Considering heading out to Afton, by bike, for a quick overnight camping trip. I noticed they have backpacking campsites about a mile in from parking - assumedly, a trail. Does anyone know if this trail would be okay for walking a road bike (with trailer) from the paved area to the campsite? Thanks.

Well...I've camped there before, and the hike in involves basically going up a ski hill. It's rather steep and long too. It's probably possible, but I'm not sure I could recommend it. It was hard enough without a bike and trailer.

The trick to bicycle camping at Afton is to get to the campgrounds from the horse trails that enter the park on the north end off from 50th street. These are multi use trails so hikers use them too. I've never asked the park if bicycles are OK but there's no reason they shouldn't be. Be courteous to the hikers and especially the horseback riders and always announce your presence well in advance.

Before entering the park off from 50th go into the main entrance at 70th to check in and pay for your site. Then leave the park, go north on St. Croix trail and turn right up 50th. It's a real kicker of a hill so be ready for it. After climbing back up to the top of the bluff there will be an entrance to the park on the right with some signage and a map (I think). Good idea to have gotten a map from the park headquarters because these trails wind around a bit and you can get a little lost in the process of finding the campgrounds.

This is hands down the best bike camping within a day's ride of the cities.

Gross is correct, and plus, going down that hill would be one hell of a skiing run. No way you're making it up there on a touring bike, even if it was without all the tree roots.

However, matt.sterling is correct about using the horse trails. While I have not biked to afton myself (though I want to) I know folks personally that have, and were specifically directed by the rangers to get to the campsites via the horse trails as matt.sterling mentioned, and have pictures of their adventure.

I really need to pedal my Fargo out there sometime.