Red Cedar State Trail
The Red Cedar Trail has a compacted limestone surface and meanders past towering sandstone bluffs and pastoral farmland, through deep, deciduous forests, sunny meadows, and expansive river bottoms. Sweeping vistas of the Red Cedar River are found along much of the 14.5 miles of trail. Be certain to slow your pace and enjoy the amazing diversity of animals and plants found here.
This 14.5-mile rail trail shadows the steep walls of the Red Cedar Valley from Menomonie to its connection with the Chippewa River State Trail. Along its route, the trail passes through the communities of Irvington and Downsville and the Dunnville State Wildlife Area. The trail passes by prairies, marshland bottoms, forests and farmlands, including sandstone bluffs and other unique rock formations. In the Dunnville Wildlife Area, the Red Cedar trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail.
The Red Cedar State Trail is part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System. When completed, the trail system will feature an 80-mile network of trail stretching from Cornell, through Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire to Durand and Menomonie. Other trails in the system include the Chippewa River and Old Abe state trails.
Trail activities
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Walking and bicycling
The level grade and limestone surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail. Passes are available at the Menomonie depot trailhead and in Downsville.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Canoeing and kayaking
The trail is ideal for a bike and paddle trip. Sections of this former rail corridor parallel the Red Cedar River. You can paddle downstream and then bike back to your starting point or vice versa.
Winter activities
In winter, seven miles of the Red Cedar State Trail are groomed for skiing from Menomonie to Downsville. Snowshoeing is permitted on the ungroomed section from Downsville to the intersection of the Chippewa River State Trail. Each skier age 16 or older needs a state trail pass before using the trail. Passes are available at the Menomonie depot trailhead and in Downsville.
Hunting
The Red Cedar State Trail corridor is open to hunting from the intersection with the Chippewa River State Trail north, approximately four miles, to the north boundary of the southeast quarter of section 11 in T26, R13W, as posted (the area where the trail goes through the Dunnville Wildlife Area). A portions of the trail property in the town of Dunn is more than 100 yards from the trail corridor. This portion is open to hunting and trapping during the Wisconsin state parks hunting time frame.
Explore Related Categories
