Wheely Cool: Top 6 Cycling Spots in Greater Grand Forks

You probably remember your first bike.  Mine was Wonder Woman-themed (long story) and it was AMAZING! As a kid, your bike gave you freedom to travel around your neighborhood, explore new places, and spend quality time with your friends and family. But at some point, most of us set our bikes aside and started driving… which is faster, but waaaaayyyy less fun. Consider this article my challenge to you to turn back the clock to childhood, grab your favorite set of human-powered wheels, and explore Grand Forks’ wide open spaces, wooded dirt tracks, and many miles of urban paths.  Just try not to smile too hard!

Born out of tragedy, the Greenway gives the healing waters of the Red River and the Red Lake River room to flow freely through the heart of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.  There are now over 23 miles of paved trails that connect Grand Cities neighborhoods to 10 parks (Riverside, Kannowski, Central, Lincoln Drive, Folson, Eagle, Griggs, Lafave, Sherlock, and River Heights) along with full-service and rustic camping sites at the Red River State Recreation Area, golfing at Lincoln Golf Course, three-disc golf courses, and four boat launches. Not to mention easy access to all the shops and restaurants in the Downtown area! But what I really love is the 2,200 acres of natural open space full of trees, wildflowers, and wildlife that you can explore on a lovely spring, summer, or fall day. So whether you’re a road racer with a need for speed or just taking your cruiser for a leisurely spin, the Greenway has something for everyone.

Okay…so this is sort of a follow-on to The Greenway, but I think it’s different enough to warrant its own entry. “The Greenerway”, as I affectionately call it, is made up of approximately ten miles of dirt trails that take you right along the shores of the Red River and Red Lake Rivers. Alternating between shaded woods and flowery meadows, these trails let you see the Greenway in its more natural state. Just look for dirt trails branching off towards the river and let the exploring begin! It’s hard to choose, but my favorite stretch is probably on the East Grand side between the Red River State Recreation Area and the parking area near the intersection of River Rd NW and 12^th St NW. Just veer off the pavement at 7^th Ave NW, head north on the grassy trail, and let the sights and sounds of the city fade away. And for those of you willing to brave the winter’s cold, these trails make up much of the six-plus miles of groomed cross-country ski trails on the Grand Forks side. So layer up, grab a fat tire bike, and hit the trails year-round!

I have to say it.  I really love this park! It’s not the biggest or most famous park you’ll ever visit, but it punches above its weight and packs a lot of enjoyment into its small-but-ample 775 acres. Turtle River State Park has approximately 13 miles of dirt trails that range from family-friendly (Fisher Loop and Hollows River), to rolling hills (Hollows Ridge, Keystone Bride, Raven Ravine, Moose Head, River View), and the technical Timber Loop. I have logged hundreds of hours in this park and love it all. But my favorite would have to be riding the downhill flow of the east side of Moose Head. It’s not for the faint of heart, but will definitely get your adrenaline flowing and put a smile on your face!  All of these trails are also great to hike on – to include the Eco Loop that is for hikers only – and there are plenty of other warm-weather activities for families to enjoy such as camping, fishing, and playing on the riverbanks.  And be sure to check out the small waterfall near the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Shelter if you have little ones with you. In the winter, the park boasts 7.5 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that are also great for fat biking and snowshoeing, and there is a 50-ft(!) high sledding hill with warming house for your little (or big!) daredevils.

No, not the John Denver song (although it is a great classic). I mean the near-infinite miles of country dirt roads we have nearby. Like literally. Start anywhere and head in any direction…and you’ll find dirt.  And the best part is there is no set trail to follow or agenda for the day. Just head out and explore whatever catches your fancy. I’ve explored many of the roads and my personal favorite (and close to home when I lived on Grand Forks AFB) was what I call “Tour de Mekinock” (see image to right).  It’s basically the same as the Tour de France… just without the mountains, cheering fans, French wine, and finish along the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. But seriously, the roads near Mekinock, ND string together some of my favorite local stretches of grasslands, Americana farmhouses, the meandering Turtle River, and farm fields that stretch for days.

For the more adventurous, the Sheyenne National Grassland (located 2 hours south of the Grand Cities) hosts a 25-mile segment of the North Country Trail that crosses the grassland from east to west. The hilly trail is comprised of both hard-packed and soft sand which makes for some fun and challenging biking, so I recommend taking a mountain bike or fat tire bike to keep from getting bogged down. The Grassland is comprised of approximately 135,000 acres of public and private land that was originally located at the delta of an ancient river as it emptied into Lake Agassiz. This created a unique topography of wooded sand dunes and sandy grassland savannahs that look almost otherworldly in North Dakota.  There is no infrastructure on the trail and limited access points, so please plan ahead and bring what you need to be self-sufficient. Horseback riding and hiking are also allowed on the trail, and camping is available nearby at Sheyenne Oaks Campground and Jorgens Hollow Campground.

Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is a haven for thrill seekers. There are 30 miles of trails within the 2,800 acres of public land in the Pembina River Gorge. The Three Sisters trail and Lady Slipper Loop are easily accessed from a parking area on 121^st Ave and offer rolling, curving, semi-technical terrain. If you’re willing to venture further away from civilization, Trappers Ridge (accessed from 106^th St) and Elk Spoor (accessed from 108^th St) will take you on a rolling descent from the rim to the river and grant access to a handful of other trails that allow you to explore prairies, wetlands, and undisturbed forest. There is no infrastructure once you descend into the gorge and the ride out is uphill, so make sure you plan ahead and bring plenty of water, snacks, and whatever else you need to be self-sufficient. I’m told that helicopter rescue – while fun – is awfully expensive. Nearby, Frost Fire Park has downhill mountain bike trails complete with lift service to transport you and your ride to the top of the runs! And if you’re looking to cool off after a hard day of riding, you can hit the water and kayak down the Pembina River, with rentals and transportation available through North Dakota Parks & Recreation. Just make sure you call ahead and schedule in advance or else you’ll be stuck on the riverbank waving at the smiling boaters as they float on by. Once the weather cools and the snow starts falling – and blowing! – grab your favorite jacket and choppers and head back to Frost Fire Park for some downhill skiing and snowboarding.