The best traffic-free bike rides in Locke County Park

This road cycling loop from Champlin Park High School offers a fantastic blend of scenery and accessible terrain, connecting the Rush Creek Regional Trail with the extensive Elm Creek Park Reserve. You'll glide along smooth, wide paths through forests and farmlands on the Rush Creek section, then transition to rolling hills, open prairie, and wooded corridors within Elm Creek Park Reserve, passing several of its six lakes. It's an easy 25.4-mile (40.8 km) ride with a modest 490 feet (149 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Starting at Champlin Park High School, you'll find convenient parking for this route. Both trail systems are well-equipped with amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, and the Rush Creek Regional Trail is even cleared of snow in winter, making it a year-round option. Consider an early start to enjoy quieter trails and increase your chances of spotting local wildlife.

This route stands out for its extensive connectivity, allowing you to link to other regional trails for even longer rides if you wish. The Elm Creek Park Reserve, one of the largest parks in the metro area, provides a unique opportunity to cycle through diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to prairies and dense woods, all within a single outing. It's a great choice for cyclists seeking variety without extreme challenge.

The Long Lake Park – Through the pines loop from New Brighton offers a wonderfully accessible road cycling experience, guiding you through a diverse landscape of shimmering lake views, tranquil woodlands, and open prairie. You'll enjoy mostly paved multi-use paths, with a few gentle hills that add a fun, dynamic element to the ride, especially the

The Elm Creek Park Reserve – Theodore Wirth Parkway loop from Coon Rapids Dam offers an extensive road cycling experience that truly immerses you in nature. You'll traverse diverse landscapes, from the open prairies and wooded corridors of Elm Creek Park Reserve, where you'll encounter exhilarating twists, turns, and even some punishing climbs, to the serene riverfront views along the Mississippi River near Coon Rapids Dam. The route continues through the scenic hills and forests around Wirth Lake and Birch Pond in Theodore Wirth Parkway, providing a feeling of being in a state park despite its urban proximity.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as trailheads like the one at Coon Rapids Dam offer ample parking, and you'll find convenient amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas within the parks. The trails are predominantly paved and well-maintained, making for a smooth ride. This moderate 42.6-mile (68.5 km) loop, with 927 feet (282 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 48 minutes, is ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a longer, more challenging outing.

This loop stands out for its exceptional connectivity, linking several major regional parks and smaller city trails into one comprehensive system. It allows you to experience a wide range of natural beauty, transitioning seamlessly from riverfront to prairies, oak savannas, dense woods, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, foxes, and badgers, which often enhance the outdoor experience, making this one of the best road cycling loops in the Minneapolis area for those who appreciate diverse ecosystems and a significant physical challenge.