Cannon Valley Trail
The Cannon Valley Trail offers something for everyone. Visit www.cannonvalleytrail.com for more information. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Trails magazine.
Trail's roots tied to Parks & Trails Council
The Parks & Trails Council plays a vital role in saving Minnesota's most special places because it is equipped to move quickly and decisively to purchase strategic pieces of land for public parks and trails when state and local governments cannot. Such was the case in the creation of the popular 19.7-mile Cannon Valley Trail in the mid 1980s.
When the Chicago & North Western Railway Company made the decision to abandon its 18-mile railroad along the Cannon River between Cannon Falls and Red Wing, it first approached the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about purchasing the right-of-way and converting it into a recreational trail. However, legalities associated with the Cannon River's designation as a State Scenic River prevented the DNR from being able to purchase the railway for trail use.
Knowing how important this trail would be to the local community, the Parks & Trails Council wasted no time in raising $112,500 to purchase the entire railway and pay for the removal of all of its trestles, which it did on March 15, 1984. At the same time it was fundraising, the Parks & Trails Council began working to identify the appropriate entity to assume ownership of the trail. The result was an agreement that created the Cannon Valley Trail Joint Powers Board with representation from Goodhue County and the municipalities of Red Wing and Cannon Falls. The joint-powers board is responsible for administering, developing and maintaining the trail.
The Cannon Valley Trail was dedicated on May 31, 1986, and the asphalt surfacing was completed in 1992. Diverse and spectacular scenery define the trail that connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing in beautiful southeastern Minnesota. Paralleling the Cannon River, the trail offers glimpses and panoramas of the valley, descending 115 feet from Cannon Falls to Red Wing. The trail is open year round for non-motorized trail use. During the winter, cross-country skiing is a common trail activity.