The Military Ridge State Trail is a 40-mile crushed gravel trail located in Wisconsin’s Dane and Iowa Counties. This scenic trail passes through nine communities from Dodgeville, at the western end, to Fitchburg, just south of Madison. The name “Military Ridge” trail was chosen due to the trail forming a divide between the Wisconsin River watershed and the Pecatonica and Rock Rivers.
The trail passes through the following southern Wisconsin communities, from west to east:
- Dodgeville
- Ridgeway
- Barneveld
- Blue Mounds
- Mount Horeb
- Klevenville
- Riley
- Verona
- Fitchburg
Topography of the Military Ridge State Trail
The map below highlights the elevation of the trail route; note the town of Dodgeville at the western trailhead and Fitchburg at the eastern trailhead. As you travel west, the terrain becomes more steep and rugged, with higher elevation. This is known as Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.
The Driftless Region | Glacial History of Wisconsin
During the last Ice Age, between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago, continental ice sheets covered a large portion of North America. As ice sheets advanced and retreated, melting glaciers receded northward, sculpting unique landforms throughout Wisconsin. The portion of the state untouched by glaciers is known as the Driftless Region. This region is comprised of the northwest part of Illinois, the southwest part of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the northeastern part of Iowa). In the Driftless, you’ll find rugged terrain such as bluffs, deep river valleys and steep canyon walls. Additionally, you’ll observe sinkholes, springs, and the occasional waterfall.
Military Ridge State Trail | Permitted Uses and Trail Fees
Permitted Uses for this trail include biking, hiking, in-line skating, skiing and snowmobiling (on designated limestone sections). Snowmobiles are not permitted on the paved section of the trail between Fitchburg and Verona. Uses not permitted on the trail include motorized vehicles, ATVs, hunting and horses. You can find parking, restrooms, and picnic areas along the trail. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed.
Trail Fees Bikers, in-line skaters, and cross-country skiiers (age 16 or older) are required to have an annual or daily state trail pass. You can purchase passes online from the Wisconsin DNR or at state park offices. Self-registration is available when offices are closed. Additionally, some local businesses along the trails sell trail passes.
Trail Map See the Wisconsin DNR Map of the Military Ridge State Trail.
History of the Military Ridge State Trail
The Military Ridge State Trail was originally constructed by the United States Army around 1835 as a connection between frontier forts. From 1880 to around 1925, the trail was used as a railroad corridor for the Chicago Tomah and Railway Company. This railway line was eventually abandoned due to a decline in passenger service, and in 1993, the trail was converted to a recreational trail. Since 1993, Wisconsinites and visitors from across the region enjoy this trail for multiple uses.
Military Ridge State Trail Communities
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
The Military Ridge State Trail passes through the town of Mount Horeb. Named by Englishman George Wright in 1861 for its higher regional elevation and proximity to Blue Mounds, Mount Horeb is a beautiful town of about 7,800 people, known for the presence of hand-carved trolls throughout town.
If you park at the trailhead in downtown Mount Horeb, be sure to check out Brix Cider. Located trailside at 119 S. 2nd Street, Brix is a farm-to-table restaurant serving grass-fed burgers, brats, delicious salads, and a range of dry to sweet ciders made from local apples. Indoor and outdoor seating are available. Brix is a great spot for a post-ride meal or drink!
Blue Mound State Park
About 19 miles east of Dodgeville and 21 miles west of Fitchburg lies Blue Mound State Park. This beautiful state park is home to over 20 miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, rustic cabins and campsites. To access Blue Mound from the Military Ridge State Trail, ride 3.75 miles east of Barneveld, follow signs leading to the Blue Mounds campground to enter the park to the north. Be sure to check out panoramic views from the main road within the park, or climb one or two observation towers. The West Tower sits at 1,719 feet in elevation, the highest point in southern Wisconsin. See the Blue Mound State Park Map.
All Trails Maps/App
For detailed information on the Military Ridge State Trail, search the AllTrails app. 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. To explore AllTrails, sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
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Nearby Biking Trails
For a great ride on a nearby state trail, read more here about the Sugar River State Trail: Explore the Beautiful Driftless Region of Wisconsin | Sugar River State Trail – Brodhead to New Glarus.
Enjoy this beautiful stretch of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region!
-Erin
