Salem Hills - Mountain Bike Trail

The Salem Hill mountain bike trail is Minnesota's best beginner-friendly biking path. It is also a great choice if all you want is an easy ride on a hot afternoon.

The Salem Hill mountain bike trail is a short trail totaling 7.1 km. The multi-use doesn't get too busy but is frequented by bikers, joggers, hikers, and families. It is rated an easy or intermediate trail because it has very few challenges, including; a large rock that you must ride around and some hills. We recommend taking your family or group of friends for a ride as there isn't much climbing to do on the loop, and there is a playground near the parking lot. Plus, you will enjoy a few attractive sights.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Salem Hill is one of the few easy mountain bike trails in Minnesota. It is set up in a series of loops, and you can access it from the trailhead at Salem Hills Park parking lot. From the trailhead, you can branch left or right. The right side is the trail's first section. It is a flowing single track that goes through the woods onto the park's northern edge, the North Forks trail. It gets its name from the multiple sterling silver and stainless steel forks discovered by the construction team when working the trail.

The North Folks trail leads to an old neighborhood trail that the locals in the area use to access the park. If you took the left turn at the trailhead, you would immediately fall on the old neighborhood trail. From this point, you must ride up a small hill. You may be tempted to pick a few blackberries from the thick bushes.

Keep left and ride south until you pass several wooded areas and open fields. You will be surprised when you find yourself back at the trailhead in no time because the route is super-easy to flow through quickly.

Additional Trail Features

•       A parking lot that holds up to 20 cars.
•       Port a potty.
•       A playground near the parking lot.
•       Optional foot rock to ride over at the loop’s end.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

The trail has plenty of wooded sections that provide ample shade for comfortable riding on sunny days. The open prairie and blackberry bushes will draw you deep into nature and give you a much-needed break from the bustling city.

Recommendations/precautions

1. As it is a multi-use trail, beware of other users like runners, hikers, families, and dogs.
2. You can park on the adjacent road if the parking lot gets packed.
3. As much as it is rated an easy route, you will encounter a few hills between the open prairie and the woods.
4. Carry your water.