Military Ridge Trail

Yes, a Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for all users aged 16 and older who are biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, or horseback riding. Hikers and walkers do not need a pass. Passes can be purchased daily or annually. For current fees and purchase locations, you can check the Wisconsin DNR website.

The trail spans 40 miles, connecting several towns with various access points. Major trailheads with parking are available in towns like Dodgeville, Ridgeway, Barneveld, Blue Mounds, Mount Horeb, Verona, and Fitchburg. These towns also offer amenities like food and drinks.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trail. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 feet and under control at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

The trail offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying wildflowers like black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers, and spotting wildlife. Fall brings beautiful foliage. Even in winter, the trail is open for activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, offering a serene, snowy landscape.

As a converted rail-trail, it features a relatively flat and even surface with a gentle grade, typically 2 to 5 percent. Most of the trail (about 37.5 miles) is crushed limestone, while a 2.5-mile section between Fitchburg and Verona is paved with asphalt. Be aware that some sections might have loose sand or gravel, or become muddy after heavy rains.

The trail meanders through diverse landscapes including woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and agricultural farmland. You'll see wildflowers in spring and summer, and might spot white-tailed deer, red foxes, red-tailed hawks, and sandhill cranes. Elevated sections, especially between Dodgeville and Mount Horeb, offer views of the Wisconsin River watershed.

Yes, the trail is a significant connector. In Verona, it meets the Ice Age Trail. Its eastern end in Fitchburg connects to the Capital City State Trail and the Badger State Trail, expanding access to hundreds of miles of trails. It also runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge State Park and Blue Mound State Park, with access trails leading to both.

Absolutely. The trail follows the route of the old Chicago and North Western Railway, with interpretive signs detailing its 19th-century development. It also traces an ancient Native American footpath that became a military road in 1835. Near Mount Horeb, you can find a unique 'Planet Trek' exhibit, a scale-model solar system.

Yes, its flat grade and smooth surface make it very accessible for a wide range of users, including walkers, joggers, and families. While the full 40-mile length requires endurance, many shorter sections are perfect for beginners or a leisurely family outing.

Yes, the trail is multi-use. It's popular for bicycling, running, and in-line skating (on paved sections). In winter, it transforms into a route for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Precipice Top Trail, the Red Cedars Trail, the Big Tree Ridge Trail, and the Surprise Creek Trail.