Looking for the best trails around Cresco?

Explore the best rated trails in Cresco, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the John Wellner Memorial Trail and Wildwood Trail (Austin) . With more than 48 trails covering 271 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Root River State Trail

Great Trail!

June, 2025 by rjbrown73

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!

Shooting Star State Trail

Boring, Straight, and not well cared for.

June, 2025 by hreadfnp

We rode 1/2 way to LeRoy from Austin end. Just over 10miles. Parked our car at a gas station that’s there and took our electric scooters! Weather was beautiful and in the 80s but we were not too hot. The trail was boring and followed the road. Straight most of the time. Weeds are growing into the trail and the asphalt needs repair. Lots and lots of cracks! We had a good time but we won’t go again.

Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail

Definitely a few rough areas but overall a nice path. If you're coming from the Calmer side the path markings in Ridgeway are non existent (turn left, not right) so you might have some issues there. The markings are much better coming from Cresco

May, 2025 by jhicok_tl

Definitely a few rough areas but overall a nice path. If you're coming from the Calmer side the path markings in Ridgeway are non existent (turn left, not right) so you might have some issues there. The markings are much better coming from Cresco

Accordion

Great River Ridge State Trail

Lovely rural bike trail that end too abruptly and could use some TLC.

September, 2024 by mankato

Lovely rural bike trail that end too abruptly and could use some TLC.

Waverly Rail Trail

Nice trail

August, 2024 by dpate

I rode this trail in mid May 2024. There was a bridge being replaced without a detour around. I would guess about five miles out of Waverly. I then went to Denver and rode the other way to the closure. It’s a good trail that could by now be complete again so I plan to return soon. 5 stars Traveling cyclist Facebook

Trout Run Trail

5 STARS!

August, 2024 by xgqrms2jbn

The Trout Run Trail is a world class trail. Super smooth with some hills to spice it up. I started at Pulpit Rock campground and rode both ways around Decorah. I would highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable trail. I would rate this higher than five stars.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook

Paint Creek Trail (IA)

Nice wooded trail

August, 2024 by xgqrms2jbn

The Paint Creek trail is short but very enjoyable. At some point a tracked vehicle was on the trail when it was soft and left some track stutter bumps that reduced my enjoyment. There was a short repaired section that had large loose rocks. I started on the west side but I could not completely finish the trail because it was flooded toward the east end. I give it 4 stars only for the manmade stutter bumps.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook

Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail

Needs some improvement…

August, 2024 by julie.supple

We rode the trail today from Calmar to Ridgeway and back. Although the scenery was nice, the trail is in major need of maintenance. There were so many bumps and pot holes it was dangerous at times. We won’t be back unless the trail is fixed.

Trout Run Trail

One of the best!

August, 2024 by julie.supple

I rode this trail today with a friend. We enjoyed the scenery and the variety of difficulty. It was an amazing trail and very well maintained. We will definitely be back.

Charley Western Recreational Trailway

Great trail!

August, 2024 by dpate

I have ridden this trail twice. If I lived in Charles City I would ride it everyday. It is a great trail that I recommend highly. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Harry Cook Nature Trail

Nice short trail

August, 2024 by dpate

This is a good trail but pretty short. 5 stars.. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Root River State Trail

Great, but look at the elevation chart

August, 2024 by askrens

Really enjoyed the trail. Did the entire ride, east to west. Trail was in very good shape.

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