DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas
 Experience fall colors in a new way this year by taking a mountain bike ride this autumn, like at over 50 miles of trails at the Kettle Moraine State Forest- Southern Unit. / Photo credit: Travel Wisconsin
Fall is a great time to get out and mountain bike as temperatures level off. The Wisconsin State Park System has two types of mountain bike trails, off-road trails and constructed trails. More trail miles are added every year, so keep exploring!
Off-Road Bicycle Trails
Off-road trails are intermediate-level trails, often in the woods with a variety of surfacing, from native soil to wood chips. They are appropriate for families with more adventurous riders and hybrid or mountain bikes. These trails are typically unsurfaced trails in state parks, forests or recreation areas or are on former rail lines.
Constructed Mountain Bike Trails
The Wisconsin State Park System has several miles of specially constructed mountain bike trails. Trails are mostly singletrack (where riders need to ride single-file), although some are wide enough to be considered double-track. Some trails can be challenging. Constructed mountain bike trails are built to the trail standards of the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Find constructed mountain bike trails at Blue Mound, Hartman Creek, Kinnickinnic and Willow River state parks and Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit and Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest.
Local bike clubs throughout the state also construct and maintain mountain bike trails in cooperation with land managers. In northern Wisconsin, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association has developed a system of trails in and around the Chequamegon National Forest.
State Trail Passes and Electric Bikes
A state trail pass is required for bikers over age 16 on most state trails. Each state park property is different, so be sure to check the rules before you go. A trail pass is valid for each calendar year and is $25.
Likewise, electric bike use varies from property to property. Generally, e-bikes are allowed on some of the linear state bicycle touring trails. On off-road bike trails or constructed mountain bike trails, e-bike use varies. Please check the property before heading out.
Enjoy exploring the trails this fall!
Wildcat Mountain State Park 75th Anniversary
Wildcat Mountain in Ontario is celebrating its diamond jubilee! Help park staff and the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park celebrate on Saturday, Sept. 16. The Friends are hosting a variety of events including jack-o-lantern carving, horse-drawn wagon rides, kids games, food vendors, stargazing and more! More details coming soon. Plus, there will be cake!
Photo credit: Andy Haffele, Wisconsin DNR
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 The Pleasure Valley Trail is beautiful year round, but the fall colors really come alive. Expore the trail by bike this year. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Southern Wisconsin's Blue Mound State Park is a great place for observing nature, both close up and at a distance from the two observation towers. You can also observe nature via bicycle, on one of over 15 miles of challenging off-road, single-track bicycle trails at the park.
Over millions of years, the forces of nature changed this place from mountains to a sea bottom to the hill it is today. Due to certain geological quirks of fate, southwestern Wisconsin was bypassed and encircled by the four glaciers. The area, therefore, stands as an island of hills and valleys amid surrounding plains and today is part of the "Driftless Area" because it is devoid of drift or the accumulated rock and soil left by retreating glaciers.
This drift has made Blue Mound a beautiful, rolling landscape with woods and valley. In addition to hiking, camping and cross-country skiing, Blue Mound has a variety of bike trails, fun for fall and winter.
Off-Road Singletrack Bike Trails
More than 15 miles of off-road, singletrack bike trails are carved into the hilly terrain for enthusiasts willing to take the challenge. The Overlode, Basalt and Pepper, Chert Dip, Gneiss and Smooth and Holy Schist trails offer spectacular views of the dolomite and chert outcroppings and challenge cyclist’s bike handling skills. The trailhead is at the pool parking lot.
For more information or to see trail conditions, please see the Capital Off-Road Pathfinders webpage.
Pleasure Valley Bike Trail
A rolling 1-mile trail will take you through a peaceful sugar maple forest and a wide range of plant life in an open prairie. The Pleasure Valley Trail is groomed for both traditional and diagonal skiers in winter.
Military Ridge State Trail
The park is next to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, open to bicycling, hiking and snowmobiles.
A state trail pass is required of all bicyclists aged 16 and over (in addition to the vehicle admission sticker). Trails are open unless conditions are wet.
Reminder - the pool and splash pad at Blue Mound State Park close Monday, Sept. 4!
Blue Mound State Park is located in Blue Mounds.
Newport Wilderness Days
Newport State Park
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 3
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This event at Newport State Park was started in 1992 as a way for the members of Newport Wilderness Society, the park’s official friends group, to showcase their beautiful wilderness park. Volunteers lead hikes and programs on Labor Day weekend, covering many areas of interest.
Events include:
- Coffee on the Beach
- Yoga on the Beach
- Fern Trail Sneak Peek
- Mushroom Foray with Charlotte Lukes
- Forest Past and Present Tour: Upland Trail
- History of Newport, Out of Wilderness into Wilderness
- Camp Fire building, Wilderness style and Dutch Oven Cooking
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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International Crane Foundation Program
Mirror Lake State Park
Saturday, Sept. 2
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Meet down at the Ampitheater for a presentation from the International Crane Foundation about the "Cranes of North America." Their presentation will include various pictures and valuable information about these cranes!
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Mushroom And Fungi Fun
Copper Falls State Park
Sunday, Sept. 3
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join the park naturalist in a family-friendly exploration along the trail. Seek out nature’s recyclers in a photo scavenger hunt for different kinds of mushrooms and fungi. Meet at the park’s historic pavilion – mycologists welcome!
No pets, please.
Find more DNR events at our online events calendar.
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