The best traffic-free bike rides around Forest Lake

There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Forest Lake, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find 7 easy routes and 4 moderate routes to explore.

The Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is an excellent choice, offering 9.5 miles of paved surface through forests, wetlands, and prairies. It's built on a former railroad grade, making it level and accessible. Another great option is found within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park, which features many easy, mostly paved routes suitable for various fitness levels, including quiet, forested sections.

Yes, the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail connects to a larger 100+ mile trail network, including the Sunrise Prairie Trail in Chisago County. This allows for extensive car-free cycling opportunities beyond the immediate Forest Lake area.

Many of the no-traffic routes, such as the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, are built on former railroad grades, meaning they are generally level and accessible with minimal elevation changes. Routes like the Cranberry Lake – Chisago Lake AMA loop offer slightly more varied terrain with gentle ascents and descents.

Absolutely. Trails like the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail are ideal for families due to their paved, level surfaces and lack of vehicle traffic. The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park also offers many easy, mostly paved routes that are suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

You'll encounter diverse landscapes including lush forests, scenic prairies, and wetlands. Many routes pass by pristine lakes, such as Forest Lake itself. In Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park, you might spot the unique Wooden Turtle Sculpture carved into a tree stump.

Along the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, restrooms and water facilities are conveniently available at the Headwaters Transit Center and Forest Lake City Hall.

Yes, there are several loop options. For example, the Forest Lake Cycle Shop loop from Forest Lake offers a moderate 18.4 km ride. The Lakeside Memorial Park – Forest Lake Cycle Shop loop is an easy 36.7 km option that starts from the Forest Lake P&R.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Forest Lake, with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. The paved trails are typically clear and well-maintained during these seasons.

Many paved trails in the Forest Lake area, including sections of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail and those within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific park regulations for leash requirements and any restricted areas before you go.

Parking is available at various access points for the major trails. For instance, you can find parking at the Headwaters Transit Center or near Forest Lake City Hall for the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Lakeside Memorial Park also offers parking, which is a starting point for some loop routes.