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Red Cedar Trail
Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Red Cedar State Trail
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, indluding sandstone bluffs and other unique rock formations. In the Dunnville Wildlife Area, the Red Cedar trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail.
Trail Map
Trail Activities
Trail Facts
- Rail Trail: Yes
- Length: 14.5 Miles
- Surface: Crushed Stone
- Counties: Dunn
- Communities: Menomonie, Irvington, Downsville
- State Trail Pass required for Bicycling and Cross-Country Skiing
- Master Plan (1996) [PDF]
Bicycling on the Red Cedar State Trail.
DNR Photo
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.
Activities
The Red Cedar State 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.
Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]
Walking & 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.
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.
Trail users should remember to practice carry in/carry out for the many picnic areas along the trail.
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.
The fairly level grade and smooth limestone surface make most of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.
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.
The Red Cedar State Trail is closed to hunting except within the Dunnville Wildlife Area, the southern end of the trail from County Highway Y to the Chippewa River State Trail.
More Information
See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Red Cedar State Trail.
How to Get There
How to Get There
Menomonie—The depot building/visitor center along Highway 29 on the west side of Menomonie [exit DNR] serves as the northern trailhead for the Red Cedar State Trail. Parking and trail passes are available.
Irvington—Parking is available at the intersection of County Highway D and Paradise Valley Road.
Downsville—Parking is near the intersection of Highway 25 and County Highway C. The Empire in Pine Lumber Museum in Downsville traces the colorful Lumber Era of Dunn County and gives trail users a look into the history of the area.
The Chippewa River State Trail connects to the Red Cedar State Trail in the Dunnville Wildlife Area near the confluence of the Red Cedar and Chippewa rivers. Sandbars in this area offer access to swimming, fishing, and picnicking. There is some parking in the Dunnville Wildlife Area near County Highway Y.
In the Area
State Parks and Trails
Chippewa River Trail
Hoffman Hills State Recreation
Area
Lake Wissota State Park
Old Abe State Trail
Tourism Listings
Nearby activities, accommodations, dining, events, and more.
Useful Links
Useful Links
Greater Menomonie Area [exit DNR]
City of Menomonie [exit DNR]
Dunn County [exit DNR]
Friends Group
Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail
The Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail assist in the improvement, promotion, maintenance and enjoyment of the Red Cedar State Trail. For more information, see the Friends of the Red Cedar State Trail [exit DNR].
For more information, ask:
Red Cedar State Trail
921 Brickyard Road,
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone (715) 232-1242
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