Trails
Hiking
Paved Bike
Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
The trail runs from Calmar, in Winneshiek County, northwest to the Howard County line near Cresco. This 18-mile trail is one of Iowa's typical railroad-conversion trails, connecting several small towns in a setting of rural scenery mixed with periodic woodlands and remnants of the natural tall-grass prairie. The smooth, well-maintained crushed-limestone trail carries hiking, biking, and skiing traffic in a more relaxed atmosphere than it did during the age of iron rails and steam power. Trail hours are from 6 AM to 10:30 PM.
Root River State Trail
Discover the dramatic river carved bluffs of southeastern Minnesota. The Root River State Trail is a 42 mile long multiple use trail through the picturesque rural communities of southern Minnesota. This asphalt trail was constructed upon an abandoned railroad, which is generally level and has wheelchair accessibility. Newly paved in 1999, the eastern segment between Money Creek Woods and Houston is relatively more challenging than the western segment with a rather steep, half-mile segment that may not be suitable for all users. Bicycling, in-line skating, and hiking are the main summer uses of the trail. Cross country skiing is popular in the winter. Wildlife is abundant and sightings of wild turkey, deer, hawks and turkey vultures are common. Rattlesnakes, a state threatened and protected species, are occasionally found on rock outcrops, along the river bottoms, or sunning themselves on the trail. They should be left alone.
Parking
- Fountain: From Highway 52 take County Road 8 about one mile to parking lot by city park/softball field.
- Houston: Houston Nature Center, turn west on Plum Street off of Hwy 76, go one block.
- Preston: Highway 52 to Fillmore St. (Co. Road 12), approximately 1/2 mile to the parking lot.
- Lanesboro: Parking along streets, at the parking lot by the Community Center and Sylvan Park. Overflow parking is being developed by the softball field.
- Rushford: From Highway 16, turn north on Elm Street (State Hwy. 43), go one block west. Parking lot is by old depot.
- Peterson: From Highway 16, turn west onto Highway 25 (Mill St.) into town; turn south on Fillmore St. to city park/campground.
- Whalen: On the streets.
Trout Run Trail
Trout Run trail is a paved 12 mile loop encircling Decorah and is under expansion until it is completely finished in 2009.