The Minnesota River Ramble is a five-day gravel bikepacking route that follows the Minnesota River in the southwestern part of the state. The river itself tends to ramble, starting on the state's western edge before heading south and then unexpectedly back north. The route also rambles from the top of the valley to the river below, out into the wide-open blue skies of country farmlands, and into dense forest canopies. With minimal climbing, recommended daily distances of around 65 miles, and towns dotting the way for resupply, the River Ramble would make a great first multi-day trip...
Created by: Scott Haraldson
Originally published on Bikepacking.com and featured here with their permission.
ROUTE OVERVIEW | |
Distance | 257 Miles |
Elevation | 8,273 Feet |
Unpaved | 68% |
Days | 5 |
From Bikepacking.com: The Minnesota River Valley is a unique and vital part of Minnesota’s natural and cultural heritage, offering a mix of scenic landscapes, ecological diversity, and historical significance. Riders will explore areas along the river, which flows through a valley carved by the Glacial River Warren—a massive river that drained glacial Lake Agassiz at the end of the last Ice Age, roughly 10,000 years ago. The erosion and sediment deposition from this ancient river created the valley’s distinctive landscape, characterized by its wide, flat-bottomed terrain and steep bluffs.
The Minnesota River Ramble allows bikepackers to traverse the area and experience this diverse terrain firsthand, from granite bluffs to waterlogged lowlands, along with expansive views of the valley and several waterfalls. The fertile soil of the Minnesota River Valley also supports important agricultural activities, with crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, and sugar beets divided by long stretches of gravel roads.
Minnesota River Ramble Bikepacking Route Map:
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Disclaimer: If you choose to ride this route, you do so at your own risk. You are 100% responsible for being prepared for all conditions and making sure that biking these routes is legal. Before riding, check local weather, road conditions, closures, and property ownership. Obey all traffic laws and follow land use restrictions. Do not ride these routes without proper safety equipment and navigational tools. The accuracy of these routes cannot be guaranteed neither can we guarantee that these routes are on public property. TheNxrth.com and its contributors are in no way liable for the personal injury or damage to property that may result from cycling this route or any other routes on this website.
