Explore the best rated trails in Nelson, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Duncan Creek Trail and Wildwood Trail . With more than 62 trails covering 404 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.
We ride the trail a few times a year. It's gotten so bumpy in places that it's not a comfortable ride anymore. Redwing to Welch bad. Cannon to Welch almost as bad. Could be one of the nicest trails in the state if the surface was overlayed.
well maintained trail. scenic views of farmland, small towns, wildlife along the trail.
This trail is 100% paved, runs through woods, farm fields, along the river and is mostly well maintained. Riding from the beautiful Schaars Bluff regional park to Prescott, WI, having lunch at one of the many places in town and riding back makes a perfect day. It’s not all flat railroad grade however as there are a number of hills, which I personally like for the workout and keep in mind that you have to cross the Mississippi River bridge once you get into Hastings, MN as it is not clearly marked. Once over the bridge, the trail resumes and runs over to Prescott. Fun ride…
Roughly about 2 miles south of the trailhead in Menominee WI, the trail has had a washout due to recent heavy rains. When you go to the trailhead there are signs that say the trail is closed. This is normally a very nice unpaved, scenic and smooth trail as I’ve rode it many times. Not sure, but you may be able to get on the trail in Downsville and ride south??
We rode this trail early July 2025 starting from Eau Claire with intentions to go south to Durand and back. The trail starts in Eau Claire and is great with mostly new pavement until you hit the city limits at which time the trail degrades rapidly with cracks, bumps, foot tall weeds/grass growing up through cracks, holes, roots, overgrown grass and weeds on each side of the trail so as to render it single wide, etc. We made it about halfway and turned around in disgust as this trail was not worth our time and aching lower back. Clearly biking and/or this trail, is not a priority for the state of Wisconsin and has consequently been abandoned. shame, it’s beautiful country.
We rode the trail south from Eau Claire about 10 miles. I'm sure at one time this was a nice trail, but it hasn't been maintained and it's very rough. Make sure your bike has shock absorbers! The trail in Eau Claire is much better.
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…..
Just an awesome ride following the Cannon River nearly all the way. Spotted 11 deer (3 of them fawns), 2 swan, 1 eagle and a whole lot beauty along the way. We parked at the trailhead in Cannon Falls and rode short of Red Wing and back for a stunning 20 miles. Highly recommend!!!
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!
I rode the Duncan Creek trail in early June 2025. It was very enjoyable. I wasn’t watching my map closely and I ended up on the Old Abe trail that connects to it. Overall really good 5 star trail. Traveling cyclist Facebook
Trail is in very bad shape, especially from red wing to Welch. Not sure where the wheel pass money is going. Definitely not worth paying for.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
