Explore the best rated trails in Atwater, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Rocori Trail and Dakota Rail Regional Trail . With more than 18 trails covering 299 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.
Beautifully paved bike trail over the waters and thru the woods. We rode from St. Bonafacious to Wayzata and back. Very smooth and cool morning ride. This trail is very popular as we met up with numerous walkers and bikers alike. Highly recommend especially if you’re a beginner or a fan of a level trail without hills.
Trail from Clearwater goes approx 11 miles all paved some new in 2025. Saw horses, deer, rabbits
Rode this from Wayzata to Waconia and back. Well maintained, great views of a variety of environments (prairie, suburban, marsh, lake). I would recommend taking a side tour of the Six Mile Marsh Prairie Trail. Well worth the detour.
Rode for the first time from Wayzata to St. Bonifacious and back. One small detour but it was well marked. Low traffic and lovely views of the lakes and fields. Would recommend a bite to eat at the Bistro in St. Bonifacious.
Beautiful ride leading out of Wayzata. Lovely homes and lake views. About mile 7 there was major construction and the trail was detoured about 0.25 miles. The western end is much flatter and rural.
We started at the west end of this trail where it connects to the Central Lakes Trail and rode east about 6 miles. Trail has recently been repaved, so it was SMOOTH!!! Wish we had not done the last 10 miles of bumpy Central Lakes as we were tired and it was middle of the day and quite warm. There is little shade at the west end of the trail and no water available, so bring plenty. The trail was recently repaved - the dirt has not been built up on the sides, so be careful you don't run off the edge - it will be a BUMP! Wish we had the energy to go farther!
We have just gotten into biking this summer so there are lots of trails we’d like to visit. But we keep coming back to Dakota Rail, it’s a short drive from where we live and it’s beautiful. Scenery varies from lakes, wetlands, woods and farmland. There are a couple of miles of really rough asphalt but worth it to us. We stopped to eat at Knuckleheads in Mayer and had a great burger for a very reasonable price. They do not have a bike rack though.
I rode from Albany to West Union. I wish there were long trails like this where I live. Very well maintained and smooth. I hope to take the north leg to the covered bridge also.
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I rode from Paynesville to Spicer. There were a few wide cracks you wouldn't want to get caught off guard but otherwise the trail is in good repair. The trail is closed just a bit past Hawick heading west but I was able to move over to the closed hwy 23 for a mile or so to detour back to the trail. Very nice summer's day ride. I would recommend riding this trail if you have the chance.
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I covered the Thompson Lake to Oddfellows Park in Hutch at the end of July on a bike. There is plenty of parking and shade at Cosmos County Park and a bathroom with running water. The trail starts as Cadillac gravel through trees and then pops out to a gravel parking lot next to grain bins and a business. At the 4 way stop, it’s an easy crossing of highway 7 and a Casey’s to load up on snacks and water. It isn’t well marked to pick the trail back up, make a left at Gemini Ave and you find the sign for the trail. This is where the fun begins in my opinion. It starts gravel, but turns to grass. At the time I rode, the grass had not been mowed, but was 100% rideable. Your mileage may vary depending on bike and fitness level. The grass section is about 8 miles and incredibly beautiful to be riding through sloughs and catching a glimpse of what this prairie once was. The trail turns back to gravel after Cedar Mills, then eventually pavement near Hutch. An easy access gas station with bathrooms and water refill and snacks is next to Oddfellows Park. Though the parks in this section have restrooms as well.
Continuing on the trail, you arrive in a campground that accommodates both RVs and tents next to the Crow Wing River. Plenty of shade, a beautiful view of the river, and each spot has a fire ring and a picnic table. You will get traffic noise, but the location and amenities are worth it. The city of Hutchinson has done an impressive job incorporating this trail as a city resource. I saw lots of walkers, runners, and young kids on bikes using the trail to navigate the area.
Continuing on to Silver Lake, the trail surface is paved, but gets a little more rough. There are areas where some of the cracks are large enough to grab a narrow tire, so mind the gap. The scenery on this September ride was beautiful. I made the side trip to the Crow Wing Winery, just to check out the gravel trail. This is also a worthy stop for yummy food and a glass of wine, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The trail to Silver Lake remains about the same with lots of sumac and trees to shade the trail.
I absolutely think this would make a wonderful and pretty easy bikepacking trip.
The trail is a really nice trail to ride, nice scenery when you ride. However, once you get past Cedar Mills heading West towards Cosmos. That's when it changes grass is thick and makes hard to ride.
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