This trail passes through a scenic mix of tall grass prairies, maple and basswood forests, and oak savanna. Deer, fox, wild turkeys, beavers, partridge, pheasant, and opossum can often be seen from the trail. Bald eagles nest along the Mississippi River and can be spotted just about year-round.
In the northern segment, four miles of developed, paved trail runs from the city of Red Wing to Hay Creek, with an adjacent unpaved trail for horse use. The northern trailhead connects with Red Wing's city trails, as well as the Cannon Valley Trail, a 19.7 mile trail that connects Red Wing to Cannon Falls.
The southern segment of the trail features 4.5 miles of paved trail , and is used by hikers in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter. This segment starts in the city of Zumbrota, connects to the city's trail system, and heads north for 5.5 miles.