Explore the best rated trails in Saint Charles, 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 67 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.
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!!!
We rode 1/2 way to LeRoy from Austin end. Just over 10miles. Parked our car at a gas station that’s there and took our electric scooters! Weather was beautiful and in the 80s but we were not too hot. The trail was boring and followed the road. Straight most of the time. Weeds are growing into the trail and the asphalt needs repair. Lots and lots of cracks! We had a good time but we won’t go again.
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.
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
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.
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.
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