| Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway |
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The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, which follows the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route, features an all-ages and all-abilities cycling experience of bridges, Dorena Lake, and Cottage Grove’s historic downtown. Of particular interest for families, the bikeway offers a no-traffic cycling experience along the Row River Trail, an off-street, paved path through diverse landscapes and over moderate terrain.
From parking areas in downtown Cottage Grove at the Community Center or Bohemia Park, visitors can travel 17 miles of smoothly paved off-street path along the Lake’s north side passing three of the six covered bridges on the route. All three of these bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Dorena Bridge is a popular wedding site for those visitors wanting a bit of romance in addition to scenery. Four bathroom stops, seven parking areas, and three picnic areas along this part of the route provide many rest opportunities and a chance to get off the bike and enjoy the scenery. A store in the modest community of Dorena provides snacks and refreshments.
Visitors comfortable riding on the shouldered roadway can ride the 17-miles back to Cottage Grove and view another covered bridge. Bicyclists wishing to bypass the Garoutte Road hill can return to the bike path at the western end of Dorena Lake. Two campgrounds and one bathroom stop provide recreational and rest opportunities.
Within Cottage Grove, visitors share low-speed Main Street with cars through the National Register-listed Downtown Commercial Historic District. A number of coffee and ice cream spots, restaurants, pubs, shops, and a bike shop face Main Street and offer refreshment or services. At the western end of downtown, the bikeway includes views of two more covered bridges and a footbridge. Of note is the Chambers Bridge, the only covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi also listed in the National Register.
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