Where to Ride (and Refuel) This Fall in the Twin Cities
As a Minnesotan who lives for crisp air, golden leaves, and the soft glow of streetlamps through dusk, fall is a magical time to ride.
The bike trails get that extra texture, the commute feels more adventurous, and pulling over for a warm drink becomes its own ritual. Whether you’re new to the Twin Cities or practically born in flannel, here’s how to make the most of fall cycling safely, warmly, and with plenty of flavor.
Safe Routes & Trails to Explore
These are paths where scenery + safety + accessibility meet, even when the temperature begins to drop and daylight shortens.
Midtown Greenway Regional Trail
5.5 miles of mostly separated path, lit, plowed in winter, great views across the city. Perfect if you want something scenic but safe.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
A 51-mile loop that captures lakes, riverfronts, falls, neighborhoods. You can do a short segment or the whole loop depending on energy. Gorgeous fall colors along Minnesota’s lakes and riverbanks.
Cedar Lake Trail
Reasonably flat, shared-use, great for more relaxed rides. You get views of skyline + lake + open space.
Kenilworth Trail
Connects Cedar Lake Trail and Midtown Greenway. Shorter, but beautiful. Nice connector if you want to piece together longer rides.
Warm-Up Coffee Stops Along the Way
After a good ride, especially when your cheeks are rosy from the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot drink.
Here are local spots that pair nicely with cycling, whether you're finishing a route or pausing mid-ride.
They roast in-house, always seasonal specials, beautiful vibes. Great place to recover after riding Grand Rounds or the lakes path.
Warm, modern aesthetic, solid espresso + creative drinks. Good spot to stop in from the trail near Lake Street.
Interesting drink lineup; when the air gets spicy cold, nothing like a specialty latte to bring you back to warmth.
Cozy indoors, nice architecture, hot drinks + pastries, ideal for post-ride decompression.
Angry Catfish Bike Shop & Coffee Bar
If you like combo spots: bike shop + coffee bar. Fix a small thing, hang with fellow cyclists, sip something warm. Great for day rides where you might need a minor repair or just want cyclical company.
Extra Tips You Should Know
Watch for street and leaf debris: wetter leaves hide potholes; wet leaves themselves are slick. Slow down on turns.
Trails get more crowded on nice fall weekends, expect walkers, other riders, kids. Yield, call out when passing.
Make sure your bike’s brakes are well-adjusted, moisture + cooler air can reduce stopping power.
If riding early morning or dusk, layer in a “warm-down plan”: maybe meet a friend post-ride or have a warm destination so you don’t just freeze riding home.
How The Local Can Help You
We’re putting all of this (and more) into the Fall Edition of The Local Digital Magazine coming this October. If you want:
full maps of city cycling routes with difficulty ratings
previews of seasonal cafés, gear launches, fall-ride playlists
… sign up HERE and The Local will drop into your inbox once published.
Fall in the Twin Cities isn’t just beautiful, it’s inspiring.
The crunch of leaves, the golden glow, the way the wind teaches you to enjoy every warmed moment.
Grab your helmet, get out there, and let the city show you why this season belongs as much to cyclists as it does to leaf-peepers.
Ride safe & warm,
Your (local) guide in two-wheeled Fall adventures
