Trails & Loops

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Trails

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs from Mankato to Faribault, totaling 41 miles with an asphalt surface. This fairly flat trail provides riders with beautiful scenery as it wanders along pastures, farmland, lakes, a forested park and Sakatah Lake State Park, featuring six great cultural pit stops. See Map.

Red Jacket Trail

Red Jacket Trail runs from Mankato to Rapidan, totaling 5 miles of paved trail. As Mankato’s most popular trail the Red Jacket Trail begins along the banks of the Minnesota River. The route utilizes three converted railroad trestles, including the Red Jacket Trestle which stands more than 80′ high and 550′ long.

Minneopa State Park Trail

Minneopa State Park Trail is a paved trail running from Mankato to Minneopa State Park. Once in Minneopa, there are numerous hiking trails to explore, highlighting the famous Minneopa waterfalls. Looking to extend your adventure check out the Minneopa State Park Bison Drive and hiking trails.

Minneopa Cut Off: 9 Miles See Map.

South Route Trail: 7 Miles See Map.

Minnesota River Valley Trail

Minnesota River Valley Trail is a paved connector between the Sakatah and Minneopa Trails. It is a multi-use trail ideal for hikers and bikers alike. The trail runs along the beautiful Minnesota River, highlighting Mankato’s prime location in the river valley.

Rasmussen Woods

Rasmussen Woods features a 150-acre tract perfect for hiking and observing wildlife throughout all seasons. There are over 5 miles of hiking trails inclusive with meadows, wetlands, floating trails, cliffs and a park overlook.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is growing in Greater Mankato due to its geography in the river valley. There are three sustainable, environmentally friendly mountain bike trails: Kiwanis Recreation Area, Mount Kato, and Seven Mile Creek Park.

Loops

St. Clair/Eagle Lake Loop: 28 miles

Visit the nearby towns of Eagle Lake & St. Clair to get a taste of small-town charm while dining in or enjoying a picnic at the city park. Follow the Le Sueur River to visit Wildwood Park and take the nature trail across the river on a 140 ft. long swinging-foot bridge. Hike through the wooded river valley and keep an eye out for wildlife. See Map.

Lime Valley Gravel Ride: 29 miles

Ride along the bluffs of the Minnesota River toward the prairie land of Kasota. Stop at the Kasota Prairie for a picnic in the park or quick hike through the 45-acre prairie along the Minnesota River and off the beaten path. See Map.

Lake Crystal Loop: 34 miles

Cycling Route Update: Rapidan Dam and County Road 90 Bridge Impacts
Please note: Due to the severe flooding that occurred in June 2024, the Rapidan Dam, park, and diner have been significantly impacted. As a result, the scenic cycling loop may be partially disrupted.
Additionally, the County Road 90 bridge over the Blue Earth River at Rapidan is currently closed indefinitely. This closure interrupts the biking loop, requiring riders to find an alternative route or shorten their trip.
While the exact extent of the damage to the Rapidan Dam and its surrounding area is still being assessed, it’s important to be aware that the route may be altered or temporarily closed. We recommend checking for updates and closures before embarking on your ride.
For the most current information, please contact: Blue Earth County Public Works at (507) 304-4025.

North Mankato Grand Prix: 20 miles

Ride the same route as the North Star Grand Prix, finishing with a grueling climb! The riders will complete multiple laps of a 20.5-mile rural circuit which uses beautiful Nicollet County roads and returns to North Mankato up the extra challenging Valerie Lane hill. See Map.

St. Clair, Smith’s Mill, Madison Lake Loop: 35 miles

Get a taste of the vast landscape of the area on this loop through town, country, lakes and river valley. Along the way you can sample wine from a local winery, hike through wildlife management areas or stop in one of the quaint towns for a meal or cold beverage. See Map.

North Lakes Loop: 39 miles

Tour our area lakes on quiet back country roads. Stop at one of the nine lakes you’ll pass to get your feet wet or grab a bite to eat and cool beverage on the water. Extend your trip and visit another lake by taking the North Lakes Loop Extension. See Map.

North Lakes Loop Extension: 17 Miles See Map.

Mankato Singing Hills Loop: 15 miles

Tour the city of Mankato. Start at Riverfront Park and ride along the Minnesota River. Next head east up the Sakatah State Trail to explore Mankato’s Hilltop. After experiencing the hilltop drop back into the river valley down the beautiful, wooded Glenwood Ave trail. Stop for some refreshments downtown before catching the Minnesota River Valley Trail back to Riverfront Park. See Map.

North Mankato Gran Fondo: 13 miles

Take a tour of North Mankato circumnavigating the entire city. This loop will take you from the top of the bluff in Upper North to the valley floor in Lower North using a mix of trails and bicycle friendly roads. On this route you’ll ride along the Minnesota River and next to the bluffs along the Judson Bottom Road. Stop for a rest at the Minnemishinona Waterfall and cool off with a swim at Hiniker Pond. See Map.

Mankato Gran Fondo: 25 miles

Sample some of the best trails in town with this route that takes you around Mankato. Start at Riverfront Park and ride along the river on the Minnesota River Valley Trail, gently climb out of the river valley on the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, tour the expanding East side of Mankato on new trails and low traffic roads, drop back into the River Valley with an optional stop at a local Winery. After a glass of wine, find your way to the South Route Trail taking you along the South edge of Mankato. Connect to the Red Jacket trail passing by Mount Kato and arrive back into town through the charming West Mankato neighborhood. You’ll finish up this loop riding along the Minnesota River Trail back to where it all began at Riverfront Park. See Map.

Biking & Hiking in Southern Minnesota

Biking & Hiking

For biking and hiking enthusiasts, Greater Mankato features some of the best trails in the state and scenic roadways with wide shoulders and little to moderate traffic.

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Bike Hike Guide

View the Mankato Biking & Hiking Guide. Your Guide to biking & hiking in Greater Mankato.

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Wayfinding

Explore the many things to do within the Greater Mankato Region.

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