The best running trails in Olmsted County

Olmsted County offers a wide selection of running routes. There are over 60 routes available, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. The komoot community has explored 64 routes in total.

Olmsted County boasts diverse natural landscapes for jogging, including wooded hills, prairies, and riverine areas. You can find picturesque trails alongside the Root River, through undeveloped prairies and wooded hills in Oxbow Park, or primitive trails through various habitats at Chester Woods Park. Quarry Hill Nature Center also features restored oak savannas and a limestone fossil quarry.

Yes, Olmsted County has easy running routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Cascade Lake – Just Do It Trail loop from Mayo Clinic Saint Marys Campus is an easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) route around Cascade Lake, ideal for a relaxed run. Overall, there are 2 easy routes available.

For those seeking a greater challenge, Olmsted County offers several difficult routes. The Zumbro River Trail – Zumbro River Trail loop from Fairway Ridge is a difficult 10.7-mile (17.3 km) trail through riverine areas. Another challenging option is the Chester Lake – bench loop from FOCW Watercraft Rental Racks, which spans 10.9 miles (17.5 km) with significant elevation gain. In total, there are 25 difficult routes to explore.

Many routes in Olmsted County offer scenic views, especially those along the rivers and lakes. The trails around Cascade Lake, such as the Cascade Lake – Cascade Creek Trail loop from Rochester, provide beautiful waterfront scenery. Additionally, trails in parks like Oxbow Park and Chester Woods Park wind through diverse natural settings, including prairies and wooded hills, offering varied picturesque landscapes.

Yes, Olmsted County offers family-friendly options. Parks like Chester Woods Park and Quarry Hill Nature Center have extensive trail systems that are suitable for families. The city of Rochester also provides over 85 miles of downtown trails, including waterfront paths along Silver Lake and Bear Creek River, which are generally flat and accessible for all ages.

Many parks and trails in Olmsted County are dog-friendly, though it's always best to check specific park regulations regarding leashes. Oxbow Park, Root River Park, and Chester Woods Park generally welcome leashed dogs on their trails, providing great opportunities for you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors.

Along your running routes, you can encounter various points of interest. Cascade Lake is a prominent feature on several routes. You might also pass by Quarry Hill Park, known for its limestone fossil quarry and sandstone caves, or the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. The Pillar Sundial at Cascade Lake Park is another unique landmark.

Yes, many of the running routes in Olmsted County are circular, offering convenient loops for your run. Examples include the Cascade Lake – Just Do It Trail loop from Mayo Clinic Saint Marys Campus and the Silver Lake – Silver Lake loop from Rochester. These loops allow you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps.

Many county parks and city trailheads offer parking facilities. For specific information on parking and public transport options for individual trails, it's recommended to check the respective park websites or local transportation guides. You can find general information about parks and trails in the county on the Olmsted County website: olmstedcounty.gov/residents/parks-recreation/recreation/trails.

The running routes in Olmsted County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, from wooded hills to riverine paths, and the extensive trail systems that offer options for various ability levels. The accessibility of routes within Rochester's city limits is also frequently highlighted.

During winter, some trails in Olmsted County, particularly at Quarry Hill Nature Center, are maintained for activities like cross-country skiing, which may also be suitable for winter running depending on snow conditions. It's advisable to check local park conditions and trail statuses before heading out, as some primitive trails might be less accessible or require appropriate winter gear.