Explore the best rated trails in Elba, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the John Wellner Memorial Trail and Vietnam Veterans Trail . With more than 64 trails covering 377 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.
I rode the length of this trail from Phoenix Park in Eau Claire to the endpoint in Durand and back in early June 2025. The trail was closed at Owen park but it was easy to get around it. Further down the trail there was a sign that about a mile or two of trail was to be closed from 6-9-25 to 7-2-25 which was after I was on it. At about 11 miles just north of Caryville the blacktop surface deteriorates and the trail becomes more adventurous. Just SW of Meridean the trail is closed for an impassable short flooded section. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode the Red Cedar State trail in early June 2025. It’s very well packed with no loose gravel and could easily be ridden on any width tires. It’s level and very scenic. I normally stick to paved trails but I thoroughly enjoyed this trail. I rate it five stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook
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
Great for beginners and families...wonderfully maintained.
As other reviewers have said, this is NOT a bike friendly state trail. I live in Mondovi about 1/3 mile from the trail head and have learned that some of the worst loose sand is in the first mile heading east. However, after having bought a "fat bike" with 4 1/2 " tires, this is very ridable. I personally avoid riding on weekends due to the ATV traffic. It would also be nice to have more public parking along the route.
We have done the Buffalo trail in the past but today we did our favorite section-parked in Fairchild lot, went to Osseo and back. Beautiful day. Trail in decent condition. Some potholes and puddles. Ranged from gravel to sandy surfaces. Beautiful forest to drive through. Places to stop and get fuel/eat if necessary.
Lovely rural bike trail that end too abruptly and could use some TLC.
Being from the Twin Cities, I still try to hit this trail once a year. I like it a lot. But even on a Wednesday, the trail can get very busy with walkers, runners and other cyclists especially at the Rochester end.
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.
Really enjoyed the trail. Did the entire ride, east to west. Trail was in very good shape.
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