On The Trails

Start the adventure in Monroe County with an array of trails catering to hiking, biking, and skiing enthusiasts. Discover scenic routes winding through the Driftless Area’s rolling hills, explore historic rail trails, or carve through snowy landscapes during winter months. With diverse terrain, Monroe County’s trails promise unforgettable outdoor experiences for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Biking & Hiking

Elroy - Sparta Trail

Sparta is home to the connection point of two incredible state trails that were converted from former railroad routes. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is a 32-mile route that winds through five communities, four of which are in Monroe County - Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, and Sparta.

The most unique features of this trail are the three train tunnels that range in length from a quarter mile to three-quarters of a mile. In the heat of summer, the tunnels stay cool and offer a reprieve for travelers venturing along the path.

The La Crosse River State Trail

22 miles long and parallels the La Crosse River between Sparta and La Crosse. The scenery is a prairie setting with patches of farmland, forests, trout streams, and wetlands.

These two trails also connect with the Great River State Trail to the north and the 400 State Trail to the south, creating a continuous bike route stretching more than 100 miles long.

McMullen Memorial County Park

Just north of Warrens, Monroe County's first county park is located on the shores of Wazeda Lake. The 60-acre park has more than 60 campsites, along with hiking trails and lake access to a peaceful fishing spot that does not allow gasoline engines.

The park is a part of the Monroe County Forest system, which maintains more than a thousand acres of woodlands in the area. Reserve your site or the picnic shelter now.

Tomah Recreation Trail

The Tomah Recreational Trail is a pleasurable hiking trail located between Lake Tomah and Veterans Park.

The Tomah Recreational Trail is a family-friendly multi-use trail located between Lake Tomah and Veteran’s Park. The four-mile route is paved and alternates between mostly natural areas along the Lemonweir River and a few residential neighborhoods.

In addition to the lake and Veteran’s Park, the trail also passes by a handful of other local parks. With one attraction that encompasses most of Tomah’s city parks, it’s an easy choice for our list.

The park is a part of the Monroe County Forest system, which maintains more than a thousand acres of woodlands in the area.

Mill Bluff State Park

Located on the eastern border of Monroe County with half of the park in Juneau County, Mill Bluff State Park offers a stunning landscape of tall sandstone bluffs and thick forests. These towering bluffs were natural landmarks for early pioneers and are often referenced in journals and diaries.

The most popular trail in the park is short but steep. More than 200 stone steps constructed in the 1930s lead to the top of Mill Bluff, where visitors can stand on the observation deck towering above the stunning landscape below.

Pinnacle Rock Pond

This hidden gem is located seven miles north of Cashton. A two-acre trout pond surrounded by woods and a small stream, the property includes a state fish-rearing station.

This peaceful destination is for those who truly would like to get away and can be found at the bottom of a dead-end county road. Within a Driftless Area valley, this naturally scenic destination offers solitude and excellent fishing opportunities.

Big Creek State Fishery Area

Located near Cataract, the Big Creek State Fishery Area has multiple opportunities for hunting and fishing in a Class II trout stream. The 1,316-acre property includes access to Big, Spencer, Soper, and Rathbone creeks and is open to trout fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The surrounding forest is a mix of hardwoods and pine and attracts a large variety of birds like yellow-bellied sapsuckers, whippoorwills, and the Nashville and black and white warblers. Bald eagles, ruffed grouse, and wild turkey also have been known to frequent the area, so be sure to bring binoculars!

Eureka Maple Woods State Natural Area

Located west of Cashton along the southern border of Monroe County, the Eureka Maple Woods tower over the Timber Coulee Creek from a steep, north-facing slope. With sugar maples, red oak, yellow birch, and white ash trees, you can only imagine the explosion of color that happens every fall along this natural area.

This area is not easy to get to and there is no designated parking lot, so visitors need to have an adventurous spirit when they park along the highway and hike in. However, the incredible views can be rewarding in this isolated, natural setting.

Wooden Bridges of Sparta Wisconsin

Historic downtown Sparta has an abundance of things to do and see. Stroll across one of The Five Shovelman bridges to enjoy unique shops, live entertainment, and museums. The bridges will provide breathtaking views, trails to walking paths, a dog park, fishing and even disc golf and so much more! Visit the romantic Love Lock Bridge to place a padlock on the cable wires to symbolize your love for one another.

MinneIoWisco Bikepacking Route

MinneIoWisco is a scenic, week-long gravel bikepacking adventure that loops through the beautiful Driftless Area of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Covering 273 miles, this route takes cyclists through a blend of gravel roads, bike paths, quiet backroads, and a touch of singletrack. Riders will enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Kickapoo Valley and the historic Elroy-Sparta State Trail, along with opportunities to stop at unique local breweries and restaurants scattered along the way, showcasing the region’s charm and culture.

ATV & Snowmobile Trails