State trails

Goodhue Pioneer State Trail

hiking Hiking

Biking Biking

In-line Skating In-line skating

Horses Horseback

Snowmobiling Snowmobiling

Wheelchair access Wheelchair access
(electric wheelchairs allowed)

Trail features

Goodhue Pioneer Trail Location check boxRest area

Goodhue Pioneer State Trail

When complete, the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail will connect the cities of Red Wing, Goodhue, Zumbrota, Mazeppa, Bellechester, and Pine Island for a distance of 47 miles.

It will be a part of a trail system that connects two very popular and well-used trails, the Cannon Valley Regional Trail in Red Wing, and the Douglas State Trail in Pine Island.

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Landscape

This trail passes through a scenic mix of tall grass prairies, maple and basswood forests, and oak savanna. Deer, fox, wild turkeys, beavers, partridge, pheasant, and opossum can often be seen from the trail. Bald eagles nest along the Mississippi River and can be spotted just about year-round.

In the northern segment, four miles of developed, paved trail runs from the city of Red Wing to Hay Creek, with an adjacent unpaved trail for horse use. The northern trailhead connects with Red Wing's city trails, as well as the Cannon Valley Trail, a 19.7 mile trail that connects Red Wing to Cannon Falls.

The southern segment of the trail features 4.5 miles of paved trail , and is used by hikers in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter. This segment starts in the city of Zumbrota, connects to the city's trail system, and heads north for 5.5 miles.

Adjacent horse trail

Along the northern part of the trail, an adjacent unpaved trail is available for horseback riding and carriage driving. Beginning in the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest, the natural surface treadway is approximately four miles long and connects to 15 miles of equestrian trails within the Hay Creek day-use area.

Permits

You will need a horse pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving, and a 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:
  • in the city of Red Wing
  • in the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest
  • in Covered Bridge Park, in the city of Zumbrota

Restrooms

Restroom facilities are available along the trail at these points:
  • in the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest
  • in the cities of Red Wing and Zumbrota

In the area

Nearby DNR and other 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.

This link leads to Explore Minnesota Tourism's website.

 

Trail etiquette

All users must yield to horses. Stop and dismount if requested.
  • Stay on designated trail.
  • Keep to the right so others can pass.
  • Keep all pets on leash, and dispose of pet waste.
  • Obey traffic signs and rules.
  • Pack out all garbage and litter.
  • Respect adjoining landowners' rights and privacy.
  • Warn other trail users when passing by giving an audible signal.
  • Overnight camping and campfires are permitted only in designated campsites. Never leave campfires unattended.
  • Enjoy the beauty of wild plants and animals, but leave them undisturbed for all to enjoy.
  • Trail users are legally responsible for obeying the rules and regulations provided in Minnesota Rules, 6100.3000.

Winter use

In the south segment, snowmobilers can use the paved trail beginning in the city of Zumbrota and heading north for 4.5 miles. This section is part of the grants-in-aid snowmobile trail system in the winter.

In the north segment, snowmobilers can use the grass treadway from Red Wing to Hay Creek (the same trail that is open to horseback riding in the warmer months).

Remember your state trail sticker if you will be snowmobiling!