While Indiana is not known for having any massive mountain ranges, it has plenty of smaller mountains that are perfect for mountain biking and climbing. If you’re ready to take on a vertical challenge in the Bloomington, Indiana area or near other Midwest cities, you have plenty of options.
Biking and Hiking Wapehani Mountain Bike Park
Start your Bloomington, Indiana mountain biking adventure at Wapehani Mountain Bike Park. This was the first mountain bike park in Indiana, and features miles of trails for biking and for those who like to keep their feet on the ground, it has many miles of hiking trails, too.
The single-track trails range from beginner to technical, so everyone can get the challenge they’re looking for.
Traverse the Duluth Traverse
The Duluth Traverse or the DT is a massive, interconnected network of trails that stretches for 40 miles. No matter where you are or where your skill level lies, you can find a place to ride on these trails. They range from beginner-friendly single-track to gravel roads, and double track.
The DT starts at Mission Creek, where you have 23 miles of trails for beginners and intermediate rides. After conquering this, head to Jay Cooke State Park where you can climb high enough for a view of the St. Louis River Valley.
Tioga Recreation Area – Test Your Skills
The Tioga Recreation Area sits on the Iron Range in the northern part of Minnesota. A mountain biking trip here is perfect for every rider. A beginner skills park features a ¼-mile loop designed for new riders to practice and get comfortable on their bike.
If you’re ready to hit the larger trails, there are cross-country and downhill flow trails for all levels. Black and double-black diamond trails will give you plenty of challenges if you want to test your skills. You can even keep riding through the winter at Tioga. About ten miles of trails remain open for winter fat biking.
Miles of Trails in Marquette MI
Are you in the Marquette area? You have lots of mountains to climb in this part of Michigan. The Marquette South Trails offer the best variety of trails. With over 40 miles of mountain biking experience to discover, you can spend days exploring.
For a different type of mountain biking experience, head to Marquette Mountain. This four-season mountain offers skiing in the winter, but once the snow melts in the spring, lift access mountain biking starts. Hook your bike to the chairlift, take a ride to the top, and enjoy the well-maintained trails on the way down.
Bloomington, Indiana and other Midwest destinations offer a surprising amount of mountain biking. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned biker, you can hit the trails. Prefer to take things a little slower? Hike the miles of trails available at these destinations instead. Take in the sights and enjoy the fresh air.