About the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail

The Sakatah Singing Hills is a 39 mile paved trail located in Southern Minnesota. It uses a former railroad bed that was purchased for public use. Initial work on the trail began in 1974 and it started as a gravel trail, emerging as a fully paved trail in 1995.

Since that time, the trail has become a popular recreational getaway for mostly local people. There are many activities that are allowed on the trail, including bicycling, snowmobiling,cross country skiing, walking, rollerblading, walking pets, birdwatching and nature observation.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains the trail. My understanding is that the State of Minnesota funds the entire maintenance and upkeep of the trail.

I have heard many comments about the Sakatah being "bumpy" and in poor condition, but my experience overall has been good for several years. There are a couple of spots on the trail that could use repair, one stretch of the trail that crosses Eagle Lake on the way to Madison Lake is hard to keep in good repair. Another short stretch between Elysian and Waterville is a little "washboardy" . But the majority of the trail, I find quite acceptable for travel. It is equal to the other Minnesota trails including the Root River and Paul Bunyan Heartland trail (all good trails).