Photo: Wisconsin DNR
This 14.5-mile rail trail shadows the steep walls of the Red Cedar Valley from Menomonie to its connection with the Chippewa River State Trail. Along its route, the trail passes through the communities of Irvington and Downsville and the Dunnville State Wildlife Area. The trail passes by prairies, marshland bottoms, forests and farmlands, including sandstone bluffs and other unique rock formations.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Red Cedar State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; boating & paddling in June–September; biking in May–June and September–October; and snowmobiling in January–February.
What can you do at Red Cedar State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking, boating & paddling and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, biking and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Red Cedar State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Red Cedar State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking and cross-country skiing: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Red Cedar State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Chippewa River State Trail (10 mi), Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area (14 mi) and Old Abe State Trail (33 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling and cross-country skiing.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 715-232-1242
Nearby
- Chippewa River State Trail (10 mi)
- Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area (14 mi)
- Old Abe State Trail (33 mi)
- Lake Wissota State Park (34 mi)
- Buffalo River State Trail (38 mi)
Closures and alerts for Red Cedar State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.