Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Glacial Drumlin State Trail

Running between Wisconsin's two largest urban areas, this trail stretches for 52 miles through farmlands and glacial topography. The trail travels through 10 small towns from Cottage Grove to Waukesha. The trail is on an abandoned rail corridor, except for a 1.5-mile section northeast of Jefferson, between State Highway 26 and County Highway Y, which uses public roads as the trail route.

Biking on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail.
DNR Photo by Joseph Warren

Trail Activities

The Glacial Drumlin 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 & In-line Skating

     The fairly level grade and smooth limestone and asphalt surfaces make this 52-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. The 13-mile section from Waukesha through the town of Dousman has been paved with asphalt suitable for in-line skating.

Anyone age 16 or older riding a bicycle or in-line skating must have a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. Trail passes must be purchased before using the trail and should be carried with you while using the trail. Passes are available from private vendors along the trail, at self-registration stations on the trail, at the Lake Mills Trail Headquarters, and at the Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest Office near Delafield.

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. Pets are not allowed in picnic areas.

The fairly level grade and smooth limestone and asphalt surfaces make most of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments. A 1.5-mile section northeast of Jefferson, between State Highway 26 and County Highway Y, uses public roads as the trail route.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age Trail follows the Glacial Drumlin State Trail corridor for about 2 miles west of Wales. The Ice Age Trail continues north into Lapham Peak and south along local roads into the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Winter Activities

Snowmobiles are permitted on the 39-mile, limestone section of the trail but not the paved asphalt section between Waukesha and Dousman. West of Mickle Road, a snowmobile route parallels the paved section of trail to Dousman. Snowmobiling is prohibited east of Mickle Road in Waukesha County. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits.

   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. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

Camping

Camping near the trail is available throughout the year at campgrounds in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lake Kegonsa State Park, Capital Springs State Recreation Area and at at the Sandhill Station State Campground.

More Information

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

For more information, ask:

Glacial Drumlin State Trail—West
1213 S. Mail Street
Lake Mills, WI 53551
(920) 648-8774

Glacial Drumlin State Trail—East
W329 N846, County Hwy. C
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-3025