Happy trails to you around the region Minnesota and Wisconsin have plenty of trails for multi-day trips, with a stay at a campground, motel, or bed-and-breakfast.
Red Cedar-Chippewa River State Trails These two trails in west central Wisconsin follow their namesake rivers along two old rail grades, for about 40 miles of riding. The Chippewa has a hard surface, but the Red Cedar is covered with crushed limestone (best for mountain or hybrid bikes, rather than road bikes). A Wisconsin trail pass is required -- $4 a day or $20 for the season (www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/LAND/parks/specific/redcedar and www.chippewa-river-trail.com).

Elroy-Sparta

The 34-mile-long Elroy-Sparta State Trail in southwestern Wisconsin is one of the oldest rail-to-trail conversions. Opened in 1972, it ducks through three tunnels, the longest being ¾ of a mile, so be prepared with a headlight. For riders who want to log more miles, the trail seamlessly joins the La Crosse River Trail, Great River State Trail, 400 State Trail, and Omaha Trail. A state trail pass is required (www.elroy-sparta-trail.com).

Cannon Valley

The paved 20-mile-long Cannon Valley Trail follows the Cannon River along the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line, joining Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing. A daily trail pass is $3, and a season pass is $20 (www.cannonvalleytrail.com).

Lake Wobegon Regional Trail

The paved Lake Wobegon Trail runs 46 miles between St. Joseph and Osakis in central Minnesota. A spur heads northeast to Holdingford (www.lakewobegontrails.com).

Willard Munger Trail

The paved 70-mile Willard Munger Trail between Hinckley and Duluth follows the grade of the railroad that hauled townspeople and farmers to safety during the Hinckley and Cloquet fires in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The trail passes through the rugged scenery of Jay Cooke State Park and provides overlooks of the St. Louis River Valley and the ports of Duluth and Superior, Wis. (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/willard_munger).

GREG BREINING