Cannon Gravel and Pavement Medley

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Cannon Falls, MN, US

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Route Overview

Melissa Bikes

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

72 mi.

3,139 ft.

The best of both worlds - a scenic tour through hilly gravel roads, then an easy pavement return on the Cannon Valley Trail.

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Route Details

I created this route to combine a few of my favorite things about Cannon Falls cycing. This 70 mile route has some difficult and gorgeous gravel climbs, and then you'll wrap up the ride on the paved and relatively flat Cannon Valley Trail for the last 20 miles. [Bring CASH to pay the trailhead fee in Red Wing](https://cannonvalleytrail.com/trail-fees-and-passes/).

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. There's a @poi[Casey's](10578507) just as you leave town, so you can grab any last minute snacks you may have forgotten.

As you head out of Cannon Falls, you'll quickly turn onto less traveled roads and hit the rolling gravel soon. Gravel roads are interesting as they can vary in surface conditions from fast rolling, hard packed dirt to freshly churned, swimmy rocks. I recommend this route for those in good physical condition. @poi[The first stop for aid is at mile 50 at a Kwik Trip](10578509), so bring what you need. Since this is hilly gravel, you may be on the course for longer than you expect so I recommend bringing extra food and water.

The early section of the route contains a MMR, or "minimum maintenance road", called Shady Lane. In the winter it is not plowed, so this route is best done once the snow has been off the main roads for at least a month. Can you climb the whole hill in one go? I can't, and often end up walking the steepest pitches.

Be prepared for breathtaking views and scenic vistas with some pavement thrown in between to connect the really good roads. Be careful on the pavement, as some sections can be busy with cars.

You can pay the [Cannon Valley Trail fee](https://cannonvalleytrail.com/trail-fees-and-passes/) at the trail entrance in Red Wing. During the warm months, there are typically folks out on the trail checking to make sure you've purchased a pass. Also, there are @poi[pit toilets and running water](10578508) in the warm months in Welch.

After your ride is over, your body will be craving fuel. Replenish with a donut at @poi[Hi Quality Bakery](10578504) (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](10578505) for a post-ride meal or delicious tap beer at the new brewery @poi[Tillion.](10578506)