Cycling the Root River Trail in SE Minnesota

We found this awesome Rail-Trail in the Driftless area of southeat Minnesota. What an unexpected treat! The Root River Valley is very scenic with some of the cutest little towns in Minnesota. So, come on along with me as I "Scoot the Root!"

[@Chrisinvention]

And I am smiling again seeing you on the trail. Thank you for biking.

[@jaydee975]

On the old Milwaukee Road! Home of the donkeys! That was a nickname for the SW -2 engines that used to pull cargo and passenger trains along the line before the line itself was abandoned in 1980.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Great tour. You meet the qualifications to be considered a modern-day nomad. An elder of the cycling tribe with collective experiential knowledge to share. No need for a route finder smart phone app telling every corner or turn to take mounted in your cockpit. You explore and study the landscape, You interact with the communities you pass through and camp in, you are asking the "What if " questions observing the geological and ecological relationship. You blend into the landscape not setting yourself apart by your clothing. You are not racing to "the finish line" in your cycle racing kit, counting grams of gear. You are not bragging about your latest lightweight gear that an influencer on social media told you that you needed. Blending in not sticking out. Refreshing vlog.

[@jaydee975]

Actually, historic fact that branch section down to Harmony used to continue east through Canton, Mabel and over to Caledonia. That section of track was abandoned by the Milwaukee Road, about five years before the other section of Railroad was abandoned. Also note before you get to County Road 8 in fountain, the trail veers sharply to the left which is not on the old railroad grade. The old railroad grade crossed County Road 6 and curved right into downtown fountain.

[@jaydee975]

In a way it is too bad that the trail does not continue along the old Railroad grade from fountain West all the way to Spring Valley.

[@duanemcdonnell8804]

Paul, your legend status continues...I really enjoy how you provide an explanation of the pretty American towns and the geological history of the region. There is some real beautiful country out there. Thanks mate!

[@kellir.747]

“If you can catch my drift…” 🤣🤣🤣

[@joeherter8842]

Thank you for providing this great piece on the Root River Trail and it has been on my bucket list for a long time. The lefse at the Norsland factory in Rushford is on par with the best homemade lefse I’ve had. Worth mentioning, although it’s extremely rare to encounter one, this part of the state has Timber Rattlesnakes. My wife’s uncle lives in Rushford and the DNR repopulated Timber Rattlesnakes on the bluff behind his home, which is near the new Rushford High School. Should anyone encounter a snake warming itself on the trail, proceed with extreme caution.

[@markmartello]

Thanks for showing us another great upper Midwest railtrail.

[@graydogtreks]

Another BEST video. Thanks.

[@_Schreintime]

Great job narrating. I've done 2 century rides on the root river trail. This trail is perfect for those seeking their first 100 mile ride!

[@gregmindrum5332]

Thank you. Having grown up in Houston, Minnesota was nice to see.

[@thiskewlchick]

Thanks for taking us along!

[@pheaton23]

I ride this trail multiple times from Spring through the Fall. One of my favorites.

[@Glennkaine]

Paul,

[@braxtonperry1981]

Always fun riding With you 🚲

[@DarrinOchsner]

Thanks for sharing your travels. I enjoyed your description of the driftless area and your story telling style! Safe travels! 👍

[@mikeandpaulaclay6605]

Love the video! When you come back, ride the Harmony-Preston Trail too. My favorite section is from Preston to Harmony. Harmony is a lovely Amish town to toodle around.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Another awesome video Paul! I'm going to add this one to the list! Absolutely love how you place these trails in a geographical and historical context each time. I'm always learning something new from your work! So great that your wife got to experience it with you! Frequently these days, my wife is joining me on local rail trails with her ebike. Great to have company! I will patiently wait for the next one. Smiles, and keep rolling safe!

[@robjay5419]

A another great video. Love all the history and geography info given along the trail.