May brings warmer days and mint‑green leaves—ideal for tackling Duluth’s best singletrack. Whether you’re chasing flow or technical features, these five loops will get your heart pumping. And at Trailside Hotel, we’re just minutes from the action—your perfect home base for an active weekend in northern Minnesota.
Welcome to Duluth: A Playground for the Two-Wheeled Wanderer
Duluth isn’t just a scenic port town hugging Lake Superior. It’s a trail-rich paradise built for those who feel most at home with a handlebar in hand and dirt beneath their tires. If your idea of the perfect day includes a dawn ride followed by a sauna and ice plunge, you’ve found your spot. Trailside Hotel sits just a stone’s throw from some of the area’s best singletrack, and every part of our property is designed to support your ride-from-sunrise lifestyle.
Grab your gear, lube your chain, and check out our five favorite trails to hit this May—each one within easy reach of your room at Trailside.
1. Cowboy Mountain Loop (Spirit Mountain)
If you only ride one trail this May, make it Cowboy Mountain. Located at Spirit Mountain, just a quick ride from Trailside Hotel, this 5-mile loop is the real deal. It’s a flowy masterpiece with berms that roll like waves and just enough technical spice to keep things interesting. Beginners can build confidence here, while advanced riders can let loose and carve corners at speed.
Why we love it: It’s perfectly groomed in spring and finishes with killer views over the St. Louis River. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute bike ride back to the hotel sauna—no shuttle needed.
2. Solomon’s Quarry Trail
This one’s a bit of a sleeper—tucked away and less trafficked, Solomon’s Quarry is where you go for solitude and scenery. The moderate climbs feel just right after a long winter, and the trail is peppered with exposed roots, loose rock, and moments of serene, forested calm.
Pro tip: Stop at the overlook bench halfway through for a break (and maybe a photo). Afterward, toss your muddy tires onto our bike cleaning station and soak in the ice plunge—you’ve earned it.
3. Hartley Park Forest Track
Nothing beats the cool shade of Hartley Park on a warm afternoon. This 4-mile loop winds through tall pines and mature forest, offering fast, rolling sections mixed with playful technical bits. Locals ride it year-round, but May is the sweet spot—before the bugs and crowds move in.
Rider tip: Post-ride, bring your crew back to Trailside and hang around the fire pit with a beer in hand. That mix of modern comfort and wild surroundings? That’s our signature.
4. Lester Park Connector
Want to ride singletrack without leaving the city? Lester Park delivers. Located near the University of Minnesota Duluth campus, this network features tight turns, short punchy climbs, and a bit of everything for the urban adventurer. It’s accessible, fun, and a great warm-up before tackling bigger loops.
Good to know: It connects easily to other trails if you want to stretch your legs. We’ll have secure bike storage waiting when you return.
5. Stony Hill Flow Trail
Ever wondered what surfing through the forest feels like? This is it. The Stony Hill Flow Trail is packed with fast corners, modest jumps, and swooping descents that make you feel like a superhero on two wheels. May conditions are ideal here—soft but dry dirt, mild temps, and a fresh canopy of green.
Bonus: It’s less than 15 minutes from Trailside Hotel, which means post-ride recovery (read: sauna, cold plunge, and comfy bed) is always close.
Why Stay at Trailside Hotel?
Because your adventure doesn’t stop when the ride ends.
At Trailside, we’re more than just a place to sleep. We’re an experience tailored for minimalist, active travelers. Our amenities are designed for those who wake up early, push their limits, and then want a place to rest, recharge, and repeat. Here’s what makes us the go-to basecamp in Duluth:
- Sauna & Ice Plunge: Rejuvenate sore legs and clear your mind.
- Bike Cleaning Station: Because a clean bike is a happy bike.
- Secure Bike Storage: Peace of mind while you rest.
- Modern Rooms with Smart Design: Streamlined, cozy, and trail-ready.
- Fire Pit & Outdoor Lounge: Decompress under the stars.
- Close to the Action: Minutes from Spirit Mountain, Lester Park, Hartley Trails, and more.
Hit the Trails Before the Crowds Roll In
These trails are open, eager, and waiting for you to explore before summer hits full swing. Whether you’re seeking a quiet solo lap or a weekend getaway with your biking crew, Duluth delivers—and Trailside Hotel is ready when you are.
Book now before rooms fill up for summer weekends.
👉 Recharge at Trailside – Reserve Your Spot Today!
Citations
[1] Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance, 2024 Trail Map Update
[2] Visit Duluth: Mountain Biking in Duluth, MN
[3] Spirit Mountain Trail Conditions Report, April–May 2025
