Trails
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. Use 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
- Paved trails are approximately 4.3 miles.
- Dog friendly trails are approximately 7.2 miles.
- 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. DNR Bluffland runs through Chester Woods.
- 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.
- Kisrow Trail, Chester Lake Trail, and the Bluffland State Bike Trail are leashed dog friendly.
- Equestrian approximately 7.7 miles. Available May 1 thru October 31
- Permits are required for each mount, $6 daily or $30 annual. Permits are not transferable.
- Daily passes should be purchased for the day of.
- Annual passes will be mailed to the rider once the pass has been purchased.
- 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.
- Rentals of a kick sled ($5), snowshoes ($5) or classic skis ($5) are available when snow conditions are permitting at the Park Office, daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Chester Woods Park also offers Fat Tire Bike trails seasonally.
- December 1 to April 1.
- Weather permitting to prevent damage to trails. Ground must be frozen.
- Refer to the Winter map for designated 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 classic skiing.
- The trails are groomed by volunteers and staff approximately 3 times per week.
- Currently rentals of snowshoes ($5) 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. Ground must be frozen.
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, and costs $6 daily. Must call 507-328-7070 to purchase daily bridal pass.
- 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
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-served basis between the hours of 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. 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!
Eagle Scout Orienteering Map
Wanting to learn more about orienteering? Try out the Oxbow Park Orienteering Course set up by a local Eagle Scout. Choose from two different versions, the Adventure Course map provides the general location, and you find the posts and do a rubbing to show you were at each location or try the Challenge Course and use the provided GPS coordinates or orienteering directions to find each post. Bring your own GPS unit or compass or borrow a GPS unit from the Oxbow Park Nature Center front desk.