Explore the best rated trails in Waseca, MN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cologne Community Trail and Empire Township Trail. With more than 44 trails covering 254 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.
Needs a complete overlay and it would be great.
The trail from Cannon to Welch is OK, but the trail from Red Wing to Welch is quite cracked and bumpy. Needs a complete overlay and it would be awesome.
I wouldn't recommend this trail to anyone. It is probably the worst trail I have ridden. In terrible shape with lots of cracks and bumps, riding along the river is harrowing at best very steep hills with cracks and leans towards the rock covered embankment new to the river. Stay away from this trail.
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
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.
We rode from Welch to Cannon Falls, along the river, under the tree canopy. Meticulously maintained. A beauty.
This trail is NOT closed from Waterville west. It is new pavement that was installed a year or 2 ago. There is a lot of shade but also some long stretches of open space. I usually ride to the huge, new railroad bridge half ways from Madison Lake to Mankato. There are a couple of places to buy a meal or snacks in Madison Lake & Elysian.
Another 5 miles & you're in Mankato. The "trailhead" there needs some work. A better spot to start is a large new park in downtown Mankato overlooking the MN river. From there you can continue west and connect up with 2 more trails--one is the Red Jacket the others are city trails.
Easy, light walk a relaxing way to unwind at the end of the day. Beautiful lake, views are awesome and clean park! Loved it would go back
Rode the cannon falls to Welch section. Easier going east towards Welch than coming back. Must be a very gradual climb. But not hard at all. Very nice canopy most of the way with plenty of sunny spots mixed in. Will do this trail again but may start at Welch and go to red wing for lunch
The trail is meant more for cyclists; you'll find more people on bicycles and (to a lesser extent) roller skates than people on foot. But it is still fun.
There's a lot to see such as the remains of Camp Pearson, archaeological sites, historical plaques, nature and even loads of wildlife. There's no shortage of bugs (bring bug repellent!) as well as birds, rabbits, squirrels, deer and even otters.
You have plenty of places to rest as there are benches to relax, toilets and water fountains for refreshment. If you are a beginning hiker, this place is a handy trail for cutting your teeth.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!