red jacket trail

ncaven2005

Always a beautiful trail that has great views of the river and river valley. Slopes are mostly moderate inclines/declines.

Retired0ne2

Great place to quietly walk or ride bike, Smooth path and well cared for, Around town by the YMCA it can be a little crowded but as soon as you reach city limits, it clears out fast

pkbrando

We've enjoyed both walking and biking on it.It's a bit hilly, which is nice in flatland.Mankato is at one end; the Rapidan Dam at the other.

JudyMK

We love the Red Jacket bike trail. Park in the West High School lot on the weekends and head out to Rapidan. The Dam Store has great home made pie. The ride back to Mankato in down hill much of the way.

MattRWendt

Rode the trail from Downtown Mankato to Rapidan Dam. The first portion along the river was in pretty tough shape but once we got past the high school, the trail greatly improved. The tree lined portions of the trail was very nice and shaded. Pavement was in generally good shape and certainly smooth for riding The trail from Rapidan out to the Dam was along two low traffic county roads, each with ample shoulder space. Be sure to arrive at the Dam Store with a full appetite as the serve great homemade burgers and pie! The park below the trestle bridge is worth a quick stop for a few pics and water refill.

MaryS489

This is a very nice trail for hiking or biking. It follows an old railroad line. It also joins up with the Sakatah Trail and the South Trail. Many miles of scenery, river crossings, picnic areas and parking at various intervals on the trail. This trail system if full of Geocaches. I'm not sure how the Green Giant photo connects with this trail. The Green Giant is in a small town about 45 miles south of Mankato, MN off I90.

Gardinera

. . .you deserve a stop at the Dam Store. It's only a couple of miles to the west of the town of Rapidan and on the west side of the dam.You'll think it's a bait shop and if it's busy you may have to wait for a place to sit or take your order outdoors. But if you miss it you'll be missing one of the best pieces of pie in MN.They make a mean thick chocolate malt and a decent, old-fashioned hamburger and potato salad as well.

Minnesotan_2

My husband and I walk about 3 miles a day and do various "legs" of the trail. We have seen many deer and a variety of birds and depending on which leg of the trail, many people. The part closest to Mankato's YMCA is usually busy with dog-walkers and people with strollers but the further away you get, the less crowded. It is beautiful each season and a nice place to walk and reflect on "whatever".

nlwaage

My son loved to go here with his Grandma who lives in Mankato. He thinks the Red Jacket Bridge is the coolest !!!

ABK2011

Beautiful views, nice paved trail, and easy to bike on.

thekerrys

The Red Jacket Trail is a wonderful additional to Mankato. It's great for biking, walking/running, and is very pet friendly. The surface is well maintained and the trail goes through some very scenic areas. Make sure to check it out in the fall! The only downside to this attraction is that it is popular and can get a little crowded on beautiful days.

JimS175

the reason is because it's such a nice trail. From the YMCA through the city neighborhood, you will encounter slow & fast bicyclists, some serious runners, three-abreast walkers, rollerblading teens. But once you get outside of the city residential area, it gets quiet and pretty. It will also take you up Mount Kato and across the new Red Jacket Bridge which was damaged by the high, fast waters and repaired. It can be very pleasant bike ride and walking path.

Filberta

We love the Red Jacket Trail for biking and walking. Very scenic and mildly challanging for bike riders. We are fortunate to live close by and use the trail often. Higly recommend for families and couples.

Juani2B

Great for running, Biking, and walking(losing weight.).Starts at the YMCA and goes to Mt. Kato. (watch for snakes... I was running And almost stepped on one.)

Minnesotan55060

I have been to Mankato many times but never rode along the river or through areas that bikes can really only get to. It has an awesome view of the river and the down hills get you up the big hills so you are not working so hard. This trail is worth the day to spend getting to see a different view of Mankato.