the community to address inequities in biking.
Other Things To Do
Downhill & Telemark Skiing
Hyland Hills Ski Area and the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek offer downhill ski areas for all skill levels, from training hills to Olympic-level training jumps. The downhill ski areas feature snowmaking and well-groomed hills for unbeatable winter fun.
Hiking
One of the best ways to explore year-round is to head out for a hike on the extensive trail system in Three Rivers. Trails wind through the woodland, grassland and wetland habitats of many species of wildlife. You’ll be amazed at what you might see along the way.
Please note: In winter, hiking on cross-country ski trails is not permitted.
Mountain Biking
If you’re looking for your own adventure, give mountain biking a try in Three Rivers. There are designated mountain bike trails at Carver, Elm Creek, Lake Rebecca and Murphy-Hanrehan parks and other paved bike/hike trails of varying terrain and difficulty for mountain bikers of any skill level.
Paddling
Recreate on the water with canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Get exercise and fresh air while you explore the shorelines and bays where motorized boats can’t go. Need a boat? Three Rivers offers canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddleboat and stand-up paddleboard rentals at several parks.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is just one more way you can enjoy the wintry Minnesota outdoors. From group or private lessons to equipment rental to impeccably groomed hills for every skill level, the Hyland Hills Ski Area and the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek have everything you need to carve up the slopes.
Tubing
If you like sledding, you’ll love snow tubing at the Winter Recreation Area at Elm Creek. Ride a moving sidewalk up a hill 10 stories high and then soar back down on a specially designed inner tube. Once you get to the bottom, do it all over again.
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged; please check availability online before coming to the hill. Reservations can be made online or by calling our reservations office at 763-559-6700.
