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River Walk
4.8 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Northfield, Minnesota · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of River Walk yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about River Walk
“Beautifully maintained walkway along the river past Bridge Square Park and many beautiful areas and historic businesses.”
“This is a beautiful river walk with great bridges and seating along the bank to enjoy nice cream or a bit of quiet.”
The Cannon River Dam Walk runs past the original Malt-to-Meal mill and the dam used to power the gristmill. Beautifully maintained walkway along the river past Bridge Square Park and many beautiful areas and historic businesses.
This is a beautiful river walk with great bridges and seating along the bank to enjoy nice cream or a bit of quiet. It is short but long enough. Good parks nearby and good car parking.
Great music during the fresh farmers market they have every Saturday from 9-1. A few different baked goods options to choose from. Beautiful walk. Walking distance from downtown. Sometimes the river floods for harder access to walk in the area, but not normally. Also close to the ice cream blast!
I was there yesterday I'm handicap and can't walk really far all the handicapped spots for 3 blocks were taken and at least 5 times I found a place fairly close someone cut me off and took it. Let's see anyone with a 10 level fusion for what I'm trying to do.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautifully maintained walkway along the river past Bridge Square Park and many beautiful areas and historic businesses.”
“This is a beautiful river walk with great bridges and seating along the bank to enjoy nice cream or a bit of quiet.”
Plan your run at River Walk
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
Running trails near Northfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
St. Olaf Natural Lands
4.7 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Heritage Park
4 ★★★★☆ 22 reviews
Simple park featuring a paved walkway, playground, basketball court & picnic tables.
Carleton Arboretum North Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
Mill Towns State Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 67 reviews
Tranquil park featuring ruins of an 1870s water-powered mill plus riverfront trails.
Cannon River Wilderness Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Hills and camp sites feature in this woodland site with trails, some of which link to an oak savanna.