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Hillsboro State Trail
Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Hillsboro State Trail
This 4-mile, county operated trail connects the communities of Hillsboro and Union Center, while crossing wooded and agricultural lands, winding streams, and the beautiful Baraboo River.
Trail Map
Trail Activities
Trail Facts
- Rail Trail: Yes
- Length: 4 Miles
- Surface: Crushed Stone
- Counties: Vernon, Juneau
- Communities: Hillsboro, Union Center
- State Trail Pass required for Bicycling
Part of the annual River Trail Challenge takes place on the Hillsboro State Trail.
Photo by Brett Klein
The “400”, Elroy-Sparta, La Crosse River and Great River Trails combine for 101 miles of continuous trail between Reedsburg in Sauk County and Perrot State Park on the Mississippi River. The Hillsboro State Trail connects to the “400” State Trail in Union Center.
Activities
The Hillsboro 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
The fairly level grade and smooth surface make this 4-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.
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.
The fairly level grade and smooth surface make most of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.
Winter Activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The Hillsboro State Trail also connects to many miles of county snowmobile trails.
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.
More Information
See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Hillsboro State Trail.
How to Get There
How to Get There
State Highways 33, 80 and 82 parallel the trail while connecting both Union Center and Hillsboro. Parking is available at the 400 State Trail Parking lot in Union Center and at the trailhead in Hillsboro at Air Rail Avenue.
The Hillsboro State Trail connects to the “400” State Trail in Union Center. From Union Center, visitors can take the “400” State Trail about 4 miles north to Elroy or 4 miles east to Wonewoc. Parking is available in Wonewoc, and in Elroy at the Elroy Commons depot where the “400” and “Elroy-Sparta” state trails connect.
In the Area
State Parks and Trails
"400" State Trail
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
La Crosse River State Trail
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Bike 4 Trails Web page [exit DNR]
While not a state trail, the Omaha Trail is a 12.5-mile rail trail running between Elroy and Camp Douglas, near Mill Bluff State Park along the old Chicago and Northwestern rail bed. The Omaha Trail features a shorter rock tunnel which is about two blocks long.
Tourism Listings
Nearby activities, accommodations, dining, events, and more.
Hill Country Chamber of Commerce [exit DNR]
Hillsboro [exit DNR]
Union Center [exit DNR]
Useful Links
Useful Links
Visit Vernon County [exit DNR]
Juneau County Tourism [exit DNR]
Kickapoo Valley Reserve [exit DNR]
Bike 4 Trails
The Hillsboro State Trail connects to Western Wisconsin's unique network of four connected state trails that provides over 101 miles of continuous trail. Bike 4 Trails is a cooperative effort between trail staff, friends groups, chamber of commerce groups, and tourism officials along the four trails. Visit the Bike 4 Trails Web page [exit DNR] for maps of the individual trails as well as a large overview of the entire trail system.
For more information, ask:
City of Hillsboro
P.O. Box 447
Hillsboro, WI 54634
(608) 489-2521
Vernon County Forestry/Parks
220 Airport Rd.
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-5485
Juneau County Forestry & Parks
650 Prairie St.
Mauston, WI 53948
(608) 847-9389
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