When complete, the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail will connect the cities of Red Wing, Goodhue, Zumbrota, Mazeppa, Bellechester, and Pine Island for a distance of 47 miles. It will be a part of a trail system that connects two very popular and well-used trails, the Cannon Valley Regional Trail in Red Wing, and the Douglas State Trail in Pine Island. This trail is popular with hikers, bikers, horseback riders and snowmobilers.
- Landscape
This trail passes through a scenic mix of tall grass prairies, maple and basswood forests, and oak savanna. Deer, fox, wild turkeys, beavers, partridge, pheasant, and opossum can often be seen from the trail. Bald eagles nest along the Mississippi River and can be spotted just about year-round.
- Trail segments
Currently, there are two sections of the trail. The northern portion has four miles of developed, paved trail between Red Wing and the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest, and connects with Red Wing's city trails and with the 19.7 mile Cannon Valley Trail that runs between Red Wing and Cannon Falls. The northern portion has an adjacent natural surface trail for horseback riding and carriage driving, which connects to 15 miles of equestrian trails within the Hay Creek day use area.
The southern segment of the trail features 4.5 miles of paved trail, and is used by hikers and bikers in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter. This segment starts in the city of Zumbrota, connects to the city's trail system, and heads north for 5.5 miles.
- Trail uses
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
Scroll table right to see more »There are currently no event listings.
- Permits
- You will need a Horse Pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving.
- Snowmobiles must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Parking
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
Parking is available at the following trail accesses:
- in the city of Red Wing
- in the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest
- in the southern portion of the Covered Bridge Park, in the city of Zumbrota
- Restrooms
Restroom facilities are available along the trail at these points:
- in the Hay Creek Unit of the Richard J. Dorer State Forest
- in the cities of Red Wing and Zumbrota
- Winter
In the south segment, snowmobilers can use the paved trail beginning in the city of Zumbrota and heading north for 4.5 miles. This section is part of the grants-in-aid snowmobile trail system in the winter.
In the north segment, snowmobilers can use the grass treadway from Red Wing to Hay Creek (the same trail that is open to horseback riding in the warmer months).
A snowmobile must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Horseback
Snowmobiling