The best cycling routes around Sartell

There are around 6 touring cycling routes in the Sartell area, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes offer a variety of distances and scenery for touring cyclists.

Sartell's natural environment features 'old' dune-shaped topography on outwash plains and valley trains, with varying slopes and sandy, well-drained soils. Many routes, especially those on former railroad beds like the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail, offer gentle grades. You'll find a mix of paved trails, paved shoulders, and low-traffic roads, often passing through oak forests and savanna.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. For example, the Beaver Island Trail loop from Saint Cloud is an easy 19.6 km ride, and another Beaver Island Trail loop is even shorter at 12 km, both offering accessible options for a family outing.

Sartell is blessed with the Mississippi and Watab Rivers, offering picturesque riverine landscapes. Many routes follow the Mississippi River, part of the extensive Mississippi River Trail (USBR 45). You'll also find routes passing through oak forests and savanna. The Mississippi River County Park, just north of Sartell, offers 230 acres of forested land along the river with natural surface trails.

Yes, for those looking for a longer ride, the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail – Lake Wobegon Regional Trail loop from Saint Joseph is a moderate 80.1 km route that provides a substantial touring experience.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Sartell. The region's diverse terrain and riverine landscapes are particularly beautiful during these seasons. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Parking is generally available at trailheads and parks throughout Sartell and the surrounding areas. For routes utilizing the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail, you can often find parking in towns like Saint Joseph or Waite Park, which serve as common starting points for these loops.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-connected trail systems, particularly the access to the Mississippi River Trail and the scenic, often gentle routes provided by former railroad beds like the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Lower Spunk Lake – Lake Wobegon Regional Trail loop from Saint Joseph and the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail loop from Waite Park are both excellent circular options.

Absolutely. Sartell is a key part of Minnesota's segment of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), also designated as U.S. Bicycle Route 45 (USBR 45). This extensive bikeway offers hundreds of miles of scenic riding along the Mississippi River, connecting to other regional trails like the Central Lakes State Trail and the Glacial Lakes State Trail.