Cannon Valley Trail

Cannon Valley Trail
Fall colors along the Cannon Valley Trail
Length19.7 mi (31.7 km)
Locationfollows the Cannon River in southeast Minnesota
DesignationMinnesota state trail
TrailheadsCannon Falls, Red Wing
Usehiking, cycling, in-line skating, skiing
Surfacepaved

The Cannon Valley Trail is a paved rail trail that follows the Cannon River in southeast Minnesota. The trail follows an abandoned Chicago Great Western Railway corridor for 20 miles (32 km) between Cannon Falls, Minnesota and Red Wing, Minnesota.[1] In the spring, summer, and fall months, the trail is open to hiking, biking, and inline skating. In the winter months, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing.[2]

Trailhead at Welch

Points of interest on the trail include the Cannon River, wildlife management areas, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) mountain-bike trail, Welch Village ski area, and the Red Wing archaeological preserve. The trail is managed by a joint powers board consisting of representatives from Cannon Falls, Red Wing and Goodhue County, Minnesota.[3]

  1. ^ "Cannon Valley Trail History". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-06-11.
  2. ^ "Cannon Valley Trail". Retrieved 2007-06-11.
  3. ^ "Cannon Valley Trail: About the Trail". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-06-11.