
Root River State Trail
Contact Information
Root River State Trail
PO Box 376Lanesboro, MN 55949
There is access to the trail at several locations: Hwy 52 South from Rochester to Fountain. Hwy 52 South from Fountain to Preston, take Hwy 16 East to Preston access. Continue on Hwy 16 to Lanesboro, Whalan, Rushford, and Houston accesses.
About
42 mi blacktop biking and x-country ski trail between Fountain & Houston in scenic bluff country of SE MN. The trail winds through a small valley and follows the Root River. Trail passes a small dam, over rail bridges and through a rock wall blasted away for the railroad. Hawks, songbirds, and wild turkeys can be spotted. Trail centers in Lanesboro, Rushford, and Houston; other rest areas. 5 mi west of Lanesboro, the Root River Trail connects with the 17 mi Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail.
More Information
Attraction Attributes
- Can accommodate groups of 45 or more
What's Nearby
Mentioned In

Leo's Malt Shop in Stillwater is one of Minnesota's many must-visit ice cream shops / Paul Vincent

Whitetail Woods in Farmington has two camper cabins open year-round / Paul Vincent

Downtown Faribault is a treasure trove of ornate brick buildings and architecture

Observe roaming bison herds at Minneopa and Blue Mounds State Parks / Roy Son

Pedal through Minnesota's Bluff Country on the scenic Root River State Trail

Hike to the scenic overlook at Honeymoon Bluff, deep in the Superior National Forest / Roy Son

Lake Winona summer paddlers and kayakers / Visit Winona

Cross-country skiers on the Gunflint Trail

Father and son fall biking at Afton State Park / Paul Vincent

Wander the trails at Fort Snelling State Park / Minnesota DNR

Pedal through Minnesota's Bluff Country on the scenic Root River State Trail

Theodore Wirth Park trailhead / Waqar Ahmad

Pedal through Minnesota's Bluff Country on the scenic Root River State Trail

Niagara Cave / Ryan Taylor

Boat fishing in Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent

A packed Bar Lurcat patio in the summer / Krivit Photography, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

The Fall River Bridge portion of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail / Credit: Minnesota State Parks and Trails