Root River State Trail loop from Preston

Bike touring routes & trails

Root River State Trail loop from Preston

Moderate

4.6

(3445)

17,122

riders

Root River State Trail loop from Preston

02:55

49.5km

180m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: November 11, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

44 m

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail-Preston Trailhead (New)

Highlight • Trail

Preston is a great town to start in, but it has taken me a few runs at it to find the right trail to go to Harmony. They have a …

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2.33 km

Light at the end of the tunnel. Root River Trail

Highlight • Trail

silhouetted rider at the end of the tunnel.

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9.10 km

Root River State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The paved Root River State Trail spans 42 miles from Fountain to Houston, following the scenic Root River. Built on an abandoned railroad, the trail is mostly level and wheelchair …

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23.1 km

Adirondack Shelter on the Root River State Trail

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Good place for shelter, halfway between Lanesboro to the west and Whalan to the east.

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24.5 km

Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan, Minnesota

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to grab a snack as you ride the Root River Trail

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29.0 km

Confluence of the South Branch with the Root River

Highlight • River

The South Branch of the Root River joins the Root River at this location. From this point downstream, the Root River is joined by the South Fork of the Root River before ultimately flowing into the Mississippi River.

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40.6 km

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Highlight • Forest

The RJD Memorial Hardwood Forest offers many possibilities in its boundaries, with recreation areas, campgrounds, and day-use areas. The State Forest has a variety of species of plants, mushrooms, and …

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