The best road cycling routes in North Dakota

The East River Road to Scenic Loop Drive and Boicourt Overlook loop offers a fantastic road cycling experience, blending open roads with a scenic drive. This moderate 34.8-mile (56.0 km) route, with its 2480 feet (756 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through varied landscapes, culminating in the impressive viewpoints at Boicourt Overlook. Expect a ride that feels like a true journey, showcasing the natural beauty of North Dakota over approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes.

When planning your ride, consider starting early to make the most of the day and potentially avoid any crowds, especially if you're looking for parking for East River Road Scenic Loop cycling. The best time of year for this cycling route is typically during the warmer months, ensuring more pleasant weather conditions for your adventure. Always be prepared with adequate hydration and check local forecasts before heading out.

This route stands out among cycling trails near Boicourt Overlook for its combination of distance and elevation, making it a top-rated road cycling option in the region. It provides a comprehensive tour of the area's natural features, offering a great way to experience the landscape from your bike. The Boicourt Overlook itself is a key landmark, providing a memorable stopping point along the way.

If you're looking for a genuinely relaxed road cycling experience, the St. Benedict loop delivers a smooth, easy ride. This route is characterized by its flat terrain, making it an excellent choice for a casual outing where you can simply enjoy the scenery. The highlight of the journey is the consistent views of the Red River, providing a serene backdrop as you pedal along. It's a perfect escape for those who appreciate gentle landscapes and a straightforward path.

Planning your ride on the St. Benedict loop is quite simple due to its accessibility and easy nature. You won't need to worry about challenging climbs or technical sections, making it suitable for a spontaneous spin. Parking is readily available in the surrounding area, and the best time to cycle is often during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to fully appreciate the riverside views. This route is particularly welcoming for beginners or families.

What makes the St. Benedict loop stand out among St. Benedict loop road cycling routes is its consistent ease and the peaceful atmosphere it offers along the Red River. It's a great option if you're in the Fargo area and want to explore the local landscape without committing to a strenuous workout. The route's gentle profile and scenic river views provide a refreshing break, making it a local favorite for a quick, enjoyable ride.

The Sabin loop offers a relaxed road cycling experience, guiding you through the flat, open landscapes of Cass County. As you pedal, you'll pass through the small settlement of Sabin, providing a sense of local charm. The route is characterized by its gentle terrain, making it a smooth ride for those who enjoy consistent pedaling without strenuous climbs. You might even spot some Unique Fargo Architecture along the way, adding a point of interest to your journey.

This moderate 33.5-mile (54.0 km) road cycling route, with only 176 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option for a steady ride that takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes. You can start this loop from various points, making it convenient to access from surrounding areas. Parking is generally easy to find in the communities along the route, and it's best enjoyed during the warmer seasons when the weather is most favorable for cycling.

Ideal for beginner road cyclists or those looking for a longer, less challenging ride, the Sabin loop provides an accessible way to explore the region by bike. It's a good choice if you're building endurance or simply want to enjoy a peaceful ride through the countryside. The route's consistent profile means you can maintain a steady pace and truly settle into your rhythm.

The Scenic Loop Drive to Oxbow Overlook offers a unique road cycling experience through the rugged badlands of North Dakota. You'll navigate a landscape of sharp ridges, colorful sandstone pillars, and hoodoos, with the route's "roller coaster climbs" providing a constant challenge. The ride culminates at the stunning Oxbow Overlook, where the Little Missouri River carves its distinctive meander through the valley, a truly iconic view.

This moderate 27.3-mile (44.0 km) route, with 1897 feet (578 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Be prepared to share the road with vehicles, including large RVs, and keep an eye out for abundant wildlife like bison and wild horses. The Oxbow Overlook parking area serves as a convenient starting point for this engaging ride.

What makes this route particularly special is the immersive wildlife viewing opportunities set against the dramatic backdrop of the badlands geology. The ever-present chance to spot wild horses or bison adds an element of adventure to the ride, making it more than just a physical challenge. It's a journey through a living, breathing landscape that feels truly wild and untamed.

The Wall Street loop offers a refreshing escape on two wheels, guiding you along paved paths with gentle curves and open views. You'll find yourself cruising near the Red River of the North, where the water provides a calm, scenic backdrop to your ride. This route is designed for ease and enjoyment, perfect for unwinding.

Planning your ride is straightforward; as a loop, you can begin at any convenient point in the Wall Street area where parking is typically accessible. Given its easy nature, you don't need extensive preparation, but a quick check of the weather is always a good idea. It's a great option for a spontaneous outing.

This 11.9-mile (19.1 km) road cycling route features a minimal 78 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy ride that most can complete in about 47 minutes. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a quick, accessible spin without any challenging climbs, ideal for a casual afternoon or a warm-up.

The Harwood loop offers a wonderfully relaxed road cycling experience through the Harwood area, perfect for unwinding on two wheels. You'll enjoy open, quiet roads and pleasant scenery, including views of the Red River of the North, making for a peaceful journey. The route's minimal elevation gain means you can focus on enjoying the ride without strenuous climbs, making it accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

Planning your visit to this Harwood loop road cycling route is straightforward. You can typically find convenient parking within the Harwood area to start your ride, and the route is generally suitable for cycling throughout much of the year, weather permitting. It's a great option for a casual morning spin or an afternoon outing, as it doesn't require extensive logistical planning.

This moderate 37.0-mile (59.5 km) loop, with only 149 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for those seeking a low-stress ride that can be completed in about 2 hours and 18 minutes. It's particularly well-suited for beginner cyclists or anyone looking for a gentle, scenic escape on their road bike without the challenge of significant hills.

The Grand Forks into Minnesota loop offers a quintessential Red River Valley road cycling experience, characterized by vast agricultural fields and the meandering Red River. You'll enjoy mostly flat terrain, with occasional gentle rolls, making it perfect for covering long distances. The scenery shifts from open farmland to more riparian views with trees and river bends as you approach and cross the Red River, providing a pleasant journey through this unique landscape.

To tackle this moderate 42.5-mile (68.5 km) route, which typically takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes with just 178 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain, plan your start from any convenient point in Grand Forks. The route uses existing rural roads and river crossings into Minnesota, so parking is generally available in various public areas within Grand Forks. Be prepared for potential strong winds, which are common in the open plains and can significantly increase the effort required for your ride.

This loop is an excellent way to experience the unique characteristics of the Red River Valley's cycling terrain. While there are no major landmarks, the continuous agricultural vistas and the occasional glimpse of the Red River offer a peaceful and immersive ride. The changing seasons bring different visual delights, from lush green fields in summer to golden hues in the fall, making it a route that can be enjoyed multiple times a year.

The Bismark Capital to St. Mary's Overlook offers a straightforward road cycling experience, perfect for those seeking a relaxed ride. You'll start near the notable North Dakota State Capitol, enjoying a mostly flat journey that culminates in the pleasant views from St. Mary's Overlook. It's a great way to explore some of Bismarck's landmarks and enjoy the outdoors without strenuous effort.

This easy 16.4-mile (26.4 km) route features a modest 448 feet (137 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for most fitness levels and achievable in about 1 hour and 23 minutes. Parking is readily available near the Capitol building, providing a convenient starting point. For the most comfortable experience, consider cycling in the morning or late afternoon, especially during warmer seasons, to avoid the midday sun.

This route stands out as one of the popular road cycling routes in Bismarck ND, particularly for its accessibility and the opportunity to combine a gentle workout with local sightseeing. It's an excellent option for family friendly cycling in Bismarck, or for anyone looking for a quick, scenic escape on two wheels.

Embark on a significant road cycling adventure from Riverdale to Fort Stevenson State Park, a journey that spans 63.9 miles (102.9 km). This route offers a moderate challenge, with 836 feet (255 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes around 3 hours and 54 minutes to complete. You'll experience the expansive North Dakota scenery as you pedal between these two points, arriving at the welcoming Marina at Fort Stevenson State Park.

For planning your ride, consider starting your day early to make the most of the journey, especially if you're cycling during the warmer seasons. Parking is available in Riverdale and within Fort Stevenson State Park, making it convenient for either a one-way trip with a shuttle or a return ride. Always carry enough water and snacks for this extended distance.

This route is ideal for road cyclists looking for a substantial ride that connects a small town with a state park, offering a different perspective of the region. While not a dedicated trail, it provides a clear path for exploring the area by bike, culminating in the recreational opportunities available at Fort Stevenson State Park.