Explore the best rated trails in Alexandria, MN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Central Lakes State Trail and Lake Koronis Recreational Trail. With more than 7 trails covering 203 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is my first crushed rock trail and used my gravel bike, keeping tires low (~30psi) for better traction. Riding on crushed rock is noisy compared to pavement with lots more vibration transmitted through the frame which tired my arms out. Only looser gravel in a very few spots. The landscape is mostly agricultural with the usual intermittent swamps, ponds and lakes typical of Minnesota. A few trees throw shade over the path but it is mostly open.
Started in the middle at Greenwald (ample parking) proceeding northwest toward Meire Grove but the trail ended after 5 miles so I returned. Lightly travelled local roads will take you into town. Next it was SW to Elrosa. Trail had a bit more loose gravel with a couple of gopher holes but still fine. Both Greenwald and Elrosa (more ample parking) have benches to take a break but there are no services (bathrooms or water) on the trail so only gets 4 stars.
We had a great ride from Alexandria to Ashby. The trail was wide and went through beautiful country with lakes and farmland. There were some trail sections with cracks which were bothersome - but long stretches where we did not notice any cracks. Bring plenty of water as we only saw a couple of gas stations along the way (we did not go into towns). We will definitely ride on this trail again.
By far, the most beautiful. Very wooded, lots of wildflowers and views of lakes. The trail, however is very bumpy and in need of repair. The cracks are deep and jarring and difficult on my back, neck and teeth¿. The views were outstanding, though.
Nice Trail. Flat, through farmland. Bumpy towards New London. Follows Hwy 23, so can be a bit noisy. Nice trail!
Very nice trail, wooded and open. Can be windy which makes for a harder ride, but one of our favorite trails. Would be nice to have a bench in Roscoe for a rest before turning around. Bathrooms in Richmond and you can also rent bikes there. You can also ride from Richmond to Cold Spring and stop at the Sauk River falls.
A couple of areas will really get your heart rate up, but also some easy going stretches. It’s a perfect weekend workout. Bathrooms, water, and parking available at 2 points on the loop, the regional county park and veterans park. There are also beaches at each park to wade in and cool off.
Washboard surface due to vertical cracks and sealer. Planned to spend several days exploring, aborted .
My wife and I rode the trail from Garfield to Ashley on July 28 and Garfield to Osakis on July 29. Cut our rides short because of afternoon temps in the 90's Nice trail, wide, able to ride side by side with comfort. Certainly worth riding.
This loop has lots of shade with a couple of good hills. Very relaxing and enjoyable I look forward to riding it again.
We loved our ride on the first half of the Soo Line southern trail. Due to a late start, we parked at the lot off of Highway 10 about 2 p.m. At first we were dismayed at the number of ATV trailers because we’ve been on shared trails before and they are not my favorite. Fortunately, the southern trail is all paved and non-motorized, so there was nothing to worry about! The trail is flat and well maintained. The only hill is the one out of the parking lot LOL! It varies between open farmlands and tree-lined woods. There was a nice breeze to keep us cool and enough shade for the hottest of summer days. There are three wooden bridges to cross that are a wee bit bone-jarring, but the views of the Mississippi are wonderful! Everyone told us to stop in Bowlus - a charming town with a nice community center with bathrooms, and you must stop at Jordie’s trail side cafe. The food is great! They have outdoor seating with lots of room between tables and a beautiful waterfall/pond. They serve lots of ice cream and pie, hence the title of this review. There’s ample parking in Bowlus as well, so we’ll start from here the next time and hopefully make it to Holdingford.
I've ridden this trail many times in the past. It's pretty much the same as most rail trails--flat & straight. This trail has quite a bit of open to the wind as well as sheltered mileage. You pass by some nice lakes but too much of it is too close to noisy, busy Hwy 23.
I've taken all the side routes also. This time I went clockwise around Lake Koronis starting at the Regional Park. There are some pretty steep hills and the routes aren't well marked. On the east side of the lake it's mostly roads.
The part I enjoyed the most was from Roscoe to Richmond which is separated from the Paynesville terminus by a few miles. But it was a pleasant surprise with lots of trees, fields, water but best of all away from Hwy 23. On the east side of Richmond towards Cold Spring it goes along noisy Hwy 23 again. There is the best trailhead in Richmond, most of the rest have almost nothing--maybe a porta potty but no water or shade.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
