John Hardy BBQ

The Douglas Trail offers a delightful road cycling experience through Minnesota's bucolic countryside, tracing a smooth, paved path over a former railroad grade. You'll pedal past open agricultural fields, through shaded forested sections, and over the scenic Zumbro River, with opportunities to spot local wildlife. The route is generally level, making it a gentle and accessible journey for most riders.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with ample parking and amenities available at the main trailheads in Rochester, Douglas, and Pine Island. The Pine Island trailhead is particularly well-equipped with restrooms and a playground. Benches are spaced along the trail for convenient breaks, ensuring a comfortable outing.

This trail is notable for its historical significance, utilizing the corridor of the former Chicago Great Western Railway, with some original concrete obelisk mile markers still visible. In Rochester, it seamlessly connects with the Douglas-Cascade Trail, expanding your access to the city's extensive 60-mile (97 km) trail system. It's a moderate 47.0-mile (75.6 km) ride with 964 feet (294 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 34 minutes.