Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Rochester, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This user fee supported trail could offer a clinic for trail maintenance given its pristine condition. Excellent paved surface with the exception of the first 4 miles west of Red Wing (given the exposure to the sun). Trail was well-marked with numerous rest stops and some informative signage and trail-side attractions. Several new bridges added to overall enjoyment of the trail. Mostly shaded for 10 miles east of Cannon Falls (beautiful falls running thru the city!). Maintenance was superb and passed several maintenance vehicles (removing a large tree limb blown down from the previous night’s storm and a blower clearing the trail.) One of the prettiest well-maintained trails we have been on and we have been on many!
I finally made it to the Cannon Valley Trail, I live 3 hours away. It was beautiful with the river , tree canopy and hills. interesting and multiple rest stops. Some parts aren’t the smoothest but overall it’s in decent shape. I was happy to pay $7 to support its upkeep. What a deal for a good outdoor experience. I rode from the Cannon Falls end to Red Wing and back. Enjoyed the Red Wing waterfront parks/ trail. Found the bike on-ramp for the bridge over the Mississippi. Found an excellent CannonBelles Ice Cream / sandwich shop at the end.
This trail is awesome! We only went about 16 miles from Houston and then back, but it was very enjoyable. We plan to come back and do another section of trail with our kids.
Best and most favorite trail of the trails we rode in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin on this trip!! Rode 50 miles round-trip, Petersen to fountain. Trail is smooth asphalt. Gorgeous river views along the way. Last 5 miles are uphill to fountain, but a very fun dissent on the return! Second day, Peterson to Houston 36 miles r/t. First 5 miles to Rushford, smooth trail. The remaining 13 miles to Houston, trail has some sinkhole spots and the bridge transitions are rough. Still some river views. Each of the little towns along the trail has a couple restaurants, just call ahead to make sure they’re open during the week.
My first time on this trail was today. Started seeing some nice fall colors on the trees. Beautiful scenic ride with cliffs, hills and valley. The overall trail was really nice. Nicely kept up and very smooth to ride on. Only down fall was that it was too narrow. Could use about another foot on each side
Context: Rode trail end to end both directions on a m road bike w 700 X 23m tires. Past reviews seem accurate wrt beauty of surrounding landscape. Disregard older reviews re poor pavement conditions. The pavement is smooth end to end. An occasional weather crack (closer to Faribault) is typically marked. Would ride again on same bike any day.
The trail is a super ride, lots of nice scenery and a very fast track. However was sorely disappointed that the pie shop in Whalan is only open weekends after labor day. That was to be the highlight of the ride!
I spent the month of August riding rail trails around the state, and this was the most scenic and best maintained trail I encountered. Lanesboro is a great little town to stop for lunch or ice cream, and would be a good choice for your riding "headquarters". Camping available at Lanesboro and other points along the trail.
We rode this trail today and it was gorgeous! The wildflowers and the fresh air is just what I needed!
Did about 40 miles out, then turned and came back. Have been on a dozen trails in the area, and this is the best trail so far. Very well maintained. A few steep hills for a little challenge
My first time on the trail was on 8/13. As soon as I got into the trees, I was met by two turkeys on the trail then a few miles further on, two deer ran across the trail, smooth going all the way. About halfway through the trail, I saw people on inner tubes floating down the river, having a great time. Made it all the way to the end and a mile towards Redwing. On the way back I jumped 6 more deer. A gorgeous trail that’s well-kept. Nice bathrooms and rest areas. I live in Brooklyn Park and it was well worth the drive. I’ll do it again, especially in the fall.
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