🏆🏆🏆🏆 Blufflands Bike Trail — Scenic paved trail through the driftless blufflands of Southeast Minnesota connecting Harmony and Preston
The Blufflands State Trail: Harmony-Preston Valley Segment runs through the spectacular driftless landscape of Southeast Minnesota — the only region of the state untouched by glaciers. The paved trail winds through deep valleys, past limestone bluffs, hardwood forests, and trout streams. The surrounding karst topography features sinkholes, caves (including Mystery Cave in nearby Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park), and some of Minnesota’s most dramatic scenery. Preston is the gateway to the Root River Trail system — over 60 miles of interconnected biking trails.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Harmony to Preston, Fillmore County, MN |
| Trail | Paved, multi-use (Root River system) |
| Fee | MN Ski/Trail Pass required ($6/day, $25/year) |
| Landscape | Driftless blufflands (unglaciated!) |
| Nearby | Mystery Cave, Forestville/MC State Park |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “driftless” mean?
The Driftless Area was never covered by glaciers (no glacial “drift” deposits). This left ancient, deeply carved valleys and limestone bluffs — a unique landscape surrounded by flat, glacier-scraped terrain.
About the Trail
The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail traverses 18 miles through the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota — the state’s “Driftless Area,” which escaped glaciation and features dramatic river valleys, limestone bluffs, and spring-fed trout streams. The trail follows the Root River through one of the most scenic landscapes in the Midwest — a region more reminiscent of Appalachia than the flat prairies most people associate with Minnesota.
Things to Do
Biking the 18-mile paved trail, hiking, birdwatching in the blufflands, trout fishing in nearby streams, visiting the charming town of Lanesboro (the bed-and-breakfast capital of Minnesota), and fall foliage viewing.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Blufflands State Trail: Root River Segment (a short drive away) and Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park (a short drive away).
🚴 Visit Blufflands State Trail
Driftless blufflands — paved biking through Minnesota’s unglaciated valleys.
Wildlife & Nature
Harmony-Preston Valley Trail — a segment of the Blufflands State Trail — winds through the driftless region’s dramatic limestone bluffs and spring-fed valleys. Brown trout inhabit the cold streams. Wild turkeys and ruffed grouse forage the ridges. Bald eagles soar above the Root River valley.
Nearby Attractions
Harmony — southern terminus — has Niagara Cave. Preston — northern terminus. Root River Trail — connects. Lanesboro — 10 miles north — has theater and B&Bs.
Park Location
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