Minnesota · Hiking

River Trail

0.5 mi
one way
48 ft
climb
1,074 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

River Trail is a short, easy hike in southeastern Minnesota, about 3.3 miles from the town of Golden Hill. The route is a point-to-point trail of roughly half a mile, with a total elevation gain of 48 feet and a total loss of 98 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.35 miles in, with a grade of about 3 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Rochester show July highs around 80°F with lows near 61°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. The trip takes about half an hour, so it works well as a quick outing. Paddlers can find the South Fork Zumbro River about 3.4 miles away, and the Willow Creek Reservoir Loop hike is about 4.3 miles off. In winter, the Douglas State Trail and The Pipe cross-country ski routes lie within about 5 miles.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit River Trail

    Best months: April and June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      23° / 7°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      27° / 11°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      40° / 23°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 35°

      12 wet

    5. May

      68° / 47°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      78° / 58°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 61°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 58°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 50°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 38°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      42° / 26°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 14°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rochester Intl Ap, MN, 6.4 mi away at 1,304 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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