Gamehaven

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

These are the newest trails around Rochester. They are mostly machine-built (Ditch Witch), with some exceptions, and they are fairly wide. The trails get progressively more difficult. Further into the system are some short, steep climbs and some short, fast, and undulating descents.

Most of these trails are groomed during the winter for fat biking.

This is a nice trail system that has been developed over the last few years by RASC and the Gamehaven Boy Scouts. Most of the trail is on city land, but a few parts cross Boy Scout land, which is approved, but must be respected to ensure future use. Please follow the yellow arrows that show the trail and its flow--going off onto unmarked trails will likely lead into the Boy Scout property.

Portions of this trail are used for one of the Minnesota High School Mountain Bike races.

The trail starts off with the Reservior Parking Connector; a short, flat, trail through woods that parallels a creek. Upon exiting the woods, a left turn over a short wooden bridge begins a very mild incline through a prairie.

Middle Gamehaven starts as the trail re-enters the woods. It is a very fun and flowy section that has a few short climbs. It is a section that is great for any level of experience. There is a nice view of the Gamehaven Reservoir at the end of Middle Gamehaven (aka 4-Corners), and is a nice area for a break if needed.

This is the first go back or go on option. A left turn follows the 4-Corners Return downhill back to the beginning of Middle Gamehaven. A right turn leads onward to Dragon Breath.

The first half of Dragon Breath is relatively flat and passes a bonfire that the Boy Scouts use. Pass along the right side of the bonfire to stay on the trail. Soon after entering the woods the trail begins to descend. A series of four switchbacks downhill ensues and is the trickiest part of the entire Gamehaven Trail. The final switchback has a nice bank built to allow an exit with lots of speed to the upcoming flat trail.

This is the second go back or go on option. Continuing along the flat trail, there will be a left turn to enter Not the Dragon to climb the hill just descended which will go back to 4-Corners. Continue along the trail and follow the yellow arrows through the main Boy Scout land to stay on the trail.

The Long Loop starts relatively flat. Before long, an option to take the Short Loop with a left turn is available. The Long Loop continues along the side of Gamehaven Reservoir. The biggest and steepest climb comes as the trail curves at the end of the reservoir. Watch for others that had to jump off their bike and walk the hill. A beautiful outlook of Gamehaven Reservoir with a couple of benches awaits at the top of the climb and another nice rest area.

The Long Loop continues through the woods with some descents and ascents, but no other dedicated stopping points. The last stretch of the Long Loop runs though some Boy Scout camping areas and leads back to the main Boy Scout land passed earlier.

Heading back on the flat trail, a right turn will enter Not the Dragon with a lengthy climb. The last half of Not the Dragon is a fun, fast, and rolling section that ends at 4-Corners.

A right turn heads down the 4-Corners Return which is entirely downhill and goes very quickly. The end is a T intersection, so be sure to slow down.

A left turn heads back to the parking lot on the Reservior Parking Connector, retracing the trail used at the beginning of the ride.