Root River Trail Review

Located in the far southeast corner of Minnesota is the Root River, which empties into the Mississippi River near LaCrosse, WI. The Root River is a relatively small river, which meanders through hardwood valleys with numerous exposed limestone bluffs. It is very pretty country and would be especially appealing in the fall when the leaves are turning.

The eastern end of the paved trail is at the Money Creek Forestry Unit. Traveling west you pass through Rushford, Peterson, Whalan, Lanesboro, and come to Isinours Junction (28.8 miles). The trail branches at Isinours Junction and traveling south you pass through Preston and end at Harmony (17.8 miles). Continuing west from Isinours Junction takes you to Fountain (6.5 miles). The Amish have a presence in this part of Minnesota.

On July 7 I skated from Rushford to Lanesboro (18.3 miles). At both towns right off the trail they have parking, restrooms, water, and a staffed visitor’s information center. Rushford was kind of “sleepy” but Lanesboro was bustling with visitors who are there to bike the trail and stay at one of the many Bed and Breakfast places. Lanesboro is an old river, flourmill, and railroad town and much of the turn-of-the-century charm has been preserved. There are several coffee shops, restaurants, Amish gift shops, and bike rental shops.

The trail from Rushford to Lanesboro is asphalt paved but relatively rough, similar to the Lower Munger. There were no water stops in between the two towns but along the way there were nice rest stops with picnic tables. There are several smaller creeks feeding the Root River along the way and the wood plank bridges over these creeks are in great shape. I was surprised to learn that this paved trail doubles as a cross-country ski trail in the wintertime, which explained the minimal snowmobile damage. The trail follows the river’s edge and 80% of the time you are skating in the shade of large hardwood trees. There was moderate bicycle traffic on the trail the day that I was there but certainly not troublesome.

Overall, the Rushford to Lanesboro skate is OK. I was a little disappointed that the trail was rough. I would go back again some day but I would research the other paved trail sections beforehand and look for newer and smoother asphalt.