The best gravel rides around Plymouth

There are over 15 gravel bike routes around Plymouth featured in komoot, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.

While most routes around Plymouth are rated as moderate, offering a good challenge, the area's trails are generally accessible. For a relatively straightforward experience, consider the Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Arcola Trestle Bridge loop from Downtown Hopkins, which is about 46 km long with moderate elevation changes.

For longer rides, the Plymouth area offers several extensive loops. The Luce Line and Dakota Rail Trail Loop covers over 70 km, providing a significant distance for endurance riders. Another great option is the Cedar Lake South Beach – Minnesota River Bluffs Trail loop from West 21st Street, which stretches for approximately 78 km.

Many of the gravel trails around Plymouth, while moderate in difficulty, can be enjoyed by families with older children or those comfortable with longer distances. The Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – St. Albans Bay Bridge loop from Downtown Hopkins, at around 51 km, offers a scenic ride that could be a rewarding family adventure.

Gravel biking around Plymouth features a diverse landscape, including coastal paths, river valleys, and rolling hills. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from compacted earth to gravel tracks, often traversing woodlands and open countryside with some elevation changes.

Yes, many of the best gravel routes around Plymouth are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Luce Line and Dakota Rail Trail Loop and the Luce Line State Trail – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Cr 73, both offering extensive circular rides.

The trails often pass by beautiful natural features and landmarks. You might encounter highlights such as Cedar Lake, the Luce Line Trail Wooden Bridge, and Lake of the Isles. Many routes also offer views of the St. Albans Bay Bridge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, which includes coastal views, river paths, and varied rural landscapes, as well as the well-maintained gravel tracks that offer options for different ability levels.

Beyond the trails themselves, you can explore several nearby attractions. These include natural spots like West Medicine Lake Park Beach and the expansive Bde Maka Ska. The Midtown Greenway is also a notable cycleway in the vicinity.

While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the varied terrain of Plymouth suggests that spring and autumn would offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also suitable, though it might be warmer, and winter could present challenges with snow and ice, depending on local conditions.

The routes listed are generally rated as moderate, providing a good challenge with distances up to 78 km and moderate elevation gains. While there aren't explicitly 'difficult' routes in this selection, combining multiple loops or tackling the longest routes like the Cedar Lake South Beach – Minnesota River Bluffs Trail loop from West 21st Street can offer a demanding ride for experienced cyclists.