Looking for the best hiking and biking near Minot, ND? From paved family‑friendly paths in town to scenic prairie and lakeside loops within an hour’s drive, use this guide to find trail distances, surfaces, maps, and seasonal tips—plus where to rent bikes and what to see along the way.
Hiking and Biking Trails in Minot
2900 Frontage Rd 58701
A peaceful, tree-lined 1.8-mile loop along the Mouse River, Woodland Trail offers wide, shaded paths and a quiet setting for a relaxed outdoor outing in Minot.
1.8 miles | Easy | Natural surface | Best May–Aug
What You Can Do:
- Walking & Hiking
- Biking & Running
- Cross-country skiing
- Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing
1300 4th Ave NW 58703
A paved loop around Oak Park, this trail offers a smooth, accessible route with a mix of open space and shaded sections. Located in one of Minot’s most popular parks, it’s an easy option for a relaxed walk, ride, or roll.
1.4 miles | Easy | Paved | Accessible | Best May–Sep
What You Can Do:
- Walking & Hiking
- Biking & Running
- Stroller-Friendly Walks
- Wheelchair Accessible Use
54th Ave SE 58701
A quiet, wooded 2.3-mile loop along the Souris (Mouse) River, Bison Plant Trail offers shaded paths, wildlife sightings, and a peaceful setting for outdoor recreation in Minot. Access is off US-52 with limited dedicated parking.
2.3 miles | Easy | Natural surface | Best Jun–Sep
What You Can Do:
- Walking & Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing
2400 2nd Ave SW 58701
A paved park trail in Minot with a smooth, mostly gentle route that connects to other trails if you want to extend your outing. Its wide surface and accessible parking make it a good option for walking, biking, strollers, and assisted wheelchair use, though visitors should use caution around the steeper section near the northwest end.
2.4 miles | Easy | Paved | Accessible | Best May–Sep
What You Can Do:
- Walking
- Biking & Running
- Stroller-Friendly Walks
- Wheelchair Accessible Use
5 Minutes From Minot
Located just outside the city, the Minot Outdoor Recreation Area features over five miles of scenic trails with a mix of paved and natural paths. The space offers a quiet prairie setting ideal for a range of outdoor activities in Minot.
5+ miles | Easy to Moderate | Best May–Sep
What You Can Do:
- Walking & Hiking
- Biking & Running
- Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing
Minot State University Campus
This 2-mile long, natural dirt trail, located on the Minot State University Campus, is made up of 3 loops. The trail can be used for walking, biking, running, and even snowshoeing in the winter.
Nearly 2 miles | Easy | Natural surface | Best May–Sep
What You Can Do:
- Walking & Hiking
- Biking & Running
- Snowshoeing
For a list of parks located within the city of Minot, click here.
Hiking and Biking Trails Near Minot
30 Minutes From Minot
Choose between a half-mile walking trail around Rice Lake or a switch-back trail up the hillside. Take a swim in the lake after your hike or relax on nearby picnic tables or beach areas.
30 Minutes From Minot
This protected refuge includes five nature trails of different lengths to hike through woodlands, grasslands, and other scenic areas, including Lake Darling, to view the diverse wildlife population.
Click here for a map of trails at Upper Souris Refuge:
- Oxbow Nature Trail | .5 mile or 1 mile
- Overlook Nature Trail | .3 mile
- Pelican Nature Trail | .5 mile
- Cottonwood Nature Trail | .5 mile or 1 mile
- Centennial Wildlife Nature Trail | 2 miles or 2.5 miles
40 Minutes From Minot
Denbigh’s 3.25-mile loop winds through the trees in the surrounding prairie, ideal for a peaceful bike ride, with wildlife such as birds and butterflies. This trail is gravel-covered with mile markers for trail guidance through the historic arboretum.
50 Minutes From Minot
The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of North Dakota. The trails wind through a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests, and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Click here for a map of trails at Des Lacs Refuge:
- Canada Goose Nature Trail | 7.27 miles
- Munch’s Coulee | 1.25 mile
- Tasker’s Coulee Trail | 0.25 mile
50 Minutes From Minot
Fort Steventson has 8 trails of varying lengths, totaling nearly 10 miles for hiking and biking. The trail system winds through trees, woodlands, grasslands, and native prairie landscapes. Visitors can rent fat-tire bikes by the hour or for the day.
Click Here for a map of trails at Fort Stevenson State Park:
- Flicker Look | 2.4 miles
- Northern Pine Loop | 2.1 miles
- Purple Coneflower Loop | 1 miles
- deTrobriand Loop | 2 miles
- Trooper Challenge Loop | 0.8 miles
- Whitetail Loop | 0.7 miles
- Arboretum Loop | 0.5 miles
50 Minutes From Minot
Begin your journey through Audubon National Wildlife Refuge at the north end of the visitor center on the Prairie Nature Trail. The beginning of the path is paved with the half-mile extension of gravel tying back to the paved portion.
Click here for a map of trails at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge:
- Prairie Nature Trail | 0.64 miles
- North Country National Scenic Trail | 13 miles
