I rode this trail many times in 2009 & was never disappointed. Often there were crews out maintaining it who were very courteous & polite. I usually start in Welch Village, so I've always got a "sag wagon" as I go out & back to both ends. On the Red Wing end there is now another trail connection (Hay Creek or maybe it goes by some other name) that is about 13 miles RT long & is very scenic. It ends in the small village of Hay Creek which is mostly a bar & campground. Also, at the Red Wing end you can keep going on city trails to Levee park on the Mississippi River--this adds another 5 miles RT. Fun to watch the boats go by or maybe a train. Sometimes there's a nice cool breeze from the water. There's also several fast food joints nearby. This trail is always worth doing although I try doing it during the week when there are fewer users.

I rode the canon Valley Trail on June 17th 2008 with my recumbent trike, it was a weekday, so I pretty much had the trail to myself except for a few bikers I passed along the way. This trail can become quite crowded on weekends, so week days are a good time to bike. The trail is asphalt the entire way, and is easy to ride with it's flat terrain except for a few slight upgrades here and there. I spent two nights at the Rodeway Inn which is tucked behind the old historic pottery in Red Wing, and only about a 1/2 mile from the trail head. The trail follows along side the Canon Valley River the majority of the way, for approximately 19.7 miles. It's not uncommon to see large turtles sun bathing on the warm surface of the trail. This trail is quite scenic with it's many views of the river, and observation decks over looking grassy marshlands, once you leave Red Wing the trail turns to mostly wooded areas. You'll find yourself crossing a number of wooden plank bridges, and as an extra treat there are off trail interpretive areas to explore telling about the history of the area.

The trail ends in the town of Canon Valley, but as an extra bonus you can continue on the city trail, for another mile to the city park. I found this trail to be most enjoyable, and would highly recommend this ride to anyone.

Denni Adam
Sheboygan, WI

This trail is perfect for a relaxing day trip. The trail is gently rolling, with lots of shade and scenic river views, and only a couple of cornfields. There's a very nice pit stop at Welch Depot at the half-way point with water, toilets and a shaded picnic ground. Ride 1/4 mile to the tiny town of Welch for an ice cream cone or even an impulsive tubing trip on the Cannon River. There's a short run available that takes about an hour. Incredibly refreshing on a hot day! Intrepid bikers can ride the trail both ways for a 40-mile ride. Wussy bikers (like me and my husband) can turn around at Welch for a total of 20 miles, or stay in one of the lovely B&Bs at either end for an easy 2-day bike trip.

If you're only biking half the trail, I'd recommend the Cannon Falls end. It's a bit more scenic and it's definitely the shadier end of the trail. Cannon Falls is a little higher than Red Wing, but the difference in elevation isn't very noticeable. On the other hand, Redwing has more choices for food and lodging, so you might prefer to end up there.

This trail is worth trying! The scenery is spectacular and there is wildlife to view! Rumor has it that it is very busy on weekends.

We attempted to rent a bike for my 10-year-old. The bike shop in Cannon Falls did not have a bike that was appropriate for the trail. Dad and son walked part of the trail and fed the ducks.

"This exemplifies Minnesota's best trails, adhering closely to water routes, incorporating forests, fields, and marshlands, and avoiding climbs that might tax your pacemaker. It's easiest to start in Redwing, making the gradual climb to Cannon Falls, then having an easy glide back. You should get a chance to see varied wildlife, bird species, and, if you're so inclined, some great mushrooms. You can also combine biking with canoeing to double your fun."