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Cannon Valley Trail - Downtown Access
4.6 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · Running trail in Cannon Falls, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cannon Valley Trail - Downtown Access' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Railroad-turned-trail available for non-motorized activities such as walking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
What runners say about Cannon Valley Trail - Downtown Access
“A beautiful and quiet trail through the Cannon Valley on the old Chicago Great Western Railroad.”
“A beautiful and quiet trail through the Cannon Valley on the old Chicago Great Western Railroad.”
Nice trail. Not 100% in the nature but it’s still pretty quiet. Not busy. Leaves are changing! The waterfall is small and under a bridge but the sound is still relaxing. Cute ducks and swan at the little man made pond too.
Love walking and running my dog along the trail by the falls. Pets aren't allowed once you are out of city where it is mainly biking but are welcome along falls area and over at least as far as Hannah's Bend Park. There are even dog waste bags provided in two areas.
The Cannon Valley is open for the season. Buy your bike pass. You'll see beautiful vegetation and wild life. Don't be too surprised if a fawn runs over the bike path. The beauty of a fawn is far greater than shock you may get when it crosses over. Pack a picnic to eat at the Welch stop.
This was a very nice even paved walking trail near waterfalls and a pond in a park. There were songbirds, swan and ducks. You can buy food for feeding the ducks and they come very close expecting you to do so. There is a winery and a brewery downtown where you can park. Nice!
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful and quiet trail through the Cannon Valley on the old Chicago Great Western Railroad.”
“The trail is a really, really old historic rail way bed converted to a beautifully, flat paved trail along the cannon river.”
“The trail is very easy riding there are not any hills at all really.”
“Love walking and running my dog along the trail by the falls.”
“A beautiful and quiet trail through the Cannon Valley on the old Chicago Great Western Railroad.”
Plan your run at Cannon Valley Trail - Downtown Access
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitecannonvalleytrail.com
- Phone(507) 263-0508
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Cannon Falls
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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