Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Cannon Valley Trail
Road cycling
5.0
(5)
Cycling
5.0
(2)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
Tips
October 31, 2024
Road cycling
There is a brewery at both ends of the trail, and the Red Wing one makes great pizza!
September 21, 2023
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Cannon Valley Trail
16
riders
113km
05:02
670m
670m
The Cannon Valley Trail offers a dynamic road cycling experience, winding along the Cannon River through a captivating mix of overhanging cliffs, extensive wetlands, and dense hardwood canopies. You'll find yourself pedaling through prairies and past steep slopes with exposed rock ridges, making for a constantly changing visual feast. The trail's canopy provides welcome shade, and autumn colors are particularly vibrant, making it a scenic choice for a long ride.
Planning your trip means considering the Wheel Pass, required for users 18 and older from April 1st to November 1st. The trail is well-equipped with mile markers, benches, and picnic tables, plus a convenient rest stop in Welch. Parking is available at various trailheads in Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing, and a bike repair station is located near the western trailhead in Cannon Falls.
This 70.2-mile (113.0 km) route is rated difficult, featuring 2212 feet (674 metres) of elevation gain and typically taking around 5 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's a National Recreation Trail that successfully converted a former railway line, connecting three distinct towns and offering opportunities to explore local amenities like breweries and shops. The trail also links up with the Mill Towns State Trail to the west, providing options for even longer adventures.
64.5km
02:42
400m
400m
The Lake Byllesby and Cannon Valley Trail Loop offers a picturesque road cycling adventure, guiding you along the scenic Cannon River with views of dramatic overhanging cliffs and lush wetland complexes. You'll enjoy long stretches of dense tree canopy providing shade, interspersed with open fields of wildflowers, especially vibrant in the fall. This moderate 40.1-mile (64.5 km) route, with 1301 feet (397 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a rewarding ride with diverse scenery.
Planning your ride is straightforward, with convenient parking available at Lake Byllesby Regional Park or various access points in towns like Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Be aware that a Wheel Pass is necessary for cyclists aged 18 and older on the Cannon Valley Trail section between April 1st and November 1st. For the best experience, aim for a ride in September when the autumn foliage transforms the landscape into a spectacular display of color.
A significant part of this loop utilizes the Cannon Valley Trail, a well-maintained rail-to-trail path known for its smooth surface and gentle grades. This trail connects to other local routes like the Mill Towns Trail, offering options for extended exploration. Don't miss a stop at Cannon Belles Creamery for a treat, or pause at one of the scenic overlooks to take in the expansive river valley views.
4.5
(2)
61
riders
28.6km
01:13
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Distance 5.64 km
Uphill 80 m
Downhill 60 m
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Saturday 13 June
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h
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