Douglas State Trail
MN Dept of Natural Resources - Douglas State Trail
General information & trail maps:
DNR Information Center
info.dnr@state.mn.us
651-296-6157 or 1-888-646-6367 (toll free)
500 Lafayette Rd
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
Rochester Office:
507-206-2847
2118 Campus Drive SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904
The Douglas State Trail is a 12.5 mile, multiple-use trail developed on an abandoned railroad grade. It is generally level and accessible. There are two separate treadways: one is paved for bicyclists and hikers; the other is natural surface for horseback riders and snowmobilers. The trail begins in northwestern Rochester, passes through the small town of Douglas, and ends in Pine Island.
This trail offers outstanding rural scenery and travels through some of the richest agricultural land in Minnesota. You will pass through a scenic mix of forest, rolling fields and pastures. Partridge and pheasant live in the woods, and toward Rochester, geese become more abundant. Little-used county roads offer opportunity to plan a circular route.
One treadway is paved for bicyclists and hikers. A second treadway has a natural surface for horseback riders and snowmobilers.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Horseback
Snowmobiling
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)
- You will need a Horse Pass if you will be horseback riding or carriage driving.
- Snowmobiles must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
Parking is available at the following trail accesses, each with restroom facilities:
- Rochester: From U.S. Highway 52, take the CSAH 22 (55th Street) exit; then west and south on CSAH 22 approximately two miles to Olmsted County Road 4; then east .3 miles to the Rochester trailhead.
- Douglas: From U.S. Highway 52, turn west on Olmsted County Road 14; then west on Olmsted County Road 14 approximately three miles to the Douglas trailhead.
- Pine Island: From U.S. Highway 52, take Goodhue County Road 11 approximately 1/2 mile to the Pine Island City Park trailhead.
This trail is not groomed for skiing. Snowmobilers should use the second treadway, which is clearly marked. A snowmobile must be registered or have a snowmobile state trail sticker.
Learn more about snowmobiling in Minnesota.
For more information, visit: Douglas State Trail