State trails

Root River State Trail

hiking Hiking

Biking Biking

In-line Skating In-line skating

Cross-country Skiing Skiing

Wheelchair access Wheelchair access
(electric wheelchairs allowed)

Trail features

Root River State Trail Locationcheck boxRest area
Check boxCamping

Root River State Trail

This paved, 42-mile state trail begins in Fountain and runs through the quaint and picturesque rural communities of Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston.

Constructed on an abandoned railroad, the trail is generally level and wheelchair accessible.

However, the eastern segment between Vinegar Ridge and Houston is more challenging than the western segment with a rather steep, half-mile segment that may not be suitable for all users.

Map This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

Virtual tour
Slide show of photos taken on the Root River State Trail. This slideshow requires the latest version of
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Thumbnail of temporary Root River State Trail closure map

Click to enlarge temporary closure map

Trail notes

Repairs to the confluence bridge will be on June 4 & 5.  During the day the bridge will be closed to the public.

The 4.5-mile segment of the Root River State Trail between the towns of Lanesboro and Whalan will be closed for repairs, beginning Monday, June 17. The project is anticipated to be complete by July 12.

(Last updated June 3, 2013)

Landscape

Come discover the dramatic river-carved blufflands of southeastern Minnesota! Part of the Blufflands Trail System, the Root River State Trail provides outstanding views of the soaring limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley. Wildlife is abundant, 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.

Historical buildings and rural communities along the trail provide sites of interest as well as many services. Campgrounds, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, museums, outfitters and unique stores can be found in many of the trail towns.

Permits

You will need a ski pass for cross-country skiing. 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:
  • Fountain: From Highway 52 take County Road 8 about one mile to the parking lot near the city park/softball field.
  • Lanesboro: Parking is available in the lot next to the Bass Pond off of County Road 8. Additional parking is available along the streets and at the parking lot by the Community Center/Sylvan Park.
  • Whalan: Street parking.
  • Peterson: From Highway 16, turn into Peterson on Mill Street, go 1/2 mile to Fillmore Street, and turn left to the city campground/softball field. Parking is also available along the streets.
  • Rushford: From Highway 16, turn north on Elm Street and go one block. The parking lot is at the restored railroad depot.
  • Houston: Turn west on Plum street of of Highway 76 and go one block to the Nature Center.

Restrooms

Restroom facilities are available along the trail at these points:
  • at the parking lots in Fountain and Peterson
  • at the trail centers in Lanesboro, Rushford and Houston

In the area

Nearby DNR and other recreational areas include:

Also in the area:

DNR guide to towns on the trail This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

City of Houston This link leads to an external site.

City of Lanesboro This link leads to an external site.

City of Peterson This link leads to an external site.

City of Rushford This link leads to an external site.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center This link leads to an external site.

RootRiverTrail.org This link leads to an external site.

Southeastern Minnesota Historic Bluff Country This link leads to an external site.

Explore Minnesota Tourism This link leads to an external site.

This link leads to Explore Minnesota Tourism's website.

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 42 miles of the trail are groomed for skiing in the winter. There are 25 miles of set track between Fountain and Preston; the rest of the trail is flat-packed. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required to ski on this trail.

There is no snowmobiling on the trail, although the trail does briefly intersect with the Fillmore and Houston county Grants-in-Aid (GIA) trail system, which provides many miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the area.