One of the most popular trail rides in the state takes cyclists on the dual-trail system of the Root River Trail and the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail in the heart of the Bluff Country of southern Minnesota.
The Root River Trail, which follows the route of its namesake, the Root River, is nearly 42 miles long as its goes from Fountain all the way through Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston. Connecting to it is the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail that adds another 18 miles of cycling pleasure, some of which leaves the straight and narrow of railroad beds by going up and down hills and around curves. (See the Preston and Harmony pages for more information on that trail.)
Limestone bluffs flank the Root River Trail and are sometimes right next to the trail, or loom like mountains nearby. The river is also a constant companion on one side of the trail or the other for most of the ride.
