Enjoy the Trails at Governor Dodge State Park

Governor Dodge maintains nearly 40 miles of trails. All are open to hiking and many of them for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. The park also is adjacent to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, which goes to Madison.

Hiking

Two designated hiking trails begin at the Enee Point Picnic Shelter—the self-guided Pine Cliff Nature Trail and the 4.5-mile White Oak Trail.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing at Governor Dodge State Park
DNR Photo by Jeff Prey

Governor Dodge has more than 20 miles of ski trails. All trails can be reached from the Cox Hollow Beach trailhead. Water, picnic tables, and flush toilet facilities are also available at the trailhead. A state trail pass is required of all skiers aged 16 and over (in addition to the vehicle admission sticker).

Lakeview, Gold Mine, Mill Creek, Meadow Valley, and Lost Canyon (in order from easiest to most difficult) are groomed for skiing when conditions permit.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except on cross-country ski trails. Try the group camp area or Twin Valley picnic area.

Bicycling

The park provides 10 miles of challenging off-road bicycle trails. You may also access the 39-mile Military Ridge bicycle trail from the park’s trails. Trail passes are required to use the bike trails. Trails are open May 1 to November 15 unless posted otherwise.

Meadow Valley, Mill Creek, and Gold Mine trails are designated off-road biking trails. Bikers, hikers, and horses will share parts of these trails and must exercise caution when encountering each other. The Mill Creek Trail also provides biking and hiking access to the Military Ridge State Trail.

Trail Descriptions

Gold Mine Hike-Bike-Ski Trail

This 2.5-mile loop trail meanders through a variety of woods and meadows without encountering the steeper grades that other trails have. The trailhead is about .4 mile west of the Twin Valley Campground entrance. This trail is designed primarily for beginner and intermediate skiers. (Ski time: 45 minutes)

Horse Trail (Interior Loop)

This 6.7-mile trail connects the horse camp and horse day use areas. It also provides access to the 15.3-mile horse/snowmobile exterior loop. This trail allows horse riders the option of making several shorter loops from the campground or day use area. Horse trails are open May 1 to November 15 unless posted otherwise.

Horse-Snowmobile Trail (Exterior Loop)

This 15.3-mile loop trail winds its way through some of the most scenic and remote areas of this 5,270-acre park. The trail is maintained for horse riders, snowmobilers, and hikers. At the southeast corner of the park, there is a snowmobile access trail that connects with the 39-mile Military Ridge snowmobile trail. (Snowmobile time: 1.5 hours; horse time 3.5 hours)

Lakeview Hike-Ski Trail

This 1.25-mile loop trail begins at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area. The trail is wooded and offers a few hills, a secluded valley, and a nice view of Cox Hollow Lake. This trail is designed for less experienced skiers who may wish to walk down the first grade and start skiing on the opposite side of the first bridge. (Ski/hike time: 30 minutes)

Lost Canyon Hike-Ski Trail

This is an 8.1-mile loop trail that starts at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area. The trail is rated "advanced" due to several steep grades and trail length. It is mostly wooded and passes through the scenic Lost Canyon, Stephens Falls, and Twin Valley Lake areas. (Ski time: 3 hours)

Meadow Valley Hike-Bike-Ski Trail

This is a 6.8-mile loop trail that begins at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area. The trail is rated more difficult than the Mill Creek Trail due to its length and steeper down grades. The trail follows along the ridge of the Lost Canyon and passes through open meadows and wooded ridges. (Ski time: 2.5 hours)

Mill Creek Hike-Bike-Ski Trail

This is a 3.3-mile loop trail that begins at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area. The trail winds through meadows and wooded valleys. The trail provides spectacular views of both Cox Hollow and Twin Valley lakes. You will encounter several steep grades, but the majority of the trail is quite level. This trail also provides biking and hiking access to the Military Ridge State Trail. (Ski time: 1 hour)

Pine Cliff Nature Trail

This is a wooded 2-mile self-guided loop trail which begins and ends at the Enee Point picnic area. Nature labels interpret area history, wildlife, vegetation, and ecology. While hiking the trail, you will encounter several steps, steep grades, and rocky surfaces. Hikers will enjoy the scenic views above Cox Hollow Lake and the hike along the lake shore. Note: Pets are prohibited on this trail. (Hike time: 45 minutes - 1 hour)

Stephens Falls Hiking Trail

This is a half-mile scenic trail with rock outcroppings, lush ferns, and a beautiful waterfall. You may reach this trail from the Lost Canyon Trail or the Park Road. There is a scenic overlook above the falls. Steps will be encountered to gain access to the falls below.

White Oak Hiking Trail

This is a 4.5-mile wooded trail that begins at the Cox Hollow Lake beach picnic area. At the south end of Cox Hollow Lake, the White Oak Trails joins the Pine Cliff Nature Trail. The nature trail leads hikers to the Enee Point picnic area. At Enee Point, hikers will have to walk one more mile along Cox Hollow Road to return to the starting point at Cox Hollow beach. The trail meanders around the lake and provides scenic overlooks of the lake and valleys below. While hiking this trail, you will encounter steps, several steep rocky grades, and rocky surfaces. (Hiking time: 2-2.5 hours)

For more information, ask Governor Dodge State Park, (608) 935-2315.