Explore the best rated trails in Marshall, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Casey Jones State Trail and Minnesota River State Trail . With more than 3 trails covering 47 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.
While the part of the trail on the Woodstock is freshly paved, the first 10 miles or so from Pipestone to the east are in pretty rough shape. You will damage your bike if you're not careful and paying attention to the worst of the cracks. Trails like this are what make me appreciate the crushed limestone approach to trail building.
Bring your first aid kit in case you wipe out. Many areas of loose gravel where holes and cracks were filled. This segment one way is 3.0 miles from Milan to The boat landing at Lac qui Parle. There’s a gradual downward slope from Milan to the lake.
Some of the complaints about this trail are not entirely invalid...and it should also be noted that not everything needs to be perfect, in order to be worthwhile. Yes, I wish the ashpalt were in somewhat better condition (and I wish it ran all the way to Woodstock.) But the ride is still enjoyable, and worth making. The Casey Jones Trail is the only place on Earth (other than a zoo) where I have seen a soft-shelled turtle.
Google Maps seems to indicate that the ashphalt only runs about halfway to Woodstock, but in my experience, it's a lot more like 3/4ths of the way.
According to the 2020 census, Woodstock only has a population of 110...so you wouldn't really expect there to be cool place like Staci's Bar & Grill, where one can obtain sandwiches & beer. But fortunately, you'd be wrong.
I did the trail from Pipestone to Woodstock. I attempted to continue to the county line, but the final 2 miles leaving Woodstock isn't maintained. It was knee high weeds. Still, a really fun trail mixed with mostly asphalt, some gravel, and a little grass. My ride was 22 miles round trip.
I was riding a drop bar gravel bike with 40mm slick tires which was perfect for the trail. The first asphalt section is similar to a highway shoulder...mostly smooth with some cracking. The second asphalt section is very smooth. Next is mostly flat gravel which turns into grass through the park in Woodstock.
I enjoyed the trail, and will visit again. A fun ride!
We started the ride at the Pipestone Trailhead. There is a small, dirt parking lot with a vault toilet. Immediately, I was not impressed. The asphalt trail surface is in poor condition. Every 20 feet or so were major cracks across the entire width of the trail. Many of these cracks were filled with ankle-high weeds. As if that weren’t bad enough, you had to dodge pothole after pothole along the way. We cycled for about about six miles before deciding we had enough of this poorly maintained trail and turned around. It did appear that if we had continued that the asphalt trail surface in the next section might be better. We were lucky that it was a non-windy day. I honestly cannot recommend cycling this section of the trail. Perhaps if there is another section that is paved, it might be worth starting at a different trailhead than Pipestone.
We were staying at Camden State Park in Lynd at the lower campground and started the ride from there. The actual trail starts at the visitor center about a mile up a steep and winding road. However, there is a better route (CR-25) right from the campground through local streets in Lynd. Ask at the visitor center for more information.
The trail towards Marshall is mostly downhill. Initially the trail parallels highway 23 but this highway is one with low traffic (in my opinion). The trail eventually leaves the highway and goes through parks and open space park along River Road before entering the outskirts of Marshall. We went as far as the fairgrounds and turned around.
There are no mile markers along the trail. There is no sign to indicate that you are actually on the Camden Regional Trail. What signage there is is poor. Signs like “Trail Crossing” indicate the direction of the trail. Some signs simply read “Bike Trail.” There are some benches along the trail and a vault toilet at the trailhead at the parking lot on River Road but no other amenities (no water). The trail surface was in excellent condition. On the way back to the campground, we had a headwind plus a slight uphill grade. Just a reminder, this is not a rail-to-trail bike trail so you won’t have a flat ride but will have mild undulating terrain. I would recommend this trail if you are in the area but try to start in Marshall first so you go downhill on your return. :)
Our group totaled 4 when we biked this trail. We didn't think it was so windy the morning we started out from Pipestone on the trail, but we found out quickly how a little wind could affect your ride! There is nothing to block the wind on this trail, but it's very beautiful none the less, & very well maintained too. We stopped when it became the "natural" trail & headed back to Pipestone. There is a slight grade going both ways, so even though we only did the 10 mile round trip, we were exhausted at the end! We had a really great time exploring the historical buildings of downtown Pipestone, eating at the famous Lange's Cafe, & walking around the beautiful trails of the Pipestone National Monument, which is definitely worth a visit!
We camped at Split Rock Creek State Park, about a 9 mile drive south of Pipestone. This is a very beautiful & well maintained park, & the staff was very friendly too! I would recommend reserving a spot before hand though as we showed up at 3 o'clock in the afternoon & took the one lone remaining spot! They have nice nature trails, a beach, & you can rent canoes & kayaks as well. My husband is into Geocaching, & this summer, the State Parks of Minnesota are promoting it. The one here was a continuous cache, where we had to find the clue to bring us to the next one, which eventually ended at the cache. At each one in the state, you can collect a little memento from this particular program. A very fun & recommended activity!
The 5 mile asphalt section was decent. A little boring scenery but I expected that. After that it claims to be a "natural surface", which I expected to be a dirt path, but the path was virtually non existent. Basically like riding thru a grass field. Needless to say, I didn't try this portion.
The first 5 miles was paved and very smooth. If it wasn't just recently paved then it is holding up very well. Mostly farm land along this stretch, with very little shade. Would be quite hot on a 90 degree day.
The unpaved portion, we didn't attempt. The beginning was not crushed rock, but looked more like a well used field road. Bumpy and uneven. I do not know if it had crushed rock anywhere along the remainder of the trail, but we were not about to attempt it on a 90 degree day. Looks like it too is open farm land without much shade. We may have tried it had it appeared to be a smoother surface.
The Pipestone National Monument is just 1.5 miles from the trail head, well worth the visit.
Split Rock Creek State Park, is 8.5 miles south of the trail head. Well worth the visit!! It's a small park, but oh what a GEM!! A little peace of heaven on earth!!
Lot's of eating establishments just blocks from the trail head. Subway and Lange's Cafe & Bakery in Pipestone were the only 2 that we visited, but we highly recommend! The Glass House in Ihlen, MN is another highly recommended restaurant that is 7.6 miles south from the trail head, and only 3/4 mile from Split Rock Creek State Park.
Easy access from Lake Shetek State Park. Many portions of the trail are tree lined. Beautiful views of the lake and river. Landscape is varied. The small town of Currie and the Rail Road Museum are worth the ride around town. Currie seems to be struggling though. So sad. Very nice people in a small southwestern Minnesota town.
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