The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Division has completed an amendment to the master plan for the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail to address an extension of the trail from the City of Harmony to the Minnesota-Iowa state border, including a connection to Niagara Cave, in Fillmore County.
The trail extension is proposed to be a 10-foot wide asphalt paved (bituminous) trail for approximately 6.0 miles, including a trail segment, approximately 0.5 mile long, connecting to Niagara Cave. Currently, the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is an 18 mile, asphalt paved (bituminous) trail that connects the communities of Harmony and Preston to the Root River State Trail in Fillmore County. The trail is a multi-use, non-motorized trail, with the predominate uses consisting of bicycling, walking/hiking, in-line skating and cross-country skiing.
After the extension is developed, the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail will consist of approximately 24 miles, from its intersection with the Root River State Trail (north of Preston) to the Minnesota-Iowa state border and Niagara Cave.
This master plan amendment will guide the development, management and operation of the state trail extension to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. The master plan amendment will be approved by the DNR before funds can be used for trail construction. The plan amendment discusses the extension of the trail from Harmony to the Minnesota-Iowa state border and Niagara Cave.
Public Review, July-August 2021:
The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail Master Plan Amendment, Harmony to the Iowa State Border and Niagara Cave, was open for public review from July 27 through August 27, 2021. During this review period, a public open house meeting was held on August 12, in Harmony, Minnesota. DNR staff were present to answer questions and receive comments regarding the amendment. Approximately 20 people attended the meeting. Comments received during the public review period were taken into consideration during the final preparations of the amendment. A summary of the public review is provided in Appendix B.
Questions?
For more information, please contact Diane Anderson via email at [email protected]