Find the top rated walking trails in Waseca, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Although having lived in the area for years, I've never used any part of this trail. I ran it from Belle Plaine to Memorial Park in Shakopee in November. I should note that this fall season has had little rain and has been on the warm side. Around 50 degrees when I ran it. So trail conditions can vary wildly.
There were a few spots with standing water near the Belle Plaine side, all easily avoidable. There is also a length of sand, probably pushing a mile overall, around the Jordan area. This section was tough to run due to the horses making ruts in the sand. I would guess a bike would need to be pushed through some of this. Other than the sand, this trail was great and totally runnable. The brush and grass had been cut and no trees or branches on the trail.
Something I wasn't aware of, from Chaska to Shakopee, the trail is paved.
Please put this trail on your to do list. Faribault to Mankato is 39 miles of scenic trails and small villages that have embraced the trail. The only down side is the underwhelming trail head in Mankato (no services) other than parking.
It’s the trail transition on Hwy 62 that had been my problem.
Finally rode from Hopkins to Chaska, I’ve been on trail a few times before but keep getting off the trail. Very poor signage at the tricky trail changes. I’m speaking particularly of bridge on Hwy 212. That being said now that I’ve from figured it out thanks to TrailLink. I will definitely ride again. Yes there are short sections that you ride along a busy highway, but the majority is wooded and very scenic. The crushed rock is very hard packed so easier to ride than some crushed rock trails.
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.
Beautiful views of the lake. Rode twice to get 10 miles!
We rode from Faribault trailhead on 8/31/24. There had just been a storm the week before so there were trees down the first few miles but we took streets to get around it. There was a section closed like the reviewer said before me but you can go around this too on the road by the lake. This trail is flat and wide. Fun to stop in Waterville for lunch half way at the Corner Bar and sat outside.
Rode Mankato to Fairabault. Around mile 35 part of the trail had collapsed, but people were still getting through. Overall trail was in excellent shape, except for one area in the State Park and another just west of that. We were on road bikes and loved the trail.
First time on this trail Sunday morning 8/10/2024. Rode from Hyatt Rochester to Pine Island and back. Started at 6:30am, got to Pine Island at 7:45am (Bathrooms were locked, which I expected being early). Took a short break and went back to the Hyatt for breakfast. Done around 9:05am.
Conditions of the asphalt are pretty decent. I like that the crossings are well marked and clear (of trees and bushes) and visible. One downed tree a couple miles from Pine Island that I had to dismount and carry over. Other than that, no stopping which is really nice.
Nothing spectacular, but a really nice morning ride! I'd probably give it 5 stars if it wasn't so thick on the tree line that you really can't see any of the scenery, but that has the benefit of 95% shade on those sunny hot days.... Probably only saw 25-30 ppl on the trail both directions combined.
This is a beautiful trail through some nice foliage and neighborhoods. The trail was clearly marked, however, was pretty bumpy.
from shakopee to chaska no longer underwater but 2 trees down across the trail
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