Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System

Ecologist Aldo Leopold is one of the most influential figures in Wisconsin's rich conservation history. In honor of his many contributions to Wisconsin, a 2007 law [exit DNR] names the Wisconsin State Trail System the "Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System." Totaling more than 1,700 miles, Wisconsin's 42 state trails will continue Leopold's legacy by allowing residents and visitors of all ages to experience Wisconsin's diverse natural beauty, and will let them observe for themselves the value of conservation and land ethic.

The Aldo Leopold Foundation [exit DNR]
Aldo Leopold Nature Center [exit DNR]

Find a Wisconsin State Trail

Wisconsin's 42 state trails have a variety of surfaces, open to a wide-variety of activities throughout all four seasons of the year. Click on a trail or see the alphabetical list below for more information. See our Find a Park page for information about trails in state parks, forests, and recreation areas.

"400" State Trail
A 22-mile rail bed trail between Elroy and Reedsburg. Connects to the Elroy-Sparta, Hillsboro, and Omaha Trails. Features rock outcroppings along the Baraboo River. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. C/o P.O. Box 99, Ontario 54651. (608) 337-4775 or (608) 524-2850. Current Conditions. State map

Ahnapee State Trail [exit DNR]
From downtown Sturgeon Bay, the county-operated trail winds south and west 30 miles along the beautiful Ahnapee River to Algoma and Casco in Kewaunee County. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o Door County Parks, 3538 Park Drive, Sturgeon Bay 54235, (920) 746-9959, or c/o Courthouse, 613 Dodge St., Kewaunee 54216, (920) 388-4410. State map

Amery to Dresser State Trail
Under construction; not open. This county-operated 14-mile trail will connect the communities of Amery and Dresser in Polk County. When this trail is completed it will connect to the 18-mile Cattail State Trail in Amery. State map

Badger State Trail
This trail, on a former rail grade, will connect Madison with Freeport, Illinois. It will go through Belleville and Monroe and connect with the Capital City, Ice Age, and Sugar River trails. It has been completed from the state line to Basco (about 5 miles south of Verona) and within the City of Madison. There is a tunnel south of Belleville. C/o Box 805, W5446 County Trunk Highway NN, New Glarus 53574. (608) 527-2335. State map

Bearskin State Trail
The Bearskin runs 18.3 miles south from Minocqua on a former rail bed. The southern trailhead is near the intersection of County Highway K and State Highway 51 in Oneida County. Camping is available at Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The 6-mile Hiawatha county trail is nearby. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. C/o 518 W. Somo Ave., Tomahawk 54487, (715) 453-1263. State map

Buffalo River State Trail
A 36.4-mile multi-use trail between Mondovi and Fairchild in west-central Wisconsin. Passes farms, woods, hills, marsh and the Buffalo River. Hike or ride a mountain bike, horse, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile. C/o P.O. Box 407, Trempealeau 54661-0407. (608) 534-6409. State map

Burlington to Kansasville State Trail
Under construction; not open. This county-operated 8-mile trail will connect the communities of Burlington and Kansasville. This trail will pass by agriculture and undeveloped lands in southeast Wisconsin. State map

Capital City State Trail
About 17 miles of this trail are completed, through the east side of Madison, along Lake Monona, and through the scenic Capital Springs State Recreation Area (Dane County E-way) south of Madison. It connects with the Military Ridge State Trail and city bikeways. Its asphalt surface is good for bicycling, walking, jogging, and in-line skating. (State portion) 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, WI 53711. (608) 224-3606; (city portion) c/o Madison Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 2986, Madison 53701-2986, (608) 266-6225. Current Conditions. State map

Cattail State Trail
This county-operated trail extends 17.8 miles surrounded by forests, farmlands,ponds, and meadows in the gently rolling hills of western Wisconsin. Observe a variety of birds and wildlife from the rustic abandoned railroad grade. C/o Barron County, 1418 E. LaSalle Ave., Barron 54812, (715) 637-4275. State map

Chippewa River State Trail
A 26.5-mile trail linking Eau Claire with the Red Cedar Trail. The five miles adjacent to Eau Claire are paved for in-line skaters. River and rural scenery. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o DNR, 1300 W. Clairemont Ave. P.O. Box 4001, Eau Claire 54702. (715) 839-1607. State map

Devil's River State Trail
Under construction; not open. This county-operated 14-mile trail will connect the communities of Denmark and Rockwood in Brown and Manitowoc counties. This trail, on a former rail grade, will also pass through the communities of Maribel and Francis Creek. State map

Eisenbahn State Trail
This county-operated 25-mile trail passes through the communities of Eden, Campbellsport, Kewaskum and West Bend. Travel past the historic West Bend depot, the Milwaukee River and the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Hike, touring bike, mountain bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o Washington County Parks, 333 East Washington Street, West Bend 53095, (262) 335-4445; c/o Fond Du Lac County Parks, 160 S. Macy Street, Fond Du Lac 54935, (920) 929-3135. State map

Elroy-Sparta State Trail
A delightful, 32.5-mile ride that includes three century-old railway tunnels and a succession of friendly, small towns. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. C/o P.O. Box 99, Ontario 54651. (608) 337-4775 or (608) 463-7109. Current Conditions. State map

Fox River State Trail [exit DNR]
A 13.9-mile county-operated multiple-use state recreation trail between Green Bay and Greenleaf. It has a swing bridge over the Fox River at the north end of the trail. From the trailhead, about 5.4 miles of the urban section of the trail is asphalt-paved. The southern portion of the trail south of Heritage Road allows horseback riding on bridle paths alongside the trail corridor. C/o Brown County, 305 E. Walnut St., Green Bay 54301, (920) 448-4466. Current Conditions. State map

Friendship State Trail
This new county-operated state trail goes through agricultural lands between Brillion and Forest Junction. It goes near the Brillion State Wildlife Area. C/o Calumet County Parks, N6150 County Trunk E, Hilbert 54129, (920) 439-1008. State map

Gandy Dancer State Trail
This county-operated 98-mile multi-use trail crosses the Wisconsin/Minnesota border twice on its way from St. Croix Falls to Superior. A highlight is the 520-foot bridge over the scenic St. Croix River near Danbury. Hike, touring bike, mountain bike, ski, snowmobile. Polk County Parks & Recreation 100 Polk Plaza #10, Balsam Lake 54810. (715) 485-9294; Douglas County Forestry Dept. P.O. Box 211, Solon Springs 54873. (715) 378-2219; or c/o Burnett County Parks 7410 County Road K #106, Siren 54872. (715) 349-2157. State map

Glacial Drumlin State Trail
A 52-mile ride through glacial landscapes between Waukesha and Cottage Grove. There is a 1.5-mile on-road stretch at the mid-point near Jefferson. The 13 miles nearest Waukesha are paved for in-line skaters. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile. 68, east, c/o W329 N846 County Hwy. C, Delafield 53018, (262) 646-3025; 69, west, 1213 S. Main St., Lake Mills 53551, (920) 648-8774. Camping. Current Conditions. State map

Great River State Trail
This 24-mile rail bed trail winds its way through the Mississippi River bottom lands north from Onalaska through Trempealeau, Perrot State Park, and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o P.O. Box 407, Trempealeau 54661. (608) 534-6409. Current Conditions. State map

Green Circle State Trail [exit DNR]
The Stevens Point area's locally-operated 24-mile nature trail circles through river shores, trees, plants, wild birds, and animals. Recall the history of the huge pinery, Indian camps, pioneer settlements, and lore of the Wisconsin and Plover rivers. Hike, touring bike, ski. 1462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point 54481. (715) 346-1433. State map

Hank Aaron State Trail
This trail will include multi-purpose trails and riverwalks along the lower Menomonee river in Milwaukee. The trail is under construction. Rideable segments are from Doyne Park into the stadium area and another segment between 25th and 13th streets along the Menomonee River.C/o DNR, 2300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Milwaukee 53212. (414) 263-8559. State map

Hillsboro State Trail
A 4.2-mile state-owned and county-operated hike/bike/snowmobile trail between Hillsboro and the 400 Trail at Union Center. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile this convenient trail as it crosses the beautiful Baraboo River four times. c/o City of Hillsboro, P.O. Box 447 Hillsboro 54634, (608) 489-2521; Vernon County Forestry/Parks, 220 Airport Rd., Viroqua 54665, (608) 637-5485, or Juneau Co. Forestry & Parks, 650 Prairie St., Mauston 53948-1365, (608) 847-9389. State map

Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age Trail is a National Scenic Trail located entirely within Wisconsin. The Ice Age Trail is also the only state trail specifically designated as a "State Scenic Trail". The trail winds for more than 1,000 miles, following the edge of the last continental glacier in Wisconsin. Segments of the trail in four units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the Chequamegon National Forest, and many shorter stretches are open. c/o Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, 306 E Wilson Street, Lower Level, Madison 53703, (800) 227-0046. State map

La Crosse River State Trail
A delightful 24.5-mile ride along the La Crosse River between Sparta and La Crosse. The trail is a middle link between the Elroy-Sparta Trail and the Great River Trail. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. C/o P.O. Box 99, Ontario 54651. (608) 337-4775 or (608) 269-4123. Current Conditions. State map

Mascoutin Valley State Trail
This 9-mile trail goes past farms and wetlands and the communities of Ripon and Berlin. Hike, horse, mountain bike, snowmobile. C/o Fond du Lac County Planning & Parks, 160 S. Macy St., Fond du Lac 54935, (920) 929-3135; Green Lake County, 492 Hill St., Green Lake 54941, (920) 294-4032; or Winnebago County Parks, 625 E. County Rd. Y #500, Oshkosh 54901-8131, (920) 232-1960. State map

Military Ridge State Trail
The 41-mile trail between Madison and Dodgeville follows an old military road built in 1855. Rich in history and panoramic views. Hike or bike on the entire trail; also in-line skate on the 3 miles between Madison and Verona and snowmobile on the rest. 4350 Mounds Park Rd, P.O.Box 98, Blue Mounds 53517-0098. (608) 437-7393). Current Conditions. State map

Mountain-Bay State Trail
A county-operated 80.5-mile rail bed trail that passes through a wide variety of landscapes between the Wausau and Green Bay areas. Many bridges. Trail users must use streets and roads through Shawano. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. C/o Wausau/Marathon County Parks, Courthouse, 500 Forest St., Wausau 54403, (715) 261-1515; Shawano County Parks Dept., 311 N. Main St., Shawano 54166, (715) 526-6766; or Brown County Park Dept [exit DNR], 305 E. Walnut St. #304, Green Bay 54301, (920) 448-4466. State map

New London to Seymour State Trail
Under construction; not open. This county-operated 23-mile trail will connect the communities of New London and Seymour in Outagamie County. This trail, on a former rail grade, is near the southern segment of the Wiouwash State Trail. State map

Nicolet State Trail
A county-operated 65-mile former rail corridor through the forests and farms of northeast Wisconsin. The trail crosses two designated wild rivers and travels through the Nicolet National Forest. There is a break in the trail in Forest County between the town of Laona and County Highway O. The trail in Forest and Florence counties is new and some sections may still be under development. C/o Oconto County Land Office, 300 Washington St., Oconto 54153, (920) 834-6995. State map

North Country National Scenic and State Trail [exit DNR]
When completed, this national hiking and backpacking trail will extend 4,000 miles across seven northern states. In Wisconsin, there are about 75 miles of completed segments in Iron County Forest, Copper Falls State Park and the Chequamegon National Forest. c/o National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Madison 53711, (608) 264-5610. State map

Oconto River State Trail
A county-operated 8-mile trail between Oconto and Stiles junction. It goes near Copper Culture State Park. The trail parallels the Oconto River, a popular water for float trips and fishing. You can float part of the river an hike or bike back on the trail. State map

Old Abe State Trail
A scenic corridor following the Chippewa River through agricultural and undeveloped lands and along the Chippewa River between Lake Wissota State Park and Brunet Island State Park at Cornell. A parallel horse trail connects Jim Falls and Lake Wissota State Park. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. C/o Chippewa County Forest and Parks, 711 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls 54729. (715) 726-7880. State map

Pecatonica State Trail
Running 10 miles through the picturesque Bonner Branch Valley, this county-operated trail links Belmont with Calamine and the 47-mile multi-use Cheese Country Trail. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o Green County Courthouse 1016 16th Ave., Monroe 53566. (608) 328-9430. State map

Red Cedar State Trail
The trail shadows the steep walls of the Red Cedar Valley 14.5 miles from Menomonie to the Chippewa River Valley. Wildlife along the trail includes pileated woodpeckers, songbirds, turkey, grouse, pheasants, fox, and deer. Connects to the 20-mile Chippewa River Trail. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile, snowshoe. 921 Brickyard Rd., Menomonie 54751. (715) 232-1242. Current Conditions. State map

Saunders State Trail
This 8.4-mile county-operated trail links with the Gandy Dancer Trail near Superior and continues into Minnesota. Hike, mountain bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o Douglas County Forestry Dept., P.O. Box 211, Solon Springs 54873. (715) 378-2219. State map

Sugar River State Trail
This 23-mile trail traces the gentle meanders of the Sugar River between New Glarus and Broadhead. Part of the Ice Age National Trail. Bikers and hikers can enjoy a replica of the Clarence covered bridge and historic New Glarus. Hike, touring bike, snowmobile. Box 805, W5446 County Hwy. NN, New Glarus 53574. (608) 527-2334 or (608) 527-2335. State map

Tomorrow River State Trail [exit DNR]
This 14-mile trail goes through glacial terrain and farm country from the village of Plover to the Portage/Waupaca county line east of Amherst. Open to bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and horseback riders year round and snowmobiles, skiers, and dog sledders during the winter. C/o Portage County Parks 1462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point 54481. (715) 346-1433. State map

Tuscobia State Trail [exit DNR]
From Rice Lake to Park Falls, the Tuscobia Trail travels 74 miles through the Flambeau State Forest and Chequamegon National Forest. Enjoy the rugged wilderness of the Blue Hills from a nearly-level former rail grade. Hike, mountain bike, snowmobile, ATV. C/o DNR Hwy. 27 S., Rt. 2, Box 2003, Hayward 54843. (715) 532-3911 State map

White River State Trail
Ten miles of this new county-operated state trail between Elkhorn and the Walworth County line just west of Burlington are open to hiking, biking, and snowmobiling. A 2-mile stretch is open to horseback riding. The trail goes past farmlands, through the historic village of Lyons, and within 5 miles of Lake Geneva and Big Foot Beach State Park. Bicyclists and horseback riders age 16 and older must have a state trail pass.

Wild Goose State Trail [exit DNR]
A 32-mile county-operated trail skirting the western edge of the vast Horicon Marsh from Fond du Lac to Clyman Junction. The marsh is famous for its migrant waterfowl, including Canada geese. Hike, touring bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o County Planning & Parks Dept., 160 S. Macy St., Fond du Lac 54935, (920) 929-3135 or (800) 937-9123; c/o Dodge County Planning, 127 E. Oak St., Juneau 53039, (920) 386-3700. State map

Wild Rivers State Trail
Hike, mountain bike, snowmobile. C/o Barron County Forests, 127 South 4th Street, Barron 54812, (715) 537-6295; Washburn County Forests, 850 W. Beaver Brook Ave. #4, Spooner 54801, (715) 635-4490; or Douglas County Forestry, P.O. Box 211, Solon Springs 54873, (715) 378-2219. State map

Wiouwash State Trail
This county-operated trail, named for Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano counties, extends from downtown Oshkosh 22 miles to Hortonville and from Tigerton 16 miles to Birnamwood. Hike, touring bike, mountain bike, ski, snowmobile. C/o Winnebago County Parks, 625 E. County Rd. Y #500, Oshkosh 54901-8131, (920) 232-1960; c/o Outagamie County Parks, 1375 E. Broadway Dr., Appleton 54915, (920) 832-4791; or 311 N. Main St., Shawano 54166, (715) 526-6766. State map

Wolf River State Trail
Under construction; not open. This county-operated 24-mile trail in Langlade County will run adjacent to the Nicolet National Forest while connecting the communities of White Lake, Hollister and Lily. State map