Minnesota
Central Lakes Trail:
Built on what used to be a railroad line, this beautiful 55-mile long trail stretches from Fergus Falls, MN to Osakis, MN. The Central Lakes Trail runs through eight different towns, including Alexandria, and has great scenic diversity along the way. While biking this trail you may see everything from wetlands to farmland with livestock. The path is often elevated which allows for some great fall foliage views. With the trail starting in Fergus Falls, MN it is about three hours Northwest of Saint Paul, MN making this a great opportunity to turn this bike and fall foliage adventure into a weekend-long getaway.
Gitchi-Gami State Trail:
The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is in Northeastern Minnesota and connects Two Harbors with Rand Marais. Running side by side with the North Shore of Lake Superior the trail totals 86 miles and has 4 mini trail segments. The aspen and birch filled trail connects five Minnesota State Parks and four Scientific and Natural areas. Start at Gooseberry Falls and travel to Beaver Bay with a little bit more advanced 14.6 mile ride or pedal a shorter, more laid-back distance of 3 miles on the Temperance River segment of the trail. The Temperance River segment crosses the Temperance River gorge in Temperance River State Park and has great views of Carlton Peak. Filled with Aspen and Birch trees, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail north of Duluth, MN makes for a great fall foliage bicycle ride. Don’t forget to pack your sweatshirts and lightweight jackets for those cool mornings and evenings as well as a lunch to enjoy path side in one of the state parks.
Brown’s Creek State Trail:
Grab your Framed Bike and explore Brown’s Creek State Trail. This trail is a paved 5.9 miles that starts in Grant, MN off of the Gateway State Trail that leads to Stillwater, MN. This trail has a laid-back riding feel that is great for you and your kids. Brown’s Creek State Trail runs along Brown’s Creek for a couple miles, as well as about a mile of the St. Croix River that separates Minnesota and Wisconsin. Take your sunglasses off to enjoy the sights of amazing fall foliage along Minnesota’s only Wild and Scenic River, the St. Croix River.
Wisconsin
The Green Circle:
Located in Stevens Point, the Green Circle is a 27-mile long loop that takes you through everything from the forest to the river’s edge. This trail is hiking and biking friendly making it a laid-back fun ride. The loop is made up of twelve different smaller trails while also connecting with more than 45-miles of other trails. The Green Circle runs through many secluded areas without getting too far from urban areas but still giving you many beautiful fall leaf sightings. Pack your off-road or hybrid bike and head out to this mostly crushed granite trail to explore all it has to offer this fall.
Sunset Trail:
Take a bicycle trip out to Door County Wisconsin and enjoy everything the peninsula has to offer. Located in Peninsula State Park, Sunset Trail is a total of 31.8 miles long. The packed gravel trail takes you North of Fish Creek up the state park’s water edge and through the inner portion of the park. Grab your gravel bike or your favorite fat tire bike and cruise along Sunset Trail while looking at so many changing leaf colors. Located in a Wisconsin State Park makes for the perfect excuse to grab your tent and camp for the weekend. While you’re out and about this fall, don’t forget to throw on your favorite fleece to go into town and check out some local festivals.
This fall get outdoors with your bike and a few friends to see all the fall foliage Minnesota and Wisconsin have to offer.
