Trails System Overview

Trails play an important role beyond recreation. They also serve as a means of transportation and access for residents to navigate their community. Trails are a critical aspect of the overall park system.

Multiple types of trails have been identified. Among the trail types that the City and/or private land owners have developed include: off-road hiking, interpretive trails, bicycle trails, snowshoe or cross country skiing trails, and snowmobile and ATV trails.

More Outdoor Recreation in the Chosen Valley

Parks	Departments	Phone	Email
Community Garden Plots	Parks%2C%20Public%20Works	(507) 867-3810

City Parks & Trails

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The current city limits include approximately 1,660 acres of land, of which 64 acres of this area is dedicated as nine city-owned parks. These parks include; two community parks: Mill Creek Park and Groen Park, six neighborhood parks: City Park, Mohawk Park, Jaycee Park, Shady Oak Park, Lonestone Park, Hilltop Park; one Mini-Park, Hendricks Park.

Total 10 facilities found.

Staff

Burkholder, Brian
Public Works Director
- (507) 867-3810
- Email
Funk, Dan
Park & Rec | Building Maintenance
- (507) 867-3810
- Email
Goldsmith, Katie
Pool Manager
- (507) 867-3509
- Email

More Staff

City Trails

Major Pedestrian Routes

Creek Trail

The Creek Trail follows Mill Creek from the north end of town through the City southward towards the City of Fountain. The trails is constructed between Mill Creek Park beginning at Division Street to Groen
Park, just south of County Road 2 or Third Street. The Creek trail north of Division Street follows along the
west side of Mill Creek with a proposed underpass pedestrian trail under Highway 30 and then travels
southward along Mill Creek Road. The Creek trail south of Groen Park will follow Mill Creek to the confluence of
the Root River and then travel northward along the east side of the Root River towards Fountain. Several
pedestrian bridges are proposed within the Chosen Valley Regional Park to connect Groen Park and Mill
Creek Park to the Creek Trail.

Park Loop Trails

Regional Trails

(private, semi-public, and public)

Lost Creek Trail

A six‐mile natural trail begins in Groen Park. A trailhead sign is located near the parking lot that outlines the route. This trail is privately owned and maintained by the Bluff Country Hiking Club. The goal of the trail is to provide residents and visitors opportunities for recreational and education while enjoying the scenery and wildlife of the areas. The trail is open to the public with use limited to hiking and snowshoeing, as the trail surface is natural soil and
grass.

Website

Savanna Spring Nature Area, Interpretive Trail

This 10 acre site is located just north of the Chatfield High School along Highway 52. A hard surface trail leads from the kiosk near the parking area and runs by Big Spring and through the prairie. The top loop of the trail is a mowed
path leading to further prairie areas, and to the oak savanna, hardwood forest, and outdoor classroom/picnic area. Brochures are available at the kiosk describing the bluebird trail, providing a map and explaining the yellow and black signs that identify the ecosystems and learning areas throughout the SSNA.

Chatfield ATV Trails

is a 25‐mile trail developed by a group of neighbors with a passion for ATVs. The trail is entirely on private land and leads riders through backdrops of farm fields, pasture, ponds, and woods. The trail has an “easy” rating and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Class II ATV’s (side‐by‐side machines) are allowed on the trail. The trail is provided by a group of generous local landowners and maintained by the Chatfield ATV Trails Club in cooperation with the Minnesota DNR. The Chatfield Trail map can be found at the MnDNR’s website. The trail usually opens in May, depending on trail conditions, and closes at the end of October due to hunting season. The trail is located 1.5 miles east from Chatfield city limits on Hwy 30/74. A Parking lot and restrooms are on the south side of
the highway and a picnic area is located along the southern trail loop on the north side of Highway
30/74.

Chatfield Snowmobile Trails

The Hiawatha Sno‐Seekers is located in the area S.E. of Rochester Minnesota. We maintain approximately 100 miles of beautiful trail utilizing the valley and open fields of S.E. Minnesota. Current membership is 100+ families. We strongly support youth education for safer snowmobiling. We also work with the local law enforcement to provide safe trails for all users. We offer education scholarship to our members and landowners immediate
family.