The best traffic-free bike rides in Mineral County
5.0
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8
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Touring cycling in Mineral County offers a diverse landscape characterized by mountainous terrain, river valleys, and former railroad beds converted into scenic trails. The region features routes that traverse through forested areas and open expanses, providing varied gradients suitable for different cycling preferences. These no traffic touring cycling routes often follow natural contours, offering a blend of gentle paths and more challenging ascents. The area's geology contributes to a varied riding experience, from smooth surfaces to paths with moderate elevation changes.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Mineral County
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Ninemile Road, a 14.8 miles (23.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 6 minutes to complete. This route offers a moderate challenge with notable elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is 1.5-Mile Tunnel – Route of the Hiawatha Trail loop from Taft, a difficult 22.9 miles (36.8 km) path. This trail is known for its unique features, including tunnels and trestles, on a former railway line.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Southside Road, a 22.0 miles (35.4 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 3 hours 37 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Mineral County is defined by mountainous landscapes, river corridors, and historic rail trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, flat sections to more demanding routes with significant climbs.
- The routes in Mineral County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. More than 80 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Mineral County's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
23.8km
02:07
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
35.4km
03:37
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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20.1km
01:24
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
23
riders
31.2km
03:05
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
5.36km
00:30
0m
0m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Make sure you have a very bright headlamp and a jacket (or rain gear) it is completely dark, cold, wet, and muddy.
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Partially paved and partially gravel, the trek up Petty Creek Road is great for bike touring and gravel riding. When you are riding away from the river, the route is mostly uphill (very gradual, though), and it's an easy, fast descent back down to the river. Once you get to the very top of Petty Creek Road, there are a few different forest roads you could turn onto. If you want to extend your ride, you can combine some of the other roads to make different loops.
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Ninemile Road is a popular gravel biking road in Frenchtown, Montana. The road is dirt with rolling hills pretty much the entire time and doesn't see a ton of vehicular traffic. This is a great place to go if you don't want a super long ride, but you don't want something completely flat, either.
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Southside Road follows along the river (Clark Fork) all the way from Alberton to Missoula. You can go as far out and back as you want, or you can set up a shuttle and bike all the way from one town to the other. The road quickly turns to dirt and does not see a lot of traffic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Mineral County?
There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in Mineral County, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for cyclists looking for peaceful rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic touring cycling routes in Mineral County?
The routes in Mineral County feature a mix of terrain. For example, the Ninemile Road route involves moderate elevation changes, while the Southside Road route is more challenging with significant climbs. Generally, you can expect varied landscapes, from river valleys to mountain ridges, providing both gentle and more demanding sections.
Are there any easy no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Mineral County?
Yes, there are routes suitable for beginners. For instance, the 1.5-Mile Tunnel loop from Roland Summit is rated as easy, offering a gentle introduction to touring cycling in the area. There are 2 easy routes in total.
What are the longer no-traffic touring cycling routes in Mineral County?
For longer rides, consider routes like Southside Road, which spans over 35 kilometers, or the 1.5-Mile Tunnel – Route of the Hiawatha Trail loop from Taft, covering approximately 36 kilometers. These routes offer extended cycling experiences with varying challenges.
What do other touring cyclists say about the no-traffic routes in Mineral County?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Mineral County, with an average score of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes and the scenic beauty, especially on trails like the Route of the Hiawatha Trail, known for its tunnels and trestles.
Are there any loop options for no-traffic touring cycling in Mineral County?
Yes, several routes offer loop options. The 1.5-Mile Tunnel – Route of the Hiawatha Trail loop from Taft and the 1.5-Mile Tunnel loop from Roland Summit are excellent examples of circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path.
What kind of natural features or viewpoints can I expect along these routes?
While specific highlights are not detailed for every route, the region is known for its natural beauty. In Mineral County, West Virginia, you can find mountainous terrain, river valleys, and potentially views from high points like 'the Pinnacle' (though not directly on these routes). The Route of the Hiawatha Trail is particularly famous for its scenic tunnels and historic trestle bridges.
Are there any specific considerations for parking when accessing these no-traffic routes?
While specific parking details for each route are not provided, many trailheads for no-traffic routes, especially those on former railroad beds, typically offer designated parking areas. It's always advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for up-to-date information on parking facilities before your trip.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Mineral County?
Given the varied geography, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Mineral County, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible on some routes, but conditions may vary, especially in mountainous areas.
Are there any challenging no-traffic touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Southside Road and the 1.5-Mile Tunnel – Route of the Hiawatha Trail loop from Taft are rated as difficult. These routes feature significant elevation gains and longer distances, providing a rewarding experience for advanced riders.
Most popular routes in Mineral County
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