Explore the best rated trails in Rochester, MN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Batchelder Trail and John Wellner Memorial Trail. With more than 63 trails covering 385 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.
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.
Needs a complete overlay and it would be great.
Great trail but needs repair, mowing needs to be done more to keep weeds off trail , northern end better maintained Rochester to rail bridge need work
Only 4 stars due to the surface not being what we expected due to the app saying it is asphalt.
We started from our hotel on Mondovi Road and Short Road heading south. At this point we were 3 miles in from the trails start. At our 8 mile mark (11 miles from the start of the trail) the surface changed from clean asphalt to what is more like a "rail trail", with crushed black stone, only it was over the asphalt. There were low weeds in the center of the trail, with points where there was only a small path to ride along each edge of the trail. It is mostly wooded and relatively low grade. We went as far as the trailhead on 730th street. 31.88 miles round trip.
The next day we started at the 730th street trailhead where there is an outhouse and a picnic table. We went as far as Durand where the trail ended at a trailhead. The last 6.5 miles (as per signage) is maintained by a different county and was in excellent condition with smooth asphalt. 23.31 round trip.
The total one way of this trip is closer to 30.5 miles. Approximately 17 miles is fairly good asphalt, and 13 miles with crushed black stone, more consistent with a rail trail.
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.
this trail is really great too ride on to see overgrown weeds and horses. there is not much for greenery unlike Canyon Valley Trail. there is a nice bar at the end and it completed my 26. 4 mile ride on my bike
I like the green around sections of the trail with Long distance riding, this trail really helps me complete a 26. 4 mile ride down here and then goodhue County pioneer trail. it is such a good thing that there was an easy TrailLink and this one was my favorite part because of the soft downhill cruise with little uphill
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.
What a great trail. We loved it. Ride it in July 2022. Temps were great and lake and trees make this trail amazing. It’s a must if your in the area. We from Texas and was in town for work and couldn’t miss the opportunity to ride this trail.
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.
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