Red Cedar State Trail

The thousands of visitors who use the limestone surfaced Red Cedar State Trail each year find it the perfect trail for biking, birding, walking, running and cross-country skiing. With limited highway crossings and  multiple access locations, this trail quickly becomes a favorite for physical and mental recreation. A visitor center, open during the bicycling season, is located in a restored train depot at the trailhead off Highway 29, just west of downtown Menomonie. For a Red Cedar State Trail Brochure and Map.

Part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System,  the trail hugs the bank of the Red Cedar River for 14 miles, from Menomonie to the confluence of the Chippewa River. From there you may continue another 23 miles east to Eau Claire or six miles southwest into downtown Durand. This 37-mile state trail system provides trail users with opportunities to view bald eagles, osprey, hawks, sandstone rock cliffs, wooded bluffs and river bottoms. Ever changing seasons reveal spring blossoms,  green canopies of trees, wetlands, crimson sumac, geological formations and frozen ice sculptures.

Picnic areas and benches are conveniently located along the trail. Six miles south of Menomonie you’ll find Downsville, with parking and restrooms. Bike into town for an ice cream cone, a tasty lunch and a visit to the Empire in the Pine museum.

Trail passes are available at the Depot Visitor Center:
$4 for a day pass or $20 for an annual pass.
Self-registration boxes are located at the trailhead should the Depot be closed.

A strong Friends of the Red Cedar Trail and Hoffman Hills organization supports the interpretive exhibits, signage, benches and other amenities for trail visitors.

For trail information contact:
Red Cedar State Trailhead
Department of Natural Resources,
921 Brickyard Road
Menomonie, WI 54751
715.232.1242

For Area Mountain Bike Information  Mountain Bike Association