Explore the best rated trails in North Dakota, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks and Roughrider Trail. With more than 11 trails covering 85 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.
My husband and I debated whether or not to drive north to experience this trail because there was rain in the forecast. It was a spectacular ride and only a bit of drizzle in the morning. We stopped at the farmers market and then continued around. At times we got a little confused but it was easy to get back on the right path. The people in Grand Forks are exceptionally friendly. We highly recommend it.
A Spectacular morning ride on the Greenway, connecting both Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN. Riding surface was exceptionally well-maintained, minus a few spots. But that didn’t deter us from grabbing all the gusto we could get! We have set a goal of riding at least 20 miles in all the 50 states & this was a stunning 22 miles for North Dakota. Add this to your cycling list-you will not be disappointed.
Now called the Freedom Trail, the stretch by the base is long, flat, and wide open. It is well maintained gravel.
Beautiful trails, little bouncy bridges here and there
If you want a long walk, a nice bicycle ride or practice for hiking, this trail is a very good choice! There's lots of beautiful foliage, signs describing the local ecosystem and plenty of benches you can rest at.
Visiting from SoCal, my wife and I rode this spectacular trail on October 1. Despite a heavy cloud cover and the threat of rain, we could not imagine a more beautiful time of year to to ride this trail thanks to the mild temperatures and an abundance of amazing fall color.
On a Friday morning/afternoon, we pretty much had this marvelously well-maintained trail and greenway all to ourselves.
Starting at Riverside Park in Grand Forks, North Dakota, we rode the Red River loop counterclockwise, plus one southerly spur into a lovely Grand Forks suburb for a total of fifteen miles. Just the loop, which crosses the Red River into East Grand Forks, Minnesota, would have been an easy, flat ten miles. If you have the Trail Link app, you first timers will want to rely on it since there are many unmarked forks in the trail.
This trail truly exceeded my expectations! It is without a doubt the calmest, quietest, safest, most beautiful urban/suburban trail I have ever ridden thanks to the well designed greenways. We loved how the emphasis was on the natural beauty of the trees, river, and greenways, and how it was enhanced by the beautiful protective walls, bridges, and curvy paths. On our three week odyssey of riding our bikes in ten states in sixteen days, this was by far our favorite! Kudos to the cities of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Your city planners hit a home run with this project!
(From the For What It's Worth department: The superb conclusion to our perfect North Dakota/Minnesota bicycle adventure was a delicious late lunch at the Blue Moose Bar and Grill in East Grand Forks. It was an ideal setting for us out on the covered patio overlooking the greenway, bike trail, and its gorgeous fall colors!)
We recently visited Grand Forks to continue our quest for riding 50 miles in all the United States.North Dakota does not have too many trails to chose from but the Greenway will not disappoint.We stayed on the west side of the Red River and found the trail surface and topography quite appealing.The trail itself is approximately 10 miles in length but heading south there are several lightly traveled bike lanes and roads.The park itself is a creation of the attempts to control the Red River when it decides to flood which was devastating in the 1990s.They have constructed several walls and levees which add to the charm of the ride.Facilities are available and quite well maintained.
This little trail was worth the stop just to see the cast iron lift bridge and North Dakota’s only tunnel. Trail has portajohns at beginning parking lot and is paved to bridge. The bridge surface was expanded metal over railroad ties and crosses the Yellowstone River. The trail turns to sand thru the old wooden railroad tunnel. Make sure you have a light since it gets dark in the middle but entire tunnel was dry. Short trail afterwards has a nice view of the valley but ends on private property.
Mostly shaded and near the river. My favorite paved biking path.
The section of trail along the Red River is as good as an urban trail can be. All smooth and very safe. The downtown loop is about 10 miles and gets a little confusing where the Red River meets the Red Lake River. The bikeway map on the city website is a lot better than the map on the Greenway website.
If you are staying at one of the hotels near the Alerus Center just take the trails south and east to the south end of the river trail, would be about 25 miles round trip including the river trail.
This is a remote area and trail is not used much. I saw one track made since the last rain. Bridge is fine to ride over with a little jump at the west end. I never imagined a lift bridge in this area.
The tunnel curves and after a 100 yards the entrance is no longer visible, so it is totally dark. I was alone, and even with a good headlight I got spooked and turned around. I spoke with a local fisherman who said the tunnel was open all the way.
The adjacent park isn't maintained very well, but looks safe.
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TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!