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Preston Overlook – Root River State Trail loop from Preston

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Preston Overlook – Root River State Trail loop from Preston

Moderate

4.6

(3445)

17,122

riders

Preston Overlook – Root River State Trail loop from Preston

02:58

50.1km

200m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

154 m

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail-Preston Trailhead (New)

Highlight • Trail

Preston is an ideal location for exploring the western end of the Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River State Trail system, as it is nearly equidistant from Fountain (12 miles), Harmony …

Tip by

1.92 km

Preston Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

This overlook was constructed by the Minnesota Department of Highways back in 1937-38. It is an observation point situated on the outskirts of Preston. It overlooks the Root River from …

Tip by

3.62 km

Light at the end of the tunnel. Root River Trail

Highlight • Trail

silhouetted rider at the end of the tunnel.

Tip by

10.4 km

Root River State Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The paved Root River State Trail spans 42 miles from Fountain to Houston, following the scenic Root River. Built on an abandoned railroad, the trail is mostly level and wheelchair …

Tip by

24.4 km

Adirondack Shelter on the Root River State Trail

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Good place for shelter, halfway between Lanesboro to the west and Whalan to the east.

Tip by

25.8 km

Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan, Minnesota

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to grab a snack as you ride the Root River Trail

Tip by

30.3 km

Confluence of the South Branch with the Root River

Highlight • River

The South Branch of the Root River joins the Root River at this location. From this point downstream, the Root River is joined by the South Fork of the Root River before ultimately flowing into the Mississippi River.

Tip by

41.9 km

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Highlight • Forest

The RJD Memorial Hardwood Forest offers many possibilities in its boundaries, with recreation areas, campgrounds, and day-use areas. The State Forest has a variety of species of plants, mushrooms, and …

Tip by

50.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

47.4 km

1.38 km

895 m

383 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

40.2 km

9.57 km

211 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (300 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 17 May

18°C

13°C

56 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Preston Overlook – Root River State Trail loop from Preston

Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail-Preston Trailhead (New)

Preston Overlook

Light at the end of the tunnel. Root River Trail

Root River State Trail

Adirondack Shelter on the Root River State Trail

Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan, Minnesota

Confluence of the South Branch with the Root River

Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Nearby routes

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