The best cycling routes around Afton

There are nearly 20 touring cycling routes around Afton, offering diverse experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars.

Afton offers a range of routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find 11 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, and 8 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no routes currently classified as difficult in the immediate Afton area, though the region's rolling glacial moraine can provide some elevation changes.

Yes, Afton has several easy routes, many of which feature paved sections. A great option for beginners is the St. Croix Crossing Bridge – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop from Bayport, which is 9.7 miles long and offers scenic views along the St. Croix River.

Afton generally enjoys a temperate climate, making spring, summer, and fall pleasant for touring cycling. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall offers beautiful foliage, especially in areas like Afton State Park with its oak openings and woodlands. Summer is also popular, but it's always good to check local weather conditions.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Afton are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Lake Elmo Park Bike Path – Eagle Point Lake loop from Stillwater Boulevard & Kelvin Avenue is a moderate 14.5-mile loop that explores varied scenery around Lake Elmo Park.

The routes around Afton showcase diverse natural beauty, characterized by rolling glacial moraine and bluffland topography. You'll cycle through oak openings, woodlands, and remnant prairies, often with scenic views of the St. Croix River. Afton State Park, for instance, features trails winding through deep ravines and rising to grassy ridgetops.

Many of the easy and moderate routes are suitable for families, especially those on multi-use paved paths. The Mountain bike trailhead loop from Kinnickinnic State Park, though named for mountain biking, is an easy 9.1-mile trail through natural parkland that can be enjoyed by families on touring bikes.

Several routes offer views of notable landmarks and natural features. You might pass by the impressive St. Croix Crossing Bridge or enjoy a Saint Croix River Viewpoint. Other highlights include lakes like Frozen Lake at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Colby Lake, as well as natural areas like Kinnickinnic State Park.

For those looking for a longer ride, the Lake Phalen – Como Lake loop from Stillwater Boulevard & 34th Street is a moderate 30-mile (48.4 km) route. Another option is the Harriet Island Regional Park – Battle Creek Regional Park loop from Woodbury Theatre Park & Ride, which is nearly 30 miles (47.4 km) long and also rated moderate.

The routes in Afton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Cyclists often praise the scenic views along the St. Croix River, the varied landscapes of woodlands and prairies, and the well-maintained multi-use paths that cater to different skill levels.

Afton State Park in Minnesota features multi-use paved paths and trails that are suitable for various skill levels of touring cyclists. The park's rolling glacial moraine and bluffland topography offer scenic rides through oak openings, woodlands, and prairies, with views overlooking the St. Croix River.