FATMAP by Strava

Lebanon Hills: Beginner Loop

Dip your toes into mountain biking with this fantastic beginner loop.

Mountain Biking Easy

Distance
2.9 km
Ascent
38 m
Descent
38 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
287 m
High Point
317 m
Gradient
Lebanon Hills: Beginner Loop Map

"With nearly 12 miles of one-way single-use singletrack, Lebanon Hills has become one of the go-to trails in the Minneapolis metro area," writes MORCMTB.org. Indeed, this fantastic network of singletrack allows riders to let loose and drop the hammer without fear of negative interactions with other trail users. Consequently, this trail system is often the first recommendation off the lips of local Minneapolis mountain bikers.

Description

The trail network here is designed as a stacked-loop system that offers a bit of something for everyone... or at least, as much as the small Minnesota hills can provide. Close to the trailhead, you'll find smooth, flowy beginner trails that loop right back around to the start, providing an easy jaunt through the forest. In the middle, you'll find the long Intermediate trail that covers the most ground. And then, about halfway through the Intermediate trail, you have the option to add some more challenging, rocky singletrack.

If you want to give a new rider their first taste of singletrack mountain biking, this short 1.8-mile loop is a fantastic place to start! This sweet stretch of singletrack is almost perfectly flat and smooth, yet it swoops and flows through the trees, offering a narrow trail experience that's decidedly different from riding on a paved greenway or a gravel road. It provides just enough challenge to get them hooked on this fantastic sport!

This short route also goes through a small skills area that contains the "Easy Slalom" and "Easy Flow" trails. These short, flowy, bermy trails provide a great spot to teach basic riding skills. With short runs down and an easy return trail to the top, this is a great spot to run a few laps and give a few basic pointers.

Difficulty

Easy

Mostly smooth and non-technical singletrack with unavoidable obstacles 2in/5cm tall or less. Avoidable obstacles may be present. Ideal for beginner riders.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between May and November

Features

  • Flow
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Roots

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area