Experience the Cadillac of the Minnesota Bike trail system. The Root River & Harmony-Preston Valley State trail system, located in the Southeast “toe” of MN, offers 60 miles of outstanding views of soaring limestone bluffs and Fillmore County’s rural landscape. Wildlife is abundant and sightings of wild turkey, deer, hawks, and turkey vultures are common. Built on abandoned railroad grade, the Root River Bike Trail is level for more than 27 of the 60 miles. Lanesboro is an excellent starting point from which to experience the trail.
Starting in Lanesboro’s vibrant downtown, bike west from Lanesboro through farm fields where deer often graze early in the morning or late in the day. The trail follows the river and crosses it on restored railroad bridges along the way.
Five miles west of Lanesboro the trail passes though a splendid rock cut near the Old Barn Resort. Just west of here you can choose to bike either 6 miles to Fountain or 5 miles to Preston.
The route to Fountain gently climbs out of the valley on railroad grade. In Fountain there is a nice trail head and restaurants where you can buy refreshments. The route to Preston continues on level railroad grade following the river covered by a tree canopy most of the way. In Preston there is a trail head park and places for refreshments.
Continuing south from Preston is the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail. This section requires bicyclists to work a little harder. The trail follows Camp Creek, a favorite fishing spot; Preston refers to itself as the trout fishing capital of southern Minnesota. The trail follows Camp Creek for four miles, shaded by limestone bluffs, then climbs at an 8 percent grade, emerging onto farm fields resplendent with growing crops.
The trail continues along the ridge bordered by blooming prairie plants most of the way to Harmony. Harmony has a lovely trail head with restrooms and a cool drink of water. Shops and restaurants are near by where you can take a break before heading back toward Lanesboro. The ride back to Preston is much easier with a wonderful cruise back down the bluff.
Back at Lanesboro, you can bike east through four trail towns: Whalan (5 miles) , Peterson ( 13.5 miles ), Rushford (18.5 miles) and Houston (31 miles). Here the trail follows the river with bridges and trestles along the way.
Protected by a tree lined canopy your first stop is Whalan, home of the Aroma Pie shop (open Thursday through Sunday) a magnet for bicyclists. Continuing east from Whalan to Peterson, the trail is bordered by soaring limestone bluffs on the left and the Root River on the right. On hot summer days you may wish you were in the river instead of on the bike.
In Peterson there is a nice park with restrooms and picnic tables. In downtown Peterson your can find refreshments at two restaurants. Another five miles east you bike into Rushford which offers restaurants, and a trail head rest stop.
Far fewer bicyclists ride the 12½-mile section between Rushford and Houston, but it's the most exhilarating on the trail. Biking west from Houston includes a glide from the ridge down to the river and into terrain that marks the beginning of coulee country. The trail head in Houston offers a wonderful Nature Center. Houston also welcomes you with places to purchase refreshments like the rest of the trail towns.
Five miles west of Lanesboro the trail passes though a splendid rock cut near the Old Barn Resort. Just west of here you can choose to bike either 6 miles to Fountain or 5 miles to Preston.
Continuing south from Preston is the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail. This section requires bicyclists to work a little harder. The trail follows Camp Creek, a favorite fishing spot; Preston refers to itself as the trout fishing capital of southern Minnesota. The trail follows Camp Creek for four miles, shaded by limestone bluffs, then climbs at an 8 percent grade, emerging onto farm fields resplendent with growing crops.
Back at Lanesboro, you can bike east through four trail towns: Whalan (5 miles) , Peterson ( 13.5 miles ), Rushford (18.5 miles) and Houston (31 miles). Here the trail follows the river with bridges and trestles along the way.
