The best road cycling routes around Arden Hills

Arden Hills offers a diverse network of road cycling routes, ranging from easy, paved paths suitable for leisurely rides to moderate routes with sustained climbs and varied terrain. The area is known for its extensive trail system connecting throughout the city and to regional systems, often winding past numerous lakes and through green spaces.

Yes, Arden Hills has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Long Lake Park – Through the pines loop from New Brighton is an easy 30.6 km (19.0 miles) ride on mostly paved surfaces, taking about 1 hour 17 minutes to complete. The broader trail network also includes many well-paved, less challenging sections.

Many routes in Arden Hills feature picturesque lake views and natural scenery. The Island Lake – East & West Vadnais Lakes loop from Bethel University is a popular choice, offering scenic views of multiple lakes and green spaces. The region itself is home to lakes like Lake Johanna, Island Lake, and Lake Josephine, which often serve as beautiful backdrops for rides.

Absolutely. For those seeking longer and more challenging rides, routes like the North Lakes loop cover 58.3 km (36.2 miles) with varied terrain and some climbs, requiring good fitness. The Island Lake – East & West Vadnais Lakes loop is another moderate option at 58.7 km (36.5 miles) with sustained climbs.

While cycling in Arden Hills, you'll encounter numerous lakes and green spaces. Nearby attractions include Lake Phalen and Como Lake. You might also pass by the Mississippi River Trail, and further afield, landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge and Saint-Anthony-Falls are accessible via the broader regional trail system.

The road cycling routes in Arden Hills are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 55 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-paved surfaces, the extensive network that connects to regional trails, and the beautiful scenery around the many lakes and green spaces.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Arden Hills are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the North Lakes loop, the Island Lake – East & West Vadnais Lakes loop, and the Long Lake Park – Through the pines loop.

The best season for road biking in Arden Hills is typically spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. The natural beauty of the lakes and green spaces is particularly vibrant during these months. While winter options exist, trail conditions can vary, and some routes may be less accessible due to snow or ice.

Yes, Arden Hills has numerous parks, such as Tony Schmidt Regional Park, which often provide amenities including parking. Given the extensive trail network and integration with regional systems, you'll typically find convenient parking options near trailheads or within the city's many parks.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and your pace. For example, an easy route like the Long Lake Park – Through the pines loop (30.6 km) can be completed in about 1 hour 17 minutes. Longer, moderate routes such as the North Lakes loop (58.3 km) typically take around 2 hours 22 minutes.

Yes, Arden Hills' extensive trail system connects to broader regional networks, including routes that lead towards the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River and Rice Creek West Trail Loop is a known route in the area that offers diverse scenery and some challenging hills, integrating with the larger regional trail system.

While many routes in Arden Hills are known for well-paved and easy-to-ride surfaces, the terrain can vary. Some routes, particularly those that are part of the broader regional system, may include challenging hills and diverse scenery, catering to cyclists looking for both leisurely rides and more demanding workouts.