Red Cedar Trail and A Secret Route

The missus suggested we revisit one our favorite trails yesterday so we headed to Menomonie, Wisconsin to ride the Red Cedar Trail. We have ridden this a few times over the years and while it does not have the tunnels of Elroy Sparta, it is every bit as pretty and requires a lot less driving to get to.

The trail runs 14.5 miles along the Red Cedar River to its junction with the Chippewa River Trail. The CW trail runs 7 miles west to Durand and 23 miles east to Eau Claire. On past trips we had completed the Eau Claire section so opted this time for the shorter Durand section.


The Red Cedar Trail is packed limestone and is always well maintained. You could ride just about any type of bike here with any tire width. It follows the Red Cedar River until it meets the Chippewa. Here are some shots of the trail:

Sand bars on the Chippewa




The leg to Durand was recently repaved so is smooth and fast. Durand has a very nice park at the trail head, located near a McDonald's and convenience store. The missus had so much fun here that she is contemplating trying out for the US Olympic Luge Team.


The Secret Route

On last Sunday's Lake Pepin loop, Jim led us on an alternative route from Lake City back to Red Wing (the section of 61 from Lake City north is noisy with lots of traffic). It was a great route including some nice unpaved sections but it rejoined 61 a good 8 miles from Red Wing and I was determined to find another option.

Armed with a GPS unit and some vague directions, the missus and I drove some back roads and found a route that completely avoids 61 the entire distance between Lake City and Red Wing. Most of it is packed limestone and there are a few significant hills but it is beautiful scenery with virtually no traffic.

Look for a Lake Pepin loop in the near future that includes this route but in the meantime, here are some pictures that will hopefully pique your interest.





Cheers