Cannon Gravel Hill Torture

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Cannon Falls, MN, US

Route Overview

Melissa Bikes

Long distance and gravel cycling in and around Dakota County, MN

82 mi.

4,463 ft.

A gorgeous, scenic tour through the countryside on gravel and minimum maintenance roads. Get your climbing legs ready!

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Route Details

This route is something I put together when I need to train for hilly, off-road events. There are numerous steep climbs that the elevation profile doesn't do justice, and you'll ride on mostly gravel roads with a dash of minimum maintenance and pavement thrown in to keep it interesting and connnect everything together.

This route is best done in DRY weather. The minimum maintenance roads are well shaded by the surrounding woods, so if there has been recent rain or snowfall, they will remain wet or icy longer than the nearby sunsoaked gravel. However, people have ridden these hills in all conditions -- it just depends how much of an adventure you're after and what tires you're running!
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The ride begins in downtown Cannon Falls, MN and there is often free parking either in a community parking lot or on the streets. Pay attention to street signs and you should have zero trouble. You'll roll out of town on a busy highway so be cautious.

You quickly turn onto gravel and that's when the fun begins. Gravel roads are interesting, as they can vary in surface condition from fast rolling, hard packed dirt to freshly churned, swimmy rocks. I recommend this route for those in good condition. You'll also be on the course for longer than you may expect, so pack extra snacks and water.

@point[There is a clean, well stocked gas station at mile 45.](d,72591.58) I have rolled into this gas station many times famished, wolfing down pizza and soda to refuel for the back half of the route. The staff has always been courteous.  
**Pro-tip:** *if you can, take cash for purchases -- it lowers the expenses of the local business owners, and is especially useful if you're only buying a few items.*

If your legs have mutinied on the way back, you can bail to the @poi[Cannon Valley Trail](7696844) -- a "rails to trails" flat paved route straight back into downtown Cannon Falls. [Check their website for details](https://cannonvalleytrail.com/), but as of 2018 there is a small fee (under $5) per rider to ride the trail in the warmer months. I recommend carrying cash for this too!

After your ride is over, whether you make it back into Cannon Falls via the hilly route OR the paved trail, your body will be craving fuel. Replenish with a donut at @poi[Hi Quality Bakery](7696826) (their hours vary by day of the week, so peek in the shop window before you take off to make sure they'll be open when you're done!), or stop into @poi[Mill Street Tavern](7696825) for a post-ride meal and delicious tap beer.