The 7 Best Fatbiking Trails Near Oakdale, MN

The Minnesota River Bottoms Trails, located within the floodplain of the Minnesota River, is a natural and scenic 11-mile route ideal for fat biking, especially in the winter months. Popular among nature enthusiasts, the trail attracts bikers, hikers, birdwatchers, and dog walkers year-round. In the winter, the trail transforms into a fat biking paradise, drawing up to 80 riders for weekly "Faturday" rides. The trail offers a mix of flat terrain, sandy sections, and occasional technical features like skinnies and log overs, which shift due to the river's flooding, making the trail constantly evolving. Riders will also enjoy diverse wildlife sightings, from bald eagles to deer, making it a unique and rewarding experience.

The trail, mostly two-way, has several access points, including the Bloomington Ferry Bridge, the 35W bridge, and the Old Cedar Bridge site, all offering parking and easy entry. While the trail is primarily dirt with occasional sand sections, fat bikes are perfect for navigating it during winter. The trail’s dynamic nature means it’s best ridden when dry in spring or frozen in winter, but it can be muddy after heavy rains or during the thaw. With its smooth, firm dirt and minimal pavement, the River Bottoms is an excellent spot for mountain biking, especially for families and beginner cyclists.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a fat biker's dream, boasting over 12 miles of top-tier mountain biking trails starting at the West Trailhead. The trails are fast, flowy, and challenging, offering thrilling singletrack experiences for riders of all skill levels. Riders rave about the exhilaration and flow of the trails, calling them some of the best in the region. With nearly 2,000 acres of wilderness, including pristine lakes and diverse ecosystems, the park is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Fat bikers will appreciate the well-maintained paths, the stunning natural scenery, and the chance to explore a truly exceptional trail system.

The Lebanon Hills Visitor Center enhances your experience with amenities like equipment rentals for summer and winter activities, warm fires on cold days, and programs for all ages. It also serves as a hub for sustainability, featuring a vegetative roof and a rain garden. Located in the park's eastern section, the Visitor Center provides easy access to the trails, interactive nature displays, and all the information you need to plan your adventure. After an adrenaline-packed ride, you can unwind at Schulze Lake Beach or take a moment to admire the park’s restored prairies and forests, where over 3,000 new trees and shrubs have been planted.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park is a paradise for fat bikers and mountain biking enthusiasts in the heart of Minneapolis. With over 12 miles of single-track trails, including the beginner-friendly Area 36 and the adrenaline-pumping Brownie Lake Loop, it offers something for riders of all levels. Fall is particularly stunning as you weave through vibrant forests and wildlife-laden paths. Winter transforms the park into a fat biking mecca, featuring groomed trails like 45 North and Conundrum, maintained by the Loppet Foundation, alongside challenging routes managed by Minnesota Off Road Cyclists (MORC). Riders can launch from The Trailhead, a hub for gear rentals, passes, and post-ride relaxation at Mill Valley Market.

Whether you’re tackling technical climbs, gliding through snowy trails, or cruising the scenic paved routes along Wirth Parkway, Theodore Wirth Park delivers an unmatched biking experience. From spring blooms at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden to summer rides by Wirth Lake, every season offers unique adventures. For hardcore bikers, loops like Back 40, Glenwood Spur, and Southwest Loop provide intermediate challenges, while expert riders can test their skills on extreme descents and rock features. Ready for a ride? Theodore Wirth Park invites you to explore its trails year-round.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, nestled in northeast Scott County, offers fat bikers a thrilling ride through glacial ridges, hilly terrain, and lush forests. With over 10 miles of singletrack trails ranging from easy to advanced, this park is a prime destination for off-road biking in the Twin Cities. The natural, undeveloped setting provides a peaceful escape while delivering challenging terrain for even the most experienced riders. Whether tackling steep climbs or winding through dense woods, bikers can immerse themselves in the park's rugged beauty and tranquility.

Beyond biking, the park features a variety of outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and birdwatching. Its designation as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society highlights its significance for spotting woodland songbirds. Operated by the Three Rivers Parks District, the 2,785-acre reserve includes a warming house, maps along the trails, and a new off-leash dog area for those bringing furry companions. Whether you're hitting the trails on your fat bike or enjoying the serenity of nature, Murphy-Hanrehan is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Battle Creek Regional Park, just outside downtown St. Paul, is a haven for fat bikers seeking diverse terrain and scenic beauty. Spanning 1,840 acres of woods, wetlands, and grasslands, the park features 10 miles of mountain bike trails developed with Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC). These trails offer a mix of multi-use and singletrack paths suitable for riders of all skill levels, with plenty of short climbs and rolling hills. The East and West sectors of the park, divided by McKnight Road, provide unique experiences, from serene wooded paths and prairie views to creekside trails perfect for fat biking adventures. Paved trails also crisscross the park, offering a more relaxed ride amidst nature's splendor.

Beyond biking, Battle Creek boasts year-round activities, including hiking, cross-country skiing on lighted and snow-made trails, and an off-leash dog park in the East sector. The park’s natural charm is highlighted by mature oak trees, ponds, and the lovely Battle Creek running through its West side. Families and casual riders will enjoy the gentle hills and accessible routes, while more seasoned bikers can tackle the dedicated mountain biking areas. Whether you're hitting the trails or taking in the abundant wildlife, Battle Creek Regional Park is a top destination for fat bikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Carver Park Reserve, on the western edge of the Twin Cities, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and an exciting destination for fat bikers. The park boasts over 10 miles of mountain bike trails at the Monarch Singletrack, designed to cater to riders of all levels. Beginners can enjoy wide, gentle trails, while advanced riders will find rocky terrain, steep drops, and jumps to test their skills. The trails wind through wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, serene lakes, and shaded forests. Access points from Springview Drive and Grimm Road make it easy to hit the trails year-round, and the multi-use design accommodates hikers and snowshoers too.

For those looking to extend their adventure, Carver Park Reserve offers bike-in-only campsites, connecting directly to the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail for longer rides. Camping at Lake Auburn Campground adds opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and exploring nearby attractions like the historic Grimm Farm and Lowry Nature Center. Although the park doesn't currently maintain fat bike trails in the winter, its scenic diversity, well-maintained paths, and plans for additional trails make it a promising spot to visit. Let Three Rivers Park District know you'd love to see more fat biking options developed here!

Elm Creek Park Reserve, spanning 4,900 acres, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and swimming to wildlife observation and biking. Fat bikers will love the park’s 12.7 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails, designed to accommodate all skill levels. The trail system includes 2.2 miles of easy trails, 8.1 miles of intermediate routes, and 2.4 miles of challenging hand-built trails. Opened in 2011 in partnership with MORC, this sustainable trail network is the largest of its kind in the northern metro, making it a must-ride destination. The park also features more than 20 miles of paved trails, perfect for scenic fat bike rides.

Beyond biking, Elm Creek offers year-round adventures like sledding, tubing, and cross-country skiing during the winter months. The Eastman Nature Center provides a peaceful retreat with wildlife exhibits, observation areas, and resources like birding checklists and adventure backpacks. Birdwatchers can catch glimpses of species like trumpeter swans and wood ducks, thanks to conservation programs that have boosted local populations. Whether you’re hitting the trails or exploring the nature center, Elm Creek Park Reserve delivers endless opportunities for fat bikers to connect with nature and enjoy thrilling rides.