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 Todd Park Bike Trail. With more than 47 trails covering 245 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.
13.6 miles from waverly to readlyn. It’s very shady on the western part of the trail and not so much the closer you get to readlyn. Good hard surfaced trail that has great towns and parks and amenities on both ends.
My husband & I took a really great scenic roundtrip ride between Peterson & Whalen, MN. We saw lovely sections of the Root River, cliffs, & autumn colored trees. What was an extra treat, was a wonderful homemade pie shop (also serves's lunch) right on the bike path as we entered Whalen! We have e-bikes, but we only used the pedal assist on the longer inclines; they weren't very steep in this segment. The path was in good condition; the fallen walnuts posed the only hazards. We traveled to get to the trail & stayed in Houston, MN at the trailhead & visited the International Owl museum. Next time we get there, we'll take in an additional segment of this trail.
If biking mountain bikes required! Extremely rugged trails! Steep, rocky, and wet. Risk takers only! Take your life into your own hands! Hiking might be a safer option!
We rode from Whalan to Peterson and then we turned around and rode to Lanesboro and finally back to Whalan - a total of 27 miles. We rented bikes at the Cedar Valley Resort, which were reasonably priced and great quality. The trail was beautiful - very rural with good views of the river, prairie, and bluffs. The surface was smooth, shaded, and clear of debris. Most of it was flat with a few hills. We saw songbirds, turkeys, and goats. The towns provide a nice break with a chance to stop, walk around, and get something to eat.
The trail is beautiful but something to note this is for a moderate rider. A lot of the trail has rugged terrain with an abundance of rocks. Luckily our youngest was not with for this ride or we would of had to turn around. I highly suggest parking at the restaurant Old County Seat to begin your ride. That way when you circle back you can stop for some food or just grab a drink. PS - I highly recommend their Bloody Mary’s or the 1919 Root Beer!!
Staying at the Eagle Cliff resort and hopped on the trail in Whalan. Made it to just past Rushford and turned around. The trail from there on to Houston seemed scattered with debris from a storm perhaps. Lots of down tree branches made a little hard to ride so we turned around. All in all a wonderful scenic trail with many stops along the way.
This trail has it all. From hiking to horseback riding. Fun trail with some great views alone the river. Has some pretty big rocks to walk through on part so had to be careful with that. Overall great trail!
This trail is great for small hikes/walks when you’re in a time crunch or just wanting to get out of the house for a couple hours! Follows the cedar river for a while and not far from town either.
Trail full of debris and downed trees after yesterday's storms. Can't ride on either direction (unless willing to carry your bike over the roadblocks?) Will try Lanesboro's trailhead tomorrow.
We rode from the trail head in Houston at Trailhead Park (which has a fantastic bathroom and even a shower which came in handy after a super sweaty ride) to Rushford Village. A round trip of 30 miles. The trail has a few potholes closer to the park which can easily be avoided. It’s paved the entire way and I would say it’s ~ 75% canopied paved trail. My only complaint was that the transitions on and off the bridges is rough with a capital R! Lift off your seat if you are biking!
Tried to ride from Whalen to Preston this evening. There is a large tree across the trail west of Lanesboro, about a half mile west of Grist Rd. Otherwise, trail is just about as beautiful as it can be. Shaded, river views, and pie in Whalen!
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