If you haven't had a chance to explore the Minnesota River Bottom Trail, then we highly recommend that you make it your next trail to visit!
Located on the north side of the Minnesota River, the trial has two heads. One starts just off of Bloomington Ferry Road and Crest Avenue. Head east from the parking lot and take the gravel path down the hill. The trail will soon turn into singletrack.
The other trailhead is located at the end of Lyndale Avenue underneath 35W. From that parking lot, you will head west on a gravel road until you see a singletrack trail on the left. That trail will wind around until it connects with the main trail.
For the most part, the trail runs right along the river, but there are sections that split off for fun added features. This trail is mostly flat, but there are optional technical features, like log rollovers. Since the trail is flat, it's a good place for beginners to ride, but keep in mind that there can be sandy sections that make pedaling difficult. Another note of caution is that this trail is a two-way trail, and it is also used by hikers, walkers, and runners, so make sure to be aware and respectful of others.
With this trail running so close to the river, it periodically floods in the spring and with heavy rain. When it does flood, areas of the trail get covered in sand and silt. An interesting feature of this trail is that it can be ever-changing with the flood waters, so trail features can come and go with the rise and fall of the water.
The River Bottoms is also a great place to ride in the wintertime. It's a favorite trail for many fat bike riders. There are a variety of ERIK’S group rides that utilize the trails in the winter and a couple of groups that use them in the summer. Check out our group ride calendar for more information on our summer group rides, and if you're interested in winter group rides be sure to check our website again in October.
Before you hit the trail be sure to stop into your local ERIK’S for any riding gear you may need. See you out there!