Railroad Trails in the Chippewa Valley

Wisconsin is home to 70+ rail trails that provide exquisite scenery, safe and accessible recreation areas, and significant stimulation to local economies. Check out the following three rail trails in the Chippewa Valley to get outside and get moving!

Chippewa River State Trail

Location: Eau Claire, Dunn, and Pepin counties
Length: 27.6 miles
Wheelchair Access: Yes

Photo by Tony Webster

Enjoy the best of the city and the country on the Chippewa River State Trail. Beginning in Phoenix Park, Eau Claire and traveling through the Chippewa Valley countryside where you will see a wide variety of habitat, sandstone bluffs, and wetlands. This trail gives you the great opportunity to support local businesses in downtown Eau Claire such as Olson’s Ice Cream, The District Pub and Grill, and The Informalist.

Red Cedar State Trail

Photo by Matthew Miller

The Red Cedar State trail is one of Wisconsin’s earliest rail trails and a fabulous scenic route for the whole family. Formerly known as the Red Cedar Junction Railway, the trail is home to an abundance of local and state history. It begins in beautiful Menomonie, WI, runs along the Red Cedar River through Irvington and Downsville and ends along the Chippewa River.

Old Abe State Trail

Location: Eau Claire and Dunn County
Length: 14.5 miles
Wheelchair Access: Yes

The Old Abe State Trail is a 28 mile rail trail running from Eau Claire’s Phoenix park all the way to Cornell, WI. This trail reflects the best of the Chippewa Valley, with urban landscaping, farmland, and forestland. While enjoying the trail, you will encounter amazing water features such as the Old Abe Flowage, Jim Falls (pictured above), Lake Wissota, and more.