Root River State Trail – Preston Overlook loop from Lanesboro

Root River State Trail – Preston Overlook loop from Lanesboro

Moderate

4.9

(3577)

10,706

riders

Root River State Trail – Preston Overlook loop from Lanesboro

03:19

63.3km

280m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Tips

The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 15.5 km for 88 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

338 m

Root River State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The paved Root River State Trail spans 42 miles from Fountain to Houston, following the scenic Root River. Built on an abandoned railroad, the trail is mostly level and wheelchair accessible, with the exception of a steep half-mile stretch between Vinegar Ridge and Houston. Walking/hiking biking, in-line skating, skiing, and wheelchairs are all allowed on this trail. As part of the Blufflands Trail System, the trail offers stunning views of the limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley, and passes through historic towns nestled in the hills, rolling farmlands, old milling areas, and remnants of the railroad era. There are also wildlife viewing opportunities; you might see deer, hawks, wild turkeys, and the occasional rattlesnake. There are also historical sites, campgrounds, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, museums, and unique shops along the way.

Tip by

8.74 km

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Highlight • Forest

The RJD Memorial Hardwood Forest offers many possibilities in its boundaries, with recreation areas, campgrounds, and day-use areas. The State Forest has a variety of species of plants, mushrooms, and animals (especially birds), that you can observe along the trails. The preserved area offers some riverside trails, such as the Root River State Trail, which is also a bike path and has access to some peaceful spots along it.
For more information about the road closure and forest alerts, see: dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00033#alerts

Tip by

16.4 km

Preston Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

This overlook was constructed by the Minnesota Department of Highways back in 1937-38. It is an observation point situated on the outskirts of Preston. It overlooks the Root River from a bluff, 90 feet (27.4 meters) above the river. Arthur R. Nichols, a landscape architect designed the point in a rustic style. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Tip by

18.1 km

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail-Preston Trailhead (New)

Highlight • Trail

Preston is a great town to start in, but it has taken me a few runs at it to find the right trail to go to Harmony. They have a better big map now, but a few signs right on the trail would be nice.

The first time I did this section, I thought I found the right trail, but it was the one that eventually will goto Forestville State Park. Right now it goes around the edge of town then head into the farm fields and just ends.

Tip by

30.2 km

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Great state trail that goes through lots of different environments and levels of quality. They are finishing up redoing all the trails going into Harmony which are great!

Tip by

63.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types