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Trails

Dam Overlook Trail at Chester Woods Park
Scenic Root River Photo
Trail in the woods Oxbow Park

Olmsted County has an abundance of trails for your outdoor enjoyment. Oxbow Park is located just north of Byron, MN; Root River Park is located 2 miles south of Simpson, MN; and Chester Woods Park is just east of Rochester. Click on the park buttons below to learn about year-round trails for hiking, running, and seasonal biking at Olmsted County parks.

  • You may use the trails during normal park hours 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Dogs are only allowed on a leash in the designated leashed areas. You must clean up after your dog.
  • Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Chester Woods Park

View designated leashed dog areas

  • Approximately 15 miles of trails loop through undeveloped areas of the park. A mile-long hard-surfaced trail links the campground, boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
    • The Legacy Trail at Chester Woods Park was designed as a place for reflection. The Legacy Trail is safe, secure, and easy to reach (ADA accessible). If you would like to purchase and display an engraved bronze leaf to commemorate someone dear to you or to show appreciation of a loved one, contact Chester Woods staff at ChesterWoods@olmstedcounty.gov. 
  • Equestrian *Available May 1 thru October 31*
    • Permits are required for each mount, $6 daily or $30 annual. Permits are not transferable. 
    • ​ Purchase Bridle Passes Online
    • On dual-use trails shared with horses, give horseback riders warning of your approach and give them the right of way to assure safety.
  • Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
    • 12 miles of groomed ski trails and rated moderate.
    • The trails are designed to accommodate both classic and free-style skiing.
    • The trails are groomed by volunteers and staff approximately 3 times per week.
    • Bring your own snowshoes or skis, no rentals.
  • Chester Woods Park also offers Fat Tire Bike trails seasonally.
    • December 1 to April 1.
    • Weather permitting to prevent damage to trails.

Oxbow Park

View designated leashed dog areas

  • Oxbow Park has approximately 8 miles of trails that wind through undeveloped prairies and wooded hills.
  • Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
    • 2 miles of a groomed ski trails and rated easy.
    • The trails are designed to accommodate both classic and free-style skiing.
    • The trails are groomed by volunteers and staff approximately 3 times per week.
    • Currently rentals of snowshoes ($3) or classic skis ($5) are available when snow conditions are permitting at the Nature Center, daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Oxbow Park also offers Fat Tire Bike trails seasonally.
    • December 1 to April 1.
    • Weather permitting to prevent damage to trails.

Root River Park

View designated leashed dog areas

  • A two-mile looped hiking trail that winds through the meadows and wooded hills along our Root River Park providing visitors with a variety of options of beauty and natural history.
    • Benches are located near the trail throughout the park.
  • Equestrian *Available May 1 thru October 31*
    • Permits are required for each mount, $6 daily or $30 annual. Permits are not transferable.
    • Purchase Bridle Passes Online
    • On dual-use trails shared with horses, give horseback riders warning of your approach and give them the right of way to assure safety.
  • Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
    • The trails are not groomed and unrated.
    • Bring your own snowshoes or skis, no rentals.

Action Trackchair

Action Trackchair

Oxbow Park and Chester Woods Park have Action Trackchairs available for free use while you’re visiting the park.

Action Trackchairs are made in Marshall, Minnesota. They’re the “ultimate all-terrain wheelchair!” They are rugged and made for the outdoors and can be used on smooth surfaces, hiking trails, and even off trail with the ability to go over sticks, small logs, and uneven terrain. The Action Trackchair is designed to provide freedom and independence to as many people as possible.

The Action Trackchair are available to use for free and are on a first come, first serve basis. When you arrive at the park, ask a staff member and they will be able to assist you. They will give a quick tutorial of how to use the easy to run chairs.

Oxbow Park 507-328-7340 or Chester Woods 507-328-7350

There are lots of opportunities that await you with the Action Trackchair!