The best cycling routes around Harmony

The Harmony area, located in the scenic Driftless Region, features a unique topography of rolling limestone bluffs, hidden valleys, and prairies. While many routes follow former railroad beds offering gentle grades, some sections not built on old rail lines may present more challenging, short climbs. You'll experience diverse scenery, including wooded areas, pastoral farm sites, and views alongside spring-fed creeks.

Yes, Harmony is known for its extensive paved trail systems. The 18-mile (soon to be 22-mile) Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connects Harmony to Preston and links directly into the larger Root River State Trail system, which offers over 60 miles of paved trails. An extension completed in 2025 further connects Harmony to the Iowa border.

The region is part of the Driftless Area, characterized by dramatic bluffs, rolling hills, and deep valleys untouched by glaciers. You'll also encounter significant karst geology, including sinkholes, disappearing streams, and springs. An interpretive site behind the Harmony Visitor Center highlights a sinkhole, educating visitors on this unique geological makeup.

The paved, multi-use trails like the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and the Root River State Trail system are generally suitable for families. These trails offer a serene riding experience through pastoral scenery and cozy villages. Local parks, such as Trailhead Park, also provide amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas near the trails.

Most multi-use trails in Minnesota, including the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and the Root River State Trail, are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them. Always check specific trail regulations before you go.

Just outside Harmony, you can visit Niagara Cave, a significant natural attraction featuring a 60-foot underground waterfall, ancient fossils, and unique rock formations. Harmony is also home to Minnesota's largest Old Order Amish settlement, offering cultural tours and opportunities to purchase handmade goods and produce directly from Amish farms.

While the main trails like the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and Root River State Trail are linear, they connect to various towns and offer opportunities to create loop routes by combining sections of the trail with local roads. For example, the Delaware Canal State Park – Laubach Island loop from Easton is a moderate 28.1-mile route that provides varied scenery.

Trailhead Park in Harmony is a primary access point for the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and offers parking facilities. Many of the small towns along the Root River State Trail system also provide designated parking areas for trail users.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Harmony. The trails are well-maintained, and the surrounding landscapes are vibrant. Fall brings beautiful foliage to the Driftless Region. While winter cycling is possible, conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 13 reviews. Reviewers often praise the serene riding experience, the diverse scenery of the Driftless Region, and the well-maintained paved trail systems that offer extensive riding opportunities.

Absolutely. The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connects directly to the Root River State Trail system, which boasts over 60 miles of paved trails. This extensive network allows for multi-day tours, connecting various charming villages and offering continuous scenic riding. An extension to the Iowa border further expands these possibilities.

Public transport options directly connecting to trailheads in Harmony are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. However, the interconnected nature of the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail and the Root River State Trail means you can cycle between towns and trail sections without needing additional transport once you're on the trail system.

While many sections of the paved trails follow former railroad beds with gentle grades, the unique topography of the Driftless Region means some parts not built on old rail lines can present more challenging, short climbs. For example, the Delaware Canal State Park – Billy's Downtown Diner loop from Easton is a moderate 36.2-mile route with over 380 meters of elevation gain, offering a more extensive riding experience.