Blue Mound State Park

Trail Facts

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Synopsis

Trail Review

LOCATION

Between Barneveld and Mount Horeb.

TRAILS

Grooming: Classic & skate. Multiple loop trail system.
Snowshoe Trails: Yes. Separate trail system.

TRAIL NOTES

Blue Mound State Park sits on the highest point in southern Wisconsin and features a fantastic cross-country ski-trail system with trails to suit all abilities. If you’re looking for an aerobic challenge, this is the place. Expect big hills with lung busting ascents, and long, fun descents, especially on the intermediate and advanced runs. The Ridgeview, Flint Rock, and Willow Springs Trails are all awesome. Novice skiers will enjoy the John Minix Trail, and the slightly more difficult Pleasure Valley Trail - which features long flats through scenic prairie and one long, gentle downhill.

Most of the trails meander through a mature oak and hickory forest, with occasional open fields providing excellent panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Like most WI DNR trail systems, all of the trails are well-marked and there are trail map signs at most of the trail junctions. There is a new heated warming house at the ski/snowshoe trailhead called the ´Friends Shelter´.

There are 12 miles of snowshoe trails that wind through hardwood forest and a wonderful variety of terrain. The Overlode Trail is especially scenic as it meanders along several wooded ridges and narrow valleys.

LAND OWNERSHIP

The entire trail system lies within the Blue Mound State Park, WI DNR.

FEES

Wisconsin DNR Vehicle Admission Sticker Required
WI License Plate Daily: $8
WI License Plate Annual: $28
Out-of-State Daily: $13
Out-of-State Annual: $38

FACILITIES

Parking, warming building (heated), pit toilets
On-Site Equipment Rentals: No.

IN THE AREA

Motels, food, gas (Mt Horeb), equipment rentals, retail sporting goods, motels, food, gas (Madison)

DIRECTIONS

On Highway 18/151 (about 23 miles west of Madison) near Blue Mounds, Wi, turn north onto County Highway F. Drive 0.3 mile north and turn west onto County F/LD. Stay on County Highway LD for 0.5 mile and turn north onto Mounds Rd. Drive north on Mounds Rd/Mounds Park Rd into Blue Mound State Park.

TRAIL INFORMATION

Website: Blue Mound State Park
Phone: 608.437.5711 (Blue Mound State Park)