Fall is the Perfect Time of Year to Experience the Central Lakes Trail

Image Credit: MN DNR

Fall is the perfect time to take a ride on the Central Lakes Trail.  This former railway bed is a 55 mile paved trail that travels through ten communities in west-central Minnesota.  Riders will experience the cooler weather and Fall colors as they pass by the woods, wetlands and lakes between Fergus Falls and Osakis.

Below are video previews from the MN DNR highlighting each segment of the Central Lakes Trail to help you plan your ride route. The Central Lakes Trail Association also has a detailed trail description page that uses trailside markers developed from old Burlington Northern Railroad mile markers.

Fergus Falls to Dalton
10 miles

Dalton to Ashby
5 miles

Ashby to Melby
4 miles

Melby to Evansville
5 miles

Evansville to Brandon
6 miles

Brandon to Garfield
6 miles

Garfield to Alexandria
8 miles

Alexandria to Nelson
 5 miles

Nelson to Osakis
6 miles

The Central Lakes Trail map is available for download from the MN DNR and the Central Lakes Trail Association.  Visit CentralLakesTrail.com for more information and links to lodging and bike rentals along the trail.  Get out and enjoy the beautiful gem known as the Central Lakes Trail.