Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

Welch, Minnesota

4.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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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.

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Features

Cycling

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

Handicap Accessible

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

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!

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Bike the Cannon Valley Trail

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Download the Outbound mobile app

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Paddle the Cannon River

Hike Barn Bluff

Walk to 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

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