Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

Terrain

The northern two-thirds of this trail is constructed on an abandoned railroad and is generally level and wheelchair accessible. This section of the trail follows or crosses Watson Creek, the South Branch of the Root River, and Camp Creek, passing through a variety of wooded areas and farmland. Three fishing platforms provide access to trout fishing in Camp Creek, just outside Preston.

The southern segment between County Road 16 and Harmony was not constructed on an abandoned railroad, and is comparatively more challenging. This portion of the trail climbs out of the river valley and travels along the ridgeline between the valleys, including one rather strenuous incline that may not be suitable for all users.

Landscape

Although Harmony and Preston were both settled in the 1850's, the cities are quite different in appearance. Harmony was developed upon the agricultural uplands above the Root River Valley and is home to both traditional Amish communities and green industries. Preston is located within the south branch of the Root River Valley and had an active milling community when it was settled in 1853; today the town is the county seat of Fillmore County. Both communities speak to a very different time in Minnesota's history with several historical buildings and interpretive opportunities.

Wildlife is abundant along the trail, and sightings of wild turkey, deer, hawks and turkey vultures are common. Rattlesnakes can occasionally be found on rock outcrops, along the river bottoms, or sunning themselves on the trail. They are a state threatened and protected species, and should be left alone.

Permits

You will need a ski pass for cross-country skiing. No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.

Links

• Virtual tour
• Guide to towns on the trail
• RootRiverTrail.org
• City of Preston
• City of Harmony

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

Parking Do not leave valuables in your vehicle! Parking is available at the following trail accesses:

Harmony: From Highway 52 take 4th Street NW approximately 1/2 mile west to the parking lot. Preston: From Highway 52 take Fillmore Street (also known as County Road 12) approximately 1/2 mile to the parking lot.

Restrooms Restroom facilities are available along the trail at these points:

At the trailhead in Preston At the Community Center in Harmony

In the area Nearby DNR and other recreational areas include: Root River State Trail Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Beaver Creek Valley State Park Root River State Water Trail R.J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest Rushford Sand Barrens S.N.A.

The following links will take you off the DNR website. Southeastern Minnesota Historic Bluff Country Welcome to Peterson Rushford Area Chamber of Commerce Houston Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Explore Minnesota Tourism Lodging (Harmony) Attractions (Harmony) Upcoming events (Harmony) Lodging (Preston) Attractions (Preston) Upcoming events (Preston)

Trail etiquette Share the trail with others.

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

Cross-country skiing is popular on this trail in the winter. All 18 miles of the trail are groomed for skiing in the winter. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on this trail. There is no snowmobiling on the trail.