Minnesota Trail Guide: Exploring The Cannon Valley Trail (Cannon Falls to Red Wing, MN)
🌲 Discover the beauty of Minnesota on the Cannon Valley Trail! Uncover hidden gems and scenic spots with our helpful trail guide. 🌼 #Minnesota #TrailGuide #HeartlandStateTrail
CANNON FALLS, MN – Spanning 19.7 miles from Cannon Falls to Red Wing, the paved Cannon Valley Trail takes you on a visually striking adventure across southeastern Minnesota. Following an old Chicago Great Western railroad route, the trail hugs the Cannon River, offering stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and a vibrant display of wildflowers, often under a canopy of lush trees.
🌿 Year-Round Recreation and Amenities
The Cannon Valley Trail is open year-round for non-motorized use, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts in every season. During the winter months, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing, providing a serene and invigorating experience for skiers.
Along the way, you’ll find several interpretive sites and rest stops equipped with benches, water, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. To help maintain the trail, users are required to purchase a wheel pass.
🌊 Cannon Falls: Where the Trail Begins
The city section of the trail begins in a park on the Cannon River near the falls that gave Cannon Falls its name. This half-mile stretch winds around the park, picnic areas, and ponds before traversing a residential area and reaching the official start of the Cannon Valley Trail.
]As you embark on your journey, keep an eye out for the seventeen old mileage markers along the route. These concrete posts, originally used to identify the number of miles from Mankato, can also be found on the Sakatah Trail.
🌄 Welch: A Midpoint Rest Stop
The charming town of Welch marks the midpoint of the Cannon Valley Trail and features a convenient rest stop with bathrooms, providing a perfect opportunity to take a break and recharge before continuing your adventure.
🐢 Natural Wonders and Historic Sites
As you continue along the trail, you’ll pass by several fascinating natural and historical sites. The Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA is a haven for various turtle species, while the Red Wing and Silvernale Archaeology Preserves offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
A wetland observation deck provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the local ecosystem and wildlife. The trail concludes at the downtown Red Wing trailhead, near the historic Pottery Place, where you can explore the town’s unique charm and heritage.
🔗 Connections and Future Developments
The Cannon Valley Trail connects to several other trails in the region, offering even more opportunities for exploration. In Cannon Falls, the trail links to the Mill Towns Trail, which will eventually connect to the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail at Faribault. Currently, paved sections of the Mill Towns Trail include two miles at Cannon Falls, three miles between Dundas and Northfield, and two miles east from Faribault.
In Red Wing, you can access the northern portion of the Goodhue Pioneer Trail, which spans 5 miles and currently ends at the Hay Creek Campground. In the future, this trail will connect to the Douglas State Trail near Rochester. Another exciting development on the horizon is the Mississippi Blufflands State Trail, which will link Red Wing with Lake City, offering even more stunning views and recreational opportunities.
🌲 The Cannon Valley Trail
The Cannon Valley Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of southeastern Minnesota. With its picturesque landscapes, convenient amenities, and connections to other regional trails, this 19.7-mile paved path offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interests.
Whether you’re a cyclist, hiker, cross-country skier, or simply a nature lover, the Cannon Valley Trail promises a journey filled with scenic wonders, historic sites, and the tranquil beauty of the Cannon River Valley.
🌍 Explore Minnesota’s Trails
Plan your next adventure! Check out these related articles…
- Blazing Star State Trail (Albert Lea, MN)
- Brown’s Creek State Trail (Stillwater, MN)
- Camden Regional Trail (Marshall, MN)
- Cannon Valley Trail (Cannon Falls to Red Wing, MN)
- Casey Jones State Trail (Pipestone, MN)
- Central Lakes State Trail (Fergus Falls to Osakis, MN)
- Gateway State Trail (St. Paul, MN)
- Gitchi-Gami State Trail (North Shore, MN)
- Glacial Lakes State Trail (Willmar to Paynesville, MN)
- Heartland State Trail (Park Rapids to Cass Lake, MN)
- Lake Wobegon Regional Trail (Waite Park to Osakis, MN)
- Luce Line State Trail (Plymouth, MN)
- Luverne Loop Trail (Luverne, MN)
- Mesabi Trail (Grand Rapids to Ely, MN)
- Paul Bunyan State Trail (Brainerd to Bemidji, MN)
- Root River And Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails (Lanesboro, MN)
- Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail (Mankato to Faribault, MN)
- Shooting Star State Trail (Le Roy to Austin, MN)
- St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail (Stillwater, MN to Wisconsin)
- Willard Munger State Trail (Hinckley to Duluth, MN)
Watch Video: The Beauty of Minnesota (Ultra HD 4K)
Embark on a breathtaking visual journey through the diverse landscapes of Minnesota, from its tranquil northern woods to its vibrant cityscapes. Experience the Land of 10,000 Lakes in stunning Ultra HD 4K. Music composed and performed by Kitty Norton.
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🗣 Have you ever explored the Cannon Valley Trail? What is your favorite Minnesota trail? Let others know! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
