17 Wisconsin Rail Trails For Long Dog Walks Through Farm And Forest Country
Old train lines make some of the best dog paths in the Midwest. Trains needed gentle grades, so these routes stay flat, steady, and easy on paws.
Wisconsin turned dozens of them into trails that cut through dairy farms, hardwood forests, marshes, and sleepy small towns. Some even pass through dark rock tunnels.
Each trail below welcomes leashed dogs, and every one offers miles of quiet country to sniff.
1. Badger State Trail: Madison to the Border
Start in Madison and you could walk all the way to Illinois. The Badger State Trail covers 40 miles through Dane and Green counties.
Expect meadows, remnant prairie, wooded ravines, and rolling farm fields. Six miles are asphalt, and the rest is crushed stone.
The curved Stewart Tunnel is closed for renovation right now.
Keep leashes at 8 feet or shorter and pack waste bags. Near Monticello, it links to the Sugar River Trail.
2. Sugar River State Trail and Its Trestles
Hollow wooden thumps under your feet mean another trestle bridge. Pups tend to love the echo.
The Sugar River State Trail runs 24 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead on compacted limestone. Rolling hills, lush meadows, and state wildlife areas fill the views.
Fun fact: trail headquarters sits in a restored 1887 railroad depot in New Glarus. Grab a map there, clip on the leash, and start counting bridges.
3. Glacial Drumlin State Trail: Hills Made by Ice
Long ago, glaciers shaped smooth oval hills called drumlins. Now your pup can trot right past them.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail stretches 52 miles between Cottage Grove and Waukesha. Thirteen miles are asphalt, and 39 are crushed stone.
Farm fields roll out on both sides.
One rule stands out here: leashes must be 6 feet or shorter. With so many access points, breaking it into short sections is simple and fun.
4. Wild Goose State Trail Along Horicon Marsh
Honk, honk! Come autumn, the sky above this trail fills with traveling geese.
Wild Goose State Trail runs 34 miles from Fond du Lac to Clyman Junction. It hugs the western edge of Horicon Marsh, famous worldwide for migrating waterfowl.
Wildflowers, woodlots, and prairie remnants mix with rich farm fields. A separate horse path runs alongside in Dodge County.
Keep dogs on 8-foot leashes, especially when birds are close.
5. Ahnapee State Trail on the Door Peninsula
Water lovers, this one is for you. Ahnapee State Trail wanders past rivers and wetlands on the Door Peninsula.
The route covers about 50 miles, linking Casco Junction with Algoma and Sturgeon Bay. Its firm crushed limestone keeps footing steady for paws.
Bonus: parts of the trail overlap with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. That means you can tell friends your dog hiked a national trail.
Leashes required.
6. 400 State Trail Beside the Baraboo River
The name comes from a speedy passenger train that once ran here. Today the pace is much slower, and sniff stops are encouraged.
400 State Trail covers 22 miles from Reedsburg to Elroy. It follows the calm Baraboo River past sandstone outcrops and rolling farmland.
La Valle, Wonewoc, and Union Center make handy rest stops. Watch for deer and herons.
Leashes stay at 8 feet or less.
7. Elroy Sparta State Trail and Its Tunnels
Bring a flashlight and a brave pup. Three historic rock tunnels wait on the Elroy Sparta State Trail.
The longest stretches about three-quarters of a mile, cool and dripping even in July. The 32.5-mile path links Sparta and Elroy through Norwalk, Wilton, and Kendall.
Many call it the first rail trail in the United States. Expect wetlands, prairie, and farm valleys.
Leashes must be 8 feet or shorter.
8. La Crosse River State Trail Through the Valley
Here is a fun twist: an active rail line runs right next door. Train-curious dogs may perk their ears.
La Crosse River State Trail covers 22 miles through a pretty river valley. It links La Crosse, West Salem, Bangor, Rockland, and Sparta.
Look for trout streams, hardwood forest, wetlands, and prairie remnants. The packed limestone is smooth and comfy.
It also connects nicely with the Elroy Sparta Trail.
9. Buffalo River State Trail: Rustic and Wild
Bison once roamed this valley, which explains the river’s name. Today, the wildlife is more likely deer and songbirds.
Buffalo River State Trail runs 36 miles between Mondovi and Fairchild. It passes Eleva, Strum, and Osseo through farms, woods, hills, and wetlands.
Heads up: the surface mixes ballast and limestone, with some sandy or rutted spots. Sturdy shoes help.
Check paws for small stones after long stretches.
10. Wiouwash State Trail: A Name Puzzle
Say it slowly: Wee-oh-wash. The name blends four counties, Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano.
The trail totals 41 miles in two parts. The north runs 19 miles from Birnamwood to Split Rock.
The south covers 22 miles from Oshkosh to Hortonville.
The southern half skirts Lake Butte des Morts and native tallgrass prairie. Crushed stone keeps things firm.
Leashes at 8 feet, and bag that waste.
11. Mascoutin Valley State Trail Marsh Walks
Cattails rustle, red-winged blackbirds call, and your dog’s nose goes into overdrive. Welcome to marsh country.
Mascoutin Valley State Trail comes in two sections. One links Berlin and Ripon.
The other joins Rosendale and Fond du Lac.
Surfaces mix limestone, grass, and gravel. Pass farms and prairie, then pause at Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area or near Rush Lake.
Leashes must be 8 feet or less.
12. Newton Blackmour State Trail Woods and Fields
Few trails switch moods quite like this one. Open farm country suddenly gives way to a big, shady forest.
Newton Blackmour State Trail runs about 24 miles between New London and Seymour. It passes Shiocton and Black Creek on crushed limestone.
Bamboo Bend Park in Shiocton is a handy starting spot. In Seymour, the route links to Duck Creek Trail.
Keep leashes 8 feet or shorter.
13. Red Cedar State Trail Bluffs and Trestles
Sandstone bluffs tower overhead while the river sparkles beside you. It feels like a mini canyon trip.
Red Cedar State Trail follows the valley 14.5 miles from Menomonie to the Chippewa River State Trail. It passes Irvington, Downsville, and Dunnville State Wildlife Area.
Prairies, marshy bottoms, forests, and trestles keep things lively. Dogs are welcome, but skip the groomed Menomonie to Downsville stretch in winter.
14. Stower Seven Lakes State Trail Lake Hopping
Count them as you go: one, two, three lakes and more. Seven sparkling lakes line this Polk County path.
Stower Seven Lakes State Trail runs about 14 miles between Amery and the Osceola and Dresser area. Maple and oak woods, wetlands, and farms frame North Twin and Lotus lakes.
The route stays level and easy. Rest stops in Deronda, Wanderoos, and Nye offer picnic tables.
Leash up and pick up.
15. White River State Trail Near Burlington
Southeast Wisconsin folks, this gem sits close to home. Old trestles and creek crossings add charm to every mile.
White River State Trail has two parts. Twelve miles connect Elkhorn and Burlington.
Seven more join Kansasville to downtown Burlington.
The western stretch rolls through glacier-shaped land, woods, and farm fields. Crushed limestone stays in great shape.
Trailheads offer parking and picnic spots for snack breaks. Leashes required.
16. Gandy Dancer State Trail Up North
Gandy dancers were railroad workers who laid and fixed track. Their name now honors a sweet northwoods trail.
The southern segment covers about 48 miles from St. Croix Falls to Danbury. Its level, hard-packed limestone makes long walks feel breezy.
Woods, lakes, fields, and friendly villages roll by. Small towns along the way offer water and snacks.
Keep leashes 8 feet or shorter, and carry extra bags.
17. Fox River State Trail: City to Country Finale
End your tour with a little of everything. Fox River State Trail starts in downtown Green Bay and drifts into farm country.
Its 25 miles follow the river through Allouez and De Pere. About 10 northern miles are paved, then crushed stone takes over.
Stop at Voyageur Park and the historic De Pere lock and dam. Note the stricter rule: leashes no longer than 5 feet.
