Explore the best rated trails in Winona, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and John Wellner Memorial Trail . With more than 61 trails covering 339 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…..
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 Red Cedar State trail in early June 2025. It’s very well packed with no loose gravel and could easily be ridden on any width tires. It’s level and very scenic. I normally stick to paved trails but I thoroughly enjoyed this trail. I rate it five stars! 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.
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.
Love this little trail with meandering through the woods along the river. Asphalt is in good shape too.
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.
Lovely rural bike trail that end too abruptly and could use some TLC.
For years, we talked about riding the Elroy to Sparta trail and this summer we finally did it. We were to ride 1/2 of the trail from Sparta towards Elroy and then were going to ride the other 1/2 of the trail from Elroy towards Sparta the following day. However, one of the friends we were going to ride with became ill and my husband and I decided we would go ahead and get part of the ride in. Part way through my husband decided we would ride the whole trail in one day. We entered the first tunnel which required us to walk our bikes, wear our raincoats and use a light. It was very cool. The floor of the tunnel was wet and slippery and before even entering the tunnel I found myself with soaking wet shoes but they dried fast. We stopped just a little further east of the tunnel to use restroom facilities which were clean. On we went into Wilton, which I have to say we were rather unimpressed with. The toilet facility was sorely lacking in cleanliness and we found a picnic table that was none too clean either. We continued on to Elroy and surprisingly I was able to find an Uber ride back to Sparta to pick up our truck with no time to spare as a terrible storm rolled through. Fortunately for my husband, who was waiting for me, was able to find shelter in Elroy at their welcome center. We had brought along with us shower essentials and clean clothes and were able to shower in Elroy. It is free but they do suggest a donation which we were more than happy to do. Some of the highlights were the three tunnels and the remaining overhead structure that had wires that would hang from it to alert those on the top of the train (Hobos and brakeman) the tunnel was ahead. Also, we had a large buck come up onto the trail who did not know we were there. He stood there in all his beauty until he caught sight of us and quickly disappeared into the brush. Overall, I would highly recommend this trail ride. We may do it again.
Being from the Twin Cities, I still try to hit this trail once a year. I like it a lot. But even on a Wednesday, the trail can get very busy with walkers, runners and other cyclists especially at the Rochester end.
Really enjoyed the trail. Did the entire ride, east to west. Trail was in very good shape.
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