Central Lakes Trail

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Views

The CLT ends in Furgus Falls, MN to the west but connects to the Wobegon Trail to the east and continues on to Saint Cloud, MN adding another 65 miles to the east.

This 14-foot wide, 55-mile long, nearly level, paved trail is a superb asset for residents of the region as well as visitors. It is one of the nicest paved trail corridors in the state. You'll feel like you are in a narrow park that just keeps going on and on.

The trail is open to non-motorized visitors with the exception of snowmobiles during the winter season. It is great for walking, running, bicycling, in-line skating, roller skiing, wheelchairs, etc.

The trail is built on a former railroad line stretching between Fergus Falls and Osakis. It additionally passes through the communities of Dalton, Ashby, Melby, Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, and Nelson. The trail traverses through, or next to, a scenic mixture of woodlands, grasslands, lakes, wetlands, and farm country.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation land corridor through which the trail passes is generally about 100 feet wide, allowing for a profusion of wildlife, wildflowers, and a variety of trees and plants. It is very common to see deer, rabbits, beaver, muskrats, ducks, turtles, and a large number of bird species, including an occasional eagle along the trail. Wildflowers are very common and include large numbers of yellow Lady Slippers and the less common, but more spectacular, Pink Lady Slipper.

The trail gives users a break from the highway. While there are occasional road crossings for which to be cautious, they are fairly infrequent and are well marked with signs. As an example, the 10 mile stretch of trail between Fergus Falls and Dalton has only one highway and two gravel road crossings. Trail users find themselves simply enjoying the experience. It's one of those special places you can take the kids for a safe bike ride.