Looking for the best trails around Harpers Ferry?

Explore the best rated trails in Harpers Ferry, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Heritage Trail (IA) and Root River State Trail . With more than 23 trails covering 212 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

Bud Hendrickson Nature Trail

smoothest bridge ever!

October, 2025 by labottesen

Great neighborhood route over the many train tracks.

Old Highway 131 Trail

do not miss this trail!

October, 2025 by goodwing

Well maintained and beautiful scenery. A few upgrades in elevation but not bad at all. Road is smooth for the most part.

Root River State Trail

Fabulous Trail, A+++

September, 2025 by julieganser

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!

Accordion

Great River State Trail

Not to be missed!

September, 2025 by tedigreyowl

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.

Root River State Trail

great trail

August, 2025 by eyhoerle

well maintained trail. scenic views of farmland, small towns, wildlife along the trail.

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

Beautiful scenery, MN fails to maintain

July, 2025 by tmccabe77

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…..

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!

Old Highway 131 Trail

Pretty ride

June, 2025 by syq888wxgy

Quick ride and beautiful views.

Great River State Trail

Burned Bridge

May, 2025 by ggwbikemt

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.

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

Heritage Trail (IA)

Best trail I’ve seen this year

October, 2024 by brownlincolnt

Absolutely gorgeous ride with the trail in perfect condition. Unlike other trails, this one is serviced often with repairs being done with crushed gravel instead of sand. They have put multiple new bathroom facilities throughout the trail as well.

Heritage Trail (IA)

Fabulous trail

August, 2024 by dpate

I rode this trail over three days on ten mile out and back trips in perfect weather starting in Dubuque to Durango, then next day to Epworth, then on to Dyersville. I normally try to ride paved trails but this one was a pleasant surprise. The crushed stone is like cement and I could ride 18 MPH easily with no issue. It was very scenic and mostly shaded with no big hills. Even the recent rain on day two did not seem to affect it. I rate this one high! This is the epitome of a great gravel trail. 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Find Nearby City trails

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Get the Free TrailLink App

The trail is always better with TrailLink

Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.