Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
Root River State Trail, MN

This popular trail parallels much of the byway and offers a great place for hikers and cyclists to enjoy the byway. The trail is 42 miles long and is made up of abandoned railroad. This trail is accessible year round as a multiple use trail or as a cross-country skiing trail. Trailheads are located in Fountain, Lanesboro, Rushford, and Houston. The trail descends from Fountain into the Root River Valley to 5.3 miles east of Rushford at the DNR Forestry site at Money Creek Woods. From Fountain, the trail passes through Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, and connects to Houston.

For outstanding views of the soaring limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley, wildlife sightings such as wild turkey, deer, hawks, and turkey vultures and even rattlesnakes, travel the Root River State Hiking/Biking Trail.