Explore the best rated trails in Caledonia, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Great River Ridge State Trail and Root River State Trail . With more than 20 trails covering 210 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The short version of my review is that it's a pretty great trail that probably has something for everybody, except pavement, and that's a good thing (says me).
This is basically a trail through rural Wisconsin where you'll have a chance to pass through 3 tunnels, a few towns and cross a bridge about every mile or so. The two southernmost tunnels are basically dry (in September), but the one to the north drips a whole lot of water and there is no chance you'll come out the other side dry. The tunnels are also very dark, so you will absolutely need a good light to get through them safely.
Trees and scrub grow along a lot of the trail and the more open areas reveal whole lot of Wisconsin farmland. The trail has gradual climbs and descents along its length, but nothing that would cause the average rider any difficulty.
One of the nicer things experienced along the trail was a little table of apples and baked goods place by an Amish family. It is totally run on the honor system. I enjoyed one of their apples!
I actually started this ride in Reedsburg on the 400 State Trail, which I highly recommend if you're looking for a longer ride.
The only thing I can think of to improve the trail would be a little more signage. I totally rode right by the start of the trail in Elroy, but was quick to correct the error of my ways. The signs at the tunnels could use a "little love" as well.
Other than that, this was a really nice ride.
We rode from Lanesboro to Fountain and back. Trail was in great condition 95% of the time with lots of shade and numerous interesting views. We started down the Harmony-Preston spur but turned back after a couple miles. It had lovely scenery but the condition is not up to par with the rest of the trail. From Lanesboro to Rushford the trail was A+, but slipped down to a B+ around Rushford. Happily after that area the trail went back to A++. The incline between Rushford and Houston is a bit challenging but so much fun on the downslopes!
The Tank Creek Bridge is out due to a fire in May, 2025. We detoured onto Highway 35 (almost 5 miles) then to County XX (about 6 miles) to reach Midway and the trail. XX starts out paved then gravel and old asphalt until you near Midway. The trail is gorgeous! Might need to come during fall foliage.
We rode Sparta to Norwalk, through tunnel 3. Two of our group had ridden the entire length in the early 70s, so it was a nostalgic day. They recalled seeing farmland and we saw a little of that, but trees have grown up and it’s mainly a nice, shaded, flat ride.
well maintained trail. scenic views of farmland, small towns, wildlife along the trail.
A 5 star is really stretching this. I get the history of this being the 1st rail to trail and the cool tunnels, but the very narrow gravel path is not much to desire. The landscape doesn’t change much and the overgrown weeds and trees prevent much scenery. Occasional stream is a welcome sight on this boring path. America’s bicycle capital is needing a little update to encourage us to return. Glad we had headlamps for the almost two mile long tunnel raining on us. Riding, rather than walking was our choice to speed it up but if you’re not steady - then walk.
The tunnels on the trail are nice, cool bluffs and overall very nice trail
This trail would be an absolute gem for the state of Minnesota if they would get it together and maintain this trail which runs through the beautiful driftless area of southern Minnesota. The trail is hard on the bike and the body as it has a plethora of cracks, roots, bumps, holes and generally failing asphalt everywhere. The area it goes through is as beautiful as you’ll find however. What a shame. Next time we consider this trail, we’ll have to decide if we have enough ibuprofen first…..
Rode round trip, including Rushford to Preston plus the spur to Fountain and back. Well maintained, beautiful trail with wonderful trail towns pleasantly spaced. I stayed in Lanesboro and would highly recommend it!
The Tank Creek bridge was burned on May 15, 2025. The bridge is closed and will need to be totally replaced. The bridge is at mile post 10 and is located halfway between Trempealeau and Lytle Road.
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