The best traffic-free bike rides in Goodhue County

Goodhue County offers a selection of 9 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These routes range from easy to moderate difficulty, providing options for various skill levels.

While enjoyable throughout the warmer months, September is particularly recommended for touring cycling in Goodhue County. The Cannon Valley Trail, for instance, is known for its beautiful and shady tree canopies during this time, offering a pleasant experience.

Cyclists in Goodhue County can expect a diverse landscape, including tallgrass prairies, maple and basswood forests, and oak savannas. The region features rugged hills densely covered in hardwood forests, especially within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. Many trails also offer expansive wetland views and panoramas of river valleys.

Yes, Goodhue County offers several circular routes for no-traffic touring cycling. An example is the Anderson Memorial Rest Area – Belle Creek Rest Area loop from A. P. Anderson Park, which covers over 60 km. Another option is the Belle Creek Rest Area – Flowers along the trail loop from Red Wing Chevrolet-Buick-Cadillac, a moderate 31 km ride.

The routes often follow key waterways like Hay Creek and the Cannon River, which flows into the Mississippi River. You can also encounter impressive views at the Lake Byllesby Dam, which is intersected by the Mill Towns State Trail. The region also boasts varied environments from prairies to hardwood forests.

Yes, Goodhue County is rich in wildlife. Along the Mississippi River and other natural areas, cyclists often have opportunities to observe deer, fox, wild turkeys, beavers, partridge, pheasant, opossum, and bald eagles year-round.

Parking and access points are available at various locations. The Cannon Valley Trail has a dedicated rest stop in Welch with parking. For the southern segment of the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail, Covered Bridge Park in Zumbrota serves as a significant starting point and offers parking.

Many of the paved rail-to-trail routes, such as sections of the Cannon Valley Trail, are suitable for families due to their relatively flat and well-maintained surfaces. The gradual 115-foot descent from Cannon Falls to Red Wing on the Cannon Valley Trail makes it particularly accessible.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse and scenic routes, the interconnected trail systems, and the peaceful, no-traffic experience through natural environments.

Yes, some routes offer convenient facilities. The Cannon Valley Trail features a dedicated rest stop in Welch that provides amenities like parking, water, free Wi-Fi, and a bicycle repair station. You can also find rest areas like the Belle Creek Rest Area and the Anderson Memorial Rest Area.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in Goodhue County are generally classified as easy to moderate. Out of the 9 available routes, 4 are considered easy and 5 are moderate, making them accessible for a wide range of cyclists looking for a relaxed ride.