MAKIN’ TRACKS

Coming Alive

Photo by Eric Johnson

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center comes into bloom in the early part of May.

If you have a photo you think would be worth sharing, send it to Eric Johnson at photodesk@austindailyherald.com. Resolution must be 300 DPI and at least 14 inches wide.

Biking on the Root River bike trail in Lanesboro over an old railroad bridge. Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism

Makin’ Tracks

COVID-19 got you feeling shut in? Get the bike out and head out to these great trails in SE Minnesota

By Eric Johnson

With COVID-19 dominating most every aspect of life, biking is one of those activities that can still be safely accomplished with proper social distancing.

Minnesota is primed and ready to meet your biking desires with trails winding through most all parts of Minnesota.

According to explore Minnesota, there are over 4,000 miles of paved trails throughout the state taking riders through the various scenic environments that make up our state — more than 100 miles of which are mountain bike trails.

Here in southeast Minnesota we have a a wide variety of trails including the Shooting Star Trail right here in our backyard, and rides past open farm land and prairie. There’s the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails that after just a short drive will have you pedaling through all that Bluff Country has to offer.

Cycling is a great way to take you through nature, so if you are itching for a ride, be sure to check out those destinations we’ve included in this edition of The List.

Shooting Star Trail

Our own Shooting Star Trail starts in LeRoy, taking riders through Lake Louise State Park and rolls along next to Highway 56 to Austin. The trail was recently completed last year, connecting completely with Austin and goes through Rustic Retreat Wildlife Management Area, Shooting Star Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Taopi Prairie Interpretive Area and the Mower County Natural and Scenic Area.

Environment: Native wildflowers and grasses

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/shooting_star.pdf

Blazing Star Trail

Connecting Albert Lea Lake with Myre-Big Island State Park, the Blazing Star Trail will ultimately connect up with Hayward and Austin. This trail, that includes a 1.5 miles section between Hayward and Township Road 290 in Freeborn County, will also connect to form one large bike trail with the Shooting Star and the Austin trail system.

Environment: Wetlands, oak savanna, big woods and prairie

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/blazing_star.pdf

Root River and HarmonyPreston Valley State Trails

One of the most scenic trails in this part of the state, the Root River Trail spans 42 miles from Fountain to Houston and connects with the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail running 18 miles from Harmony to Preston. Along the way, take advantage of the picnic and rest areas as well as private campgrounds that place you close to the trails.

Environment: Bluff Country and several historic towns.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/rootriver_harmonypreston.pdf

Douglas State Trail

From Rochester to Pine Island, the Douglas State Trail is a 12.5 mile multiple use trail that has been developed on an abandoned railroad grade including asphalt surface for bicyclists and a natural surface used for horseback riding and snowmobiling in the winter.

Environment: rural scenery and agricultural land.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/douglas.pdf

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

Another multiple use trail, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail begins near Highway 14 in Mankato and merges with the Minnesota River Trail in Mankato. The 39-mile trail stretches west to east coming to an end east of Interstate 35 in Faribault. Take note, riders will have to use street signs to guide their way through Waterville. Again, it have been developed across an abandoned rail road grade and includes asphalt for bikes and natural for horseback riding, hiking and snowmobiling.

Environment: Picnic grounds, boat access, hiking trails and lakes are available along the way.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/sakatah.pdf