You are responsible for knowing and following the rules when you are on a state trail. For more information, see Minnesota Rules, State Recreational Trails, 6100.3000 through 6100.4300. These rules pertain to uses on Minnesota state trails. State forests, wildlife management areas and other DNR-managed public lands may have different rules.
Follow these simple tips to keep the trail experience safe and enjoyable for everyone, and to protect our natural resources.
Share the trail, respect all speeds. Not everyone moves at the same pace. Be courteous to all trail users. Slow down when trails are crowded and give others plenty of room.
Bikes must yield. Remember, bikers yield to horseback riders and pedestrians. Slow or stop when meeting others.
Give a heads-up. When passing another trail user, call out “on your left!” or if you're on a bike, give a friendly ring of a bell so others know you’re coming. Stay to the right when others approach.
Bright is best. Wearing bright or reflective clothing helps you stay visible.
Mind trail crossings. Remember—bicycles are considered vehicles in Minnesota and must abide by the rules of the road. At road crossings, follow all traffic signals, including stop signs and lights. Treat crossings with caution and keep your eyes up for motor traffic.
Stay on trail. Protect our natural resources and respect adjoining property by staying on trail, even when there are puddles or mud.
Pets must be leashed. Verbal control is not sufficient on public trails—pets must be kept on a six-foot lead or shorter at all times. Pick up after your dog, and carry the waste bag all the way to a trash receptacle.
Know what to do around horses. Several state trails are shared by horse riders. Horses always have right-of-way. Whether you are biking or walking, call out a greeting so you don't startle the horse, and be sure your children or dogs are right with you. Do not approach horses without the rider's permission.
- Accessibility and other power-driven mobility devices
- Single-user electric devices, such as electric wheelchairs, are allowed on state trails. Learn more about power-driven mobility devices on DNR lands and facilities.
- Dogsledding, mushing or skijoring
- Dogsledding or mushing is not allowed on state trails, except by special use permit.
Skijoring is not allowed on any trails groomed for skiing.
- Electric-assist/pedal-assist bicycles (E-bikes)
- Electric-assist or pedal-assist bicycles are allowed on state trails, or wherever normal bicycles are allowed, if they meet the following definition in Minnesota Statutes 169.011, Subdivision 27. Note that the law does not permit anyone under the age of 15 years to operate any electric-assist bike.
Bicycles must have two or three wheels and a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion. They must also be equipped with an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts, and meet the requirements of a class 1, class 2 or class 3 electric-assisted bicycle:
"Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
"Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle without the rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
"Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
A motorized bicycle that does not meet the definition of an electric-assist bicycle is not allowed on state trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited.
When riding on state trails, remember to yield to pedestrians and slower trail users, and give an audible signal if passing.
- Fat bikes
- Winter fat biking is not allowed on groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails, unless specifically opened as a multi-use winter trail. For safety reasons, winter fat biking is strongly discouraged on state trails that are groomed for snowmobiling. Learn more about winter fat biking.
During the summer season, fat bikes are allowed anywhere normal bicycles are allowed.
- Segways or electric personal assistive mobility devices
- Segways are allowed on state trails, or wherever pedestrians are allowed, but must be operated at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions.
Segways or electric personal assistive mobility devices are defined in Minnesota Statutes 169.011, Subdivision 26 as “a self-balancing device with two non-tandem wheels, designed to transport not more than one person, and operated by an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour.”
For more information on operation of Segways, see Minnesota Statutes 169.212.
- What's not allowed on state trails
Golf carts
Motorized bicycles
Motorized foot scooters
Motorized vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, or off-highway vehicles, except when specifically permitted, such as on the Matthew Lourey State Trail.
Any vehicle that is larger than half of the width of the trail treadway, as all users of state trails must stay on the right half of the treadway when meeting or passing other trail users.