Looking for the best trails around Mankato?

Explore the best rated trails in Mankato, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Dakota Rail Regional Trail and Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail . With more than 26 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Minnesota Valley State Trail

Ran the trail

November, 2024 by bob_hoad

Although having lived in the area for years, I've never used any part of this trail. I ran it from Belle Plaine to Memorial Park in Shakopee in November. I should note that this fall season has had little rain and has been on the warm side. Around 50 degrees when I ran it. So trail conditions can vary wildly.
There were a few spots with standing water near the Belle Plaine side, all easily avoidable. There is also a length of sand, probably pushing a mile overall, around the Jordan area. This section was tough to run due to the horses making ruts in the sand. I would guess a bike would need to be pushed through some of this. Other than the sand, this trail was great and totally runnable. The brush and grass had been cut and no trees or branches on the trail.
Something I wasn't aware of, from Chaska to Shakopee, the trail is paved.

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

Please put this trail on your to do list. Faribault to Mankato is 39 miles of scenic trails and small villages that have embraced the trail. The only down side is the underwhelming trail head in Mankato (no services) other than parking.

October, 2024 by mankato

Please put this trail on your to do list. Faribault to Mankato is 39 miles of scenic trails and small villages that have embraced the trail. The only down side is the underwhelming trail head in Mankato (no services) other than parking.

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

A great fall ride

October, 2024 by rmtrsws6g4

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.

Accordion

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

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.

October, 2024 by mankato

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.

Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail

correction

September, 2024 by fayeanhorn

It’s the trail transition on Hwy 62 that had been my problem.

Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail

some very nice sections

September, 2024 by fayeanhorn

Finally rode from Hopkins to Chaska, I’ve been on trail a few times before but keep getting off the trail. Very poor signage at the tricky trail changes. I’m speaking particularly of bridge on Hwy 212. That being said now that I’ve from figured it out thanks to TrailLink. I will definitely ride again. Yes there are short sections that you ride along a busy highway, but the majority is wooded and very scenic. The crushed rock is very hard packed so easier to ride than some crushed rock trails.

Clear Lake Bike Trail System

Nice Trail

September, 2024 by rl_henderson

Beautiful views of the lake. Rode twice to get 10 miles!

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

Really nice trail!

August, 2024 by hayleykulstad

We rode from Faribault trailhead on 8/31/24. There had just been a storm the week before so there were trees down the first few miles but we took streets to get around it. There was a section closed like the reviewer said before me but you can go around this too on the road by the lake. This trail is flat and wide. Fun to stop in Waterville for lunch half way at the Corner Bar and sat outside.

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

Great trail out of Wayzata

August, 2024 by askrens

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.

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

Great trail—some construction

August, 2024 by askrens

Rode Mankato to Fairabault. Around mile 35 part of the trail had collapsed, but people were still getting through. Overall trail was in excellent shape, except for one area in the State Park and another just west of that. We were on road bikes and loved the trail.

Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail

Nice but bumpy

August, 2024 by chondlik

This is a beautiful trail through some nice foliage and neighborhoods. The trail was clearly marked, however, was pretty bumpy.

Dakota Rail Regional Trail

love this trail.

August, 2024 by fayeanhorn

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.

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