Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Red Cedar State Trail

This trail shadows the steep walls of the Red Cedar Valley for 14.5 miles from Menomonie to its connection with the Chippewa River State Trail. Along its route, the Red Cedar trail passes through the communities of Irvington and Downsville and the Dunnville State Wildlife Area.

Red Cedar State Trail Map [PDF 261KB]

Biking along the fence line above the Red Cedar River.
DNR Photo by Bob Queen

The trail is surfaced with fine limestone screenings and is open for walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail is part of the larger Chippewa Valley Trail System. In the Dunnville Wildlife Area, the Red Cedar trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail. At this junction, the Chippewa River trail continues south into Pepin County for about 6 miles to the town of Durand or north for about 20 miles to the city of Eau Claire.

Chippewa Valley Trail System Map [PDF 173KB]

The trail takes users through the scenic Red Cedar River Valley, passing by prairies, marshland bottoms, forests and farmlands, indluding sandstone bluffs and other unique rock formations. Wildlife that may be spotted along the trail includes sandhill cranes, bald eagles, red shouldered hawks, songbirds, turkey, grouse, pheasants, fox and deer.

A natural ice wall glows during a candlelight ski event on the trail.
DNR Photo

In winter the trail is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Red Cedar State Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing. Snowmobiles are not permitted on the trail and snowshoers must stay off the groomed portion of the trail.

Trail users should remember to practice carry in/carry out for the many picnic areas along the trail.

The Red Cedar State Trail is closed to hunting except within the Dunnville Wildlife Area, the southern end of the trail from County Highway Y to the Chippewa River State Trail.

Bicyclists and cross-country skiers 16 years and older need to purchase a state trail pass before using the trail. Passes are available at the Menomonie depot trailhead and in Downsville.

How to Get There

Menomonie—The depot building/visitor center along Highway 29 on the west side of Menomonie [exit DNR] serves as the northern trailhead for the Red Cedar State Trail. Parking and trail passes are available.

Irvington—Parking is available at the intersection of County Highway D and Paradise Valley Road.

Downsville—Parking is near the intersection of Highway 25 and County Highway C. The Empire in Pine Lumber Museum in Downsville traces the colorful Lumber Era of Dunn County and gives trail users a look into the history of the area.

The Chippewa River State Trail connects to the Red Cedar State Trail in the Dunnville Wildlife Area near the confluence of the Red Cedar and Chippewa rivers. Sandbars in this area offer access to swimming, fishing, and picnicking. There is some parking in the Dunnville Wildlife Area near County Highway Y.

For more information, ask:

Red Cedar State Trail
921 Brickyard Road,
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone (715) 232-1242