Welch, Minnesota

Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

19.7 Miles Total - -115 ft gain - Point-to-Point Trail

Originally 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.