Wisconsin State
Park System

Mascoutin Valley State Trail

Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Mascoutin Valley State Trail

This county-operated trail goes past farms, prairies and wetlands in scenic Green Lake, Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties. The Mascoutin Valley State Trail, built on a former railroad corridor, is divided into two sections, each about 10 miles. The western section travels between Berlin and Ripon, and the eastern section travels between Rosendale and the city of Fond du Lac. The gap in the two sections, between Ripon and Rosendale, is in private ownership.

Trail Map

Trail Activities

Walking  Bicycling  Pets

Horseback Riding  Cross-country Skiing  Snowshoeing  Snowmobiling

Trail Facts

  • Rail Trail: Yes
  • Length: 20 Miles Total
    (10-Berlin to Ripon)
    (10-Rosendale to Fond du Lac)
  • Surfaces: Crushed stone, some parts grass and gravel
  • Counties: Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Green Lake
  • Communities: Fond du Lac, Rosendale, Ripon, Berlin

Find a State Trail

Activities

The Mascoutin Valley State Trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]

Walking & Bicycling

Walking  Bicycling The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling. The trail base of limestone, grass and gravel makes the tread more suitable for off-road bikes. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available in the Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area in Fond du Lac County and the Rush Lake Marsh area in Winnebago County.

Pets Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding The Mascoutin Valley State Trail is open to horseback riding in Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties from May to October. Riders are encouraged to pick up after their horse when it leaves manure on the trail. Horseback Riding is not allowed on the Green Lake County portion of the trail.

Winter Activities

Snowmobiling Both sections of the trail are open to snowmobiling when Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Winnebago county snowmobile trails are open. Snowmobile operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The Mascoutin Valley State Trail connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.

Cross-country Skiing  Snowshoeing The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles.


More Information

See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Mascoutin Valley State Trail.

How to Get There

West Trail

Berlin-The trail begins at County Highway F near South Street. Parking is available along city streets. Parking is also available about halfway between Berlin and Ripon on Lake Road, off of County Highway E by Rush Lake.

Oshkosh- From Oshkosh, take State Highway 41 south to Fond du Lac or State Highway 26 to Rosendale to access the eastern section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail. To access the western section of the trail from Oshkosh, take State Highway 44 into Ripon or State Highway 91 to Berlin.

Ripon- The trail begins along County Highway E. There is a parking lot along the trail at the junction of Locust Road just north of Ripon. Parking is also available along city streets in Ripon.

East Trail

Rosendale- The trail begins along State Highway 26 and travels east to Fond du Lac. Parking is available along city streets and at Taylor Park in Rosendale.

Fond du Lac- There are parking lots at the eastern trailhead at Rolling Meadows Drive (near State Highway 41) and at the trail's junction with County Highway I (north of State Highway 23).

In the Area

Parks and Trails

Wild Goose State Trail
Eisenbahn State Trail
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge [exit DNR]
Fond du Lac County Parks & Trails [exit DNR]

Tourism Listings

Nearby activities, accommodations, dining, events, and more.

Fond du Lac and Ripon Area - WI Department of Tourism [exit DNR]
Green Lake County Area - WI Department of Tourism [exit DNR]

Useful Links

Useful Links

Mascoutin Valley State Trail - Fond du Lac County [exit DNR]
Green Lake County [exit DNR]
Winnebago County Parks [exit DNR]
City of Ripon [exit DNR]
Winnebago County Parks [exit DNR]
City of Fond du Lac [exit DNR]

For more information, ask:

Fond du Lac County Planning & Parks
160 S. Macy St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 929-3135

Green Lake County
492 Hill St.
Green Lake, WI 54941
(920) 294-4032

Winnebago County Parks
625 E. County Rd. Y #500
Oshkosh, WI 54901-8131
(920) 232-1960

Last Revised: Tuesday December 28 2010