State trails

Douglas State Trail

hiking Hiking

Horseback Riding Horseback

Biking Biking

In-line Skating In-line skating

Cross-country Skiing Skiing

Snowmobiling Snowmobiling

Wheelchair access Wheelchair access
(electric wheelchairs allowed)

Trail features

Douglas Trail Locationcheck boxRest area

Douglas State Trail

The Douglas State Trail is a paved 12.5 mile, multiple use trail developed on an abandoned railroad grade. This trail crosses outstanding rural scenery, traversing some of the richest agricultural land in Minnesota.

The trail begins in northwestern Rochester, travels through the small town of Douglas (for which the trail is named) and terminates in Pine Island. It is generally level and wheelchair accessible.

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Trail notes

Beginning May 16 the Douglas Trail will be closed during the day between West Circle Drive and 55th St. NW for bridge repair.  The contractor will open the trail up on the weekends and during the week after 6:30pm. (updated 5-14-2013)

New Haven bridge

The New Haven bridge located 7.5 miles north of the Rochester parking lot will be closed for repairs from April 29 through June 21. There is no marked detour around the bridge. 

Landscape

This trail crosses outstanding rural scenery, traversing some of the richest agricultural land in Minnesota. You will pass through a scenic mix of forest, rolling fields and pastures. Partridge and pheasant live in the woods, and toward Rochester, geese become more abundant. Little-used county roads offer opportunity to plan a circular route.

Adjacent horse trail

One treadway is paved for bicyclists, hikers, in-line skaters and skiers. A second treadway has a natural surface for horseback riders and snowmobilers.

Permits

You will need a horse pass if you will be horseback riding, a ski pass for cross-country skiing, and a snowmobile state trail sticker for snowmobiling. No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.

 

  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • In the area
  • Etiquette
  • Winter

Parking

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!

Parking is available at the following trail accesses, each with rest facilities:
  • Rochester: From US Highway 52, take the CSAH 22 (55th Street) exit; then west and south on CSAH approximately 2 miles to Olmstead County Road 4; then east .3 miles to the Rochester trailhead
  • Douglas: From US Highway 52, turn west on Olmstead County Road 14; approximately 3 miles to the Douglas trailhead
  • Pine Island: From US Highway 52, take the Goodhue County Road 11 approximately 1/2 mile to the Pine Island City Park trailhead

Restrooms

Restroom facilities are available at the following trail accesses:
  • Rochester: From US Highway 52, take the CSAH 22 (55th Street) exit; then west and south on CSAH approximately 2 miles to Olmstead County Road 4; then east .3 miles to the Rochester trailhead
  • Douglas: From US Highway 52, turn west on Olmstead County Road 14; approximately 3 miles to the Douglas trailhead
  • Pine Island: From US Highway 52, take the Goodhue County Road 11 approximately 1/2 mile to the Pine Island City Park trailhead

In the area

Nearby DNR recreational areas include:

The following links will take you off the DNR website.
This information comes from Explore Minnesota Tourism This link leads to an external site.

Trail etiquette

Share the trail with others.
  • Stay on designated trail.
  • Keep to the right so others can pass.
  • All pets must be on a leash.
  • Clean up all pet waste.
  • Obey traffic signs and rules.
  • Pack out all garbage and litter
  • Respect private property adjacent to the trail.
  • Warn other trail users when passing by giving an audible signal. Some horses may be spooked by quiet bikers or in-line skaters. Let them know you are passing.
  • Overnight camping and campfires are permitted only on designated campsites. Do not leave campfires attended.
  • Enjoy the beauty of wild plants and animals, but leave them undisturbed for all to enjoy.
  • Douglas State Trail users are legally responsible for obeying the rules and regulations provided in Minnesota Rules, 6100.3000.

Winter use

Cross-country skiiers may use the main trail in the winter; snowmobilers should use the second treadway, which is clearly marked. You will need a ski pass if you will be skiing, and a snowmobile state trail sticker for snowmobiling.