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Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Hole-in-the-Day Lake
38.8km
01:35
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 27, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around North Long Lake, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. Sifting through countless routes to find the ones genuinely worth your time and effort can be a real pain. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so consider this your curated shortcut to the best road cycling in North Long Lake, saving you all the guesswork.
Road cycling around North Long Lake truly feels like a classic Minnesota escape. Expect scenic rides winding through forested sections and open rural roads, often hugging the lake shorelines. The terrain is generally quite forgiving, characterized by relatively flat sections around the lake with gentle undulations as you venture further inland. This makes it a fantastic spot for everyone, from those looking for an easy spin to cyclists ready for moderate distances.
If you only do one ride, we'd point you toward the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Round Lake. At 24.1 miles (38.8 km), it's an easy, smooth ride that gives you a great feel for the area. For something a bit longer with minimal elevation, the Roadbike loop from Morey's Seafood Market is another local favorite, covering 29.1 miles (46.9 km). With more than 80 road cyclists having explored these routes on komoot, you know you're in good company. Get out there and start exploring!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Hole-in-the-Day Lake | 38.8 km | 80 m | Easy |
| Roadbike loop from Morey's Seafood Market | 46.9 km | 60 m | Easy |
| Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall – Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa loop from Lake Hubert | 56.6 km | 120 m | Moderate |
| Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Lake Hubert | 55.9 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall – Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa loop from Merrifield | 42.4 km | 100 m | Easy |
| Brainard to Pillager Lake Boat Launch via Nisswa loop | 92.0 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Butterfly Garden and Rain Garden | 51.1 km | 90 m | Easy |
| Crow Wing State Park loop from Diamond Willow | 37.0 km | 90 m | Easy |
| Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall – Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa loop from Garden Cottages | 30.6 km | 80 m | Easy |
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38.8km
01:35
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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46.9km
01:49
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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56.6km
02:10
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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55.9km
02:17
260m
260m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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42.4km
01:38
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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92.0km
03:44
260m
260m
The Brainard to Pillager Lake Boat Launch via Nisswa loop offers a fantastic road cycling experience through the heart of Minnesota's lake country. You'll pedal past countless shimmering lakes and through dense forests, with the route likely integrating parts of the renowned Paul Bunyan State Trail. The journey provides a wonderful blend of natural beauty and the charm of small-town Minnesota, especially as you pass through Nisswa, a popular hub for cyclists.
This moderate 57.2-mile (92.0 km) ride, with 858 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete. It's ideal for cyclists with good fitness looking for a longer day out, best enjoyed from late spring through early fall. While the terrain is mostly rolling to flat, some sections of the broader trail network might have frost cracks, so slightly wider tires could enhance your comfort.
The Brainerd Lakes Area is celebrated for its extensive cycling network, offering over 850 miles of routes. This loop is a prime example, connecting natural settings with convenient amenities like the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall, and the Pillager Lake Boat Launch and Picnic Area, which offers a pleasant spot for a break by the water.
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51.1km
01:56
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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37.0km
01:29
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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30.6km
01:13
80m
80m
This easy road cycling loop, the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall – Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa loop from Garden Cottages, is a fantastic way to experience Minnesota's scenic lake country. You'll pedal through shaded forests, past numerous lakes like Clark Lake and Lake Hubert, and alongside boggy ponds with lily pads. The well-paved surfaces and mostly flat grade of the Paul Bunyan Trail make for a smooth, enjoyable ride, perfect for a relaxed outing. Expect beautiful natural scenery interspersed with the charm of downtown Nisswa.
Starting from the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall area, you'll find convenient access to amenities like public restrooms, shops, and cafes, making it easy to prepare or unwind after your ride. The route is an easy 19.0-mile (30.6 km) journey with a minimal 271 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 12 minutes. Parking is available in Nisswa, and the trail is generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant experience for nearly any fitness level.
This loop is a great introduction to the Paul Bunyan Trail, one of the longest paved rail-trails in the United States. The Nisswa section provides a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, allowing you to stop for a coffee or explore local shops. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a family-friendly cycling route or a gentle ride to enjoy the Minnesota landscape without significant physical challenge.
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A shaded wooden house and a bicycle rack welcome cyclists traveling the Paul Bunyan cycle route. Stop by to learn in detail about all the activities you can enjoy year-round on and in the beautiful Pine River.
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Gazebo, garden, some local shopping, food, coffee and full toilet facilities can be found right next to the Paul Bunyan trail. For those looking to stay overnight, there are hotels nearby but are off the trail, and require street travel.
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There are 11 road cycling routes documented on komoot around North Long Lake. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels, catering to different preferences.
Yes, North Long Lake offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Round Lake is an easy 24.1-mile (38.8 km) route with minimal elevation gain, providing a smooth introduction to road cycling in the area.
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Brainard to Pillager Lake Boat Launch via Nisswa loop is a moderate 57.2-mile (92.0 km) route. Another option is the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Mallard Lake, a moderate 34.7-mile (55.8 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 14 minutes to complete.
Many of the road cycling routes around North Long Lake are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Round Lake and the Roadbike loop from Morey's Seafood Market.
The best time for road cycling around North Long Lake is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the roads are clear of snow and ice, offering ideal conditions to enjoy the scenic lake-dotted landscapes and forested areas.
Yes, road cycling routes around North Long Lake are known for their scenic beauty. The region features numerous lakes and forested areas, providing picturesque views. Routes often wind along shorelines and through natural settings, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the landscape. While specific highlight data isn't available, the general character of the area ensures a scenic ride.
Given the relatively flat terrain surrounding North Long Lake and the presence of several easy routes, many options are suitable for families. Routes like the Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall loop from Round Lake are generally considered family-friendly due to their manageable distance and minimal elevation gain.
Parking availability varies by route. Many routes start from towns or public access points where parking is typically available. For routes originating near specific businesses, like the Roadbike loop from Morey's Seafood Market, you might find parking facilities nearby. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for suggested starting points and parking information.
Winter conditions around North Long Lake typically involve snow and ice, making road cycling challenging and potentially unsafe. Roads may be covered, and temperatures can be very low. It's generally recommended to avoid road cycling during the winter months and opt for other activities or wait until spring for safer conditions.
Many routes around North Long Lake pass through or near small towns like Nisswa. The Nisswa Gazebo and City Hall – Paul Bunyan Trail, Nisswa loop from Merrifield, for example, goes through Nisswa, where you can find cafes and other establishments for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify towns and potential stops along the way.
The road cycling experience in North Long Lake is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's beautiful lake-dotted landscapes, forested sections, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, from easy loops to moderate distances.


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