Find the top rated birding trails in Winona, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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
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
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.
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.
Unique paved trail with about 10 separate waterfalls. Sitting benches and large white pine trees. Begins at visitor info center.
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