Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

Welch, Minnesota

4.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

19.7 miles

Elevation Gain

-115 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Dan Mirocha

The Cannon Valley Trail is open year round to hikers, bikers, inline skaters and cross-country skiers. A daily pass is required (April 1 - Nov. 1) $4 per day/$25 for season. This path follows Cannon River and winds through bluffs, forest, prairie and farmland.

There are multiple entry points to the Cannon Valley Trail along the 19.7 miles of paved path that connect the towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Because the trail requires a $4 daily pass, pick your entry point next to a Wheel Pass station. The most elaborate entry point is via the town of Welch, which has bathrooms, bike rental and picnic areas. Click here for a trail map.

The trail sits on the former Chicago Great Western railroad line, which dates back to 1883. It was paved and open for bikers in 1992. The environment surrounding the trail is unique and diverse. Some portions of the trail hug the Cannon River and are covered by a canopy of trees, while other wind through tall grass prairies and farmland.

The Cannon Valley Trail is not a state trail. Instead, it is supported by Wheel Pass fees and the surrounding local communities.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Cycling

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

ADA Accessible

Bike the Cannon Valley Trail Reviews

Noah Gannaway

Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

04/12/17

It wasn't packed but that might of been because of the rain but getting a malt at the old fashioned malt shop at the finish is totally worth it

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Paddle the Cannon River

If you want a quiet, secluded paddle, this may not be the adventure for you. The Cannon River is a very popular destination in the summer months for groups of canoers, kayakers and tubers. Drinking on the river is not discouraged.Book a reservation with Welch Mill. They provide shuttle service, life jackets, canoes/kayaks and paddles (cash only). Pack a cooler of beverages and push off down the...

Hike Barn Bluff

Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minn., is an enjoyable and easily-accessible hike. Even at a slow pace, it takes just 30-45 minutes to reach the peak.There is ample parking on 5th Street near the Barn Bluff sign. Take the stairs to the trail head. From there, you'll have a few trail options:1) South Trail: This is the easiest, most efficient way to reach the summit. The South Trail runs along the south...

Vermillion Falls

Begin in the Old Mills parking lot located on 18th Street E. Head south along the paved trail running parallel to the railroad tracks. This trail is part of a 10-mile loop that leads out of the park and past the banks of the Mississippi. In approximately ½ mile, you’ll cross a long, wooden bridge spanning a dramatically deep limestone gorge. Follow the trail west through Vermillion Falls Park. ...

Hike the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area Loop

Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, the largest intact prairie system located within the Twin Cities, is home to a number of rare plants and animals. The SNA has no marked or maintained trails, but there are a few well-worn footpaths that create an easy-to-follow three mile loop through the area's most interesting features.Begin in the south parking lot located at the top of the bluff...

Hike the Afton State Park Trail

This diverse, 2,702-acre park has trails for both day hikers and backpackers – some with scenic views of the St. Croix River, others which drop into quiet ravines. For the best views of the valley, explore off-trail, where you may find hidden bluffs with panoramic views.The park also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing, in the winter.A good introductory ...

Hike to the Top of Maiden Rock Bluff

It's easy to spot Maiden Rock Bluff as you drive along Highway 35: the 400-foot-tall limestone cliff extends for nearly a mile. Getting to the top is also easy. Begin by turning onto County Road E - a twisting, narrow road that leads straight up. Once you're at the top, keep an eye out for Long Lane, which is marked by little more than a break in the corn fields. Head west until you dead end at...

Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Bike the Cannon Valley Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Paddle the Cannon River

Hike Barn Bluff

Vermillion Falls

Hike the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area Loop

Hike the Afton State Park Trail

Hike to the Top of Maiden Rock Bluff

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps