Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors most of the year. In the Root River Trail Towns, there are many hiking opportunities.
Let our professional guides help you reach new heights on our ropes course or explore Bluff Country on our nine miles of hiking, mountain and fat tire biking and snow-shoe/ski trails.
Explore the choices and changes that faced the inhabitants of this area — from ancient peoples to today’s residents. Round out the visit with a game of croquet or horseshoes on the lawn.
Houston's South Park features an archery range and trails for hiking, horseback riding and spaces for primitive camping.
The Lost Creek Hiking Trail is a natural surface trail that runs in one direction 6.5 miles along private land. This technical trail features steep climbs and bluff-top vistas, several creek crossings, and challenging terrain. The trail is open to the public year round (except firearms season in November) and is maintained by the Bluff Country Hiking Club. Funds raised from this event will be used directly for trail improvements.
Access 1.5 miles of looping hiking trails from Winona Street in Rushford or drive to the top via Hwy 30 West to Magelssen Dr. for stunning views!
Vinegar Ridge Recreation Area is located along the 42-mile multiple-use paved Root River State Trail and six miles of horseback riding trails. Visitors can also canoe or kayak for a short trip along the Root River State Water Trail within the recreational area. The eight campsites are considered "primitive."
Hike the goat prairies in early to late summer to find blooming wildflowers. Spectacular views from this outstanding prairie SNA make the upward climb well worthwhile.
Mystery Cave is a guided tour of Minnesota's longest known cave, with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages.
Wet Bark Recreation Area offers 11 miles of horseback riding trails, hiking trails, and six miles of designated mountain biking trails in the summer, and 11 miles of ski touring trails and six miles of snowmobile trails in the winter. The campground's five horse campsites are considered "primitive."
A short walk from town or the Root River Trail, hike the Overlook Trail to surround yourself in wooded bluffland and enjoy amazing valley views.
Pin Oak Prairie Scientific and Natural Area – Captures a meandering stretch of the Root River’s Middle Branch with sandy soils and terraces setting the stage for native and threatened plant communities.
The Root River State Trail, a 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.
You will find this trail along the Root River Bike Trail as you enter from Whalen. Walk down the steps toward the ball field and enjoy the message on the sign explaining the health benefits when walking barefoot on the earth. decreasing stress and increasing overall wellness.
The trail surrounds the ball field to the south and east.
This trail through Peterson starts on the along the bike trail (#1) and as you follow the map you will find 9 more signs each explaining the significance of the location and the changes to the location over the last century.
