Whether you live in the Rochester area or plan on visiting, if you enjoy biking, there are several trails that are well worth exploring. Let’s discuss some of them and what makes them so unique.
Blazing Star State Trail
The six-mile Blazing Star State Trail runs from Albert Lea Lake to Myre-Big Island State Park. At the start of the paved trail, you’ll have the option to circle the marshy area on the lake’s north shore. The trail then takes you through the east side of the city of Albert Lea, but soon emerges into a rural landscape. At the trail’s conclusion, you’ll be treated to views of wetlands, oak savanna, big woods, and prairie. Be sure to keep an eye out for the warblers, mockingbirds, and sparrows that inhabit the area.
Cannon Valley Trail
The 19.7-mile Cannon Valley Trail traces the path of the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line. It connects the communities of Red Wing, Welch, and Cannon Falls. Along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views and interesting sights. One such sight is an area known as The Big Fill, a ravine that was once spanned by a 400-foot long railroad bridge, but is now filled in. A scenic overlook provides photo-worthy views of the Cannon River. There’s also a railroad-era gravel pit and cliffs covered with moss lichen, wild ginger, and ferns.
The trail continues through a hardwood forest of sugar maple, black walnut, and ash. Before you reach the trail’s end, you’ll pass by a train wreck site, a sod house, and the Cannon Valley Turtle Preserve, among other notable features.
Chippewa River State Trail
The Chippewa River State Trail runs 30.4 miles from the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers to the Tarrant Park trailhead. As you head southeast from Phoenix Park, you’ll pass over a 500-foot-long railroad trestle once used to transport train cars. The trail meanders along the Chippewa River’s shoreline as it makes its way through Owen Park, home of the historic Sarge Boyd Bandshell. The bandshell is still in use, so you might enjoy some music as you’re riding by.
As it exits the park, the trail emerges into Farm Country. As the trail continues, it will take you across the Cranberry Creek and through a ghost town called Old Tyrone. At the trail’s end, you’ll enjoy fantastic waterside views.
Douglas State Trail
The 12.5-mile Douglas State Trail runs from Rochester to Pine Island. It occupies a railbed that once served as a corridor between the two cities. You can still see some of the obelisk railroad mile markers. As the trail leaves Rochester, it enters the town that gave it its name, Douglas. It then crosses the Zumbro River and two creeks as it passes through a hardwood forest. The trail will also take you through working farms, so keep an eye out for cows.
These are just some of the excellent bike trails near Rochester. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the ride.
Image by Tony Webster is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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