Douglas State Trail

Location:  Rochester to Pine Island, west of Highway 52
Miles: 12.5
Surface: Paved
Terrian: Flat built over old railroad tracks.

Uses: Hiking, biking, horse back riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, wheelchair, baby stroller.
Map:  http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_trails/douglas.pdf
Ticks:  High numbers in grassy areas May- July
Mosquitoes:  Low to None

The Douglas State Trail is a beautiful summer or winter trail that extends from near IBM in Rochester to a City Park in Pine Island, MN.  The trail travels through the middle of the town of Douglas, 4 miles north of Rochester.  Parking is available in Pine Island, Rochester and Douglas and in a few spots along the gravel roads that cross the trail.  In the summer the trail is nicely shaded on both sides throughout the majority of the trail with many flowers and birds to enjoy.  In the winter the trail is generally good for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.  The trail consists of 2 side by side sections, the main paved section is for skiers, hikers, bikers and the 2nd dirt section is for the horse back riders and snowmobiles.  My favorite time of year to do this trail is in the fall, it is very busy/popular in the summer and in the fall the temperatures are nicer and there are much fewer people to bump into along the trail.

If bringing a dog in summer of course make sure he/she has been treated with tick medicine as the tick population here is high if they like to run next to the grass like mine.  I have never had problems with ticks coming on me while walking in the paved sections however but with Lyme Disease being a threat in MN it also best to use precautions if in doubt.