The Great River Ridge State Trail is an opportunity near Rochester for a longer off-road run. The trail runs from just north of Eyota (12 miles east of Rochester), northeast to Plainview, passing through Viola and Elgin. The surface is a combination of paved and crushed stone, and passes through a mainly agricultural landscape, with a couple of wooded sections at the northern end.

The southern trailhead, and the part closest to Rochester is off County Rd. 9 near County Rd. 42. Head north for as many miles as you like! Note: the terrain is quite open most of the way. Take water on a hot day!