The Trail

Current Trail Conditions Link: 


http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/conditions/militaryridge.html

2018 Construction Notice

2018 Temporary Trail Section Closure Notice: The Dept. of Transportation will be installing a clover leaf intersection on Highway 18/151 during summer 2018 near Cemetery Road, just west of the village of Ridgeway. About 1.6 miles of the Military Ridge State Trail from Main Street in Ridgeway to 0.25 miles west of Cty. Hwy. BB will be closed during construction. Dates for construction will be set in spring 2018. Trail users will need to plan ahead or find alternative routes if traveling between Ridgeway and Dodgeville during this time.

Upcoming projects in 2018 include:
  • VERONA – CTH PB & Verona Park n Ride:  Temporary re-route will occur during replacement of two bridges on CTH PB.  Verona Park n Ride will remain open.  No timeline currently available
  • VERONA – City of Verona will be developing the new High School and the trail will be re-routed temporary.  No timeline currently available.
  • MT. HOREB – The Duluth Trading Company construction.  The trail has a minor re-route but remains opens.  Construction most likely will continue through the summer of 2018.  Access to the Mt. Horeb Depot & trail head remains open.
PicturePhoto by Friends of MRT

Description of Trail
The Military Ridge Trail is a 40 mile multi-use Wisconsin trail that runs between Fitchburg and Dodgeville, connecting the towns of Fitchburg, Verona, Klevenville, Riley, Mount Horeb, Blue Mounds, Barneveld, Ridgeway, and Dodgeville. The east end of the trail connects users with 100s of miles of trail that extend into Madison and throughout Wisconsin. This beautiful trail traverses woods, wetlands, prairies, farmland, and small towns. 

The trail includes long stretches of lovely woods with tree canopy, interspersed with occasional vista openings, providing users relief from the hot summer sun. There is an observation platform adjacent to the trail for viewing wildlife and other natural features and many informational signs. Spectacular stretches of wetlands and prairies are studded with wild flowers and home to cranes, woodland and wetland birds, and much more.

The trail has 37.5 miles of crushed limestone and 2.5 miles of blacktop (between Fitchburg and Verona) making this short stretch of trail usable for in-line skating. 

The 48 bridges, crossing streams, intermittent waterways, cattle paths, and small dry hollows add to the beauty of the trail.
PicturePhoto by Doug Wollin
With a 2 to 5 percent grade this trail is ideal for users of many abilities. Users include hikers, bikers, runners, wheelchair users, in-line skaters, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. 

The trail is not groomed for cross-country skiing and skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail. Snowmobiles are permitted on the limestone section of the trail only and share the trail with skiers, snowshoers, and hikers. The Military Ridge State Trail connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.

Pets are allowed on the trail but pet owners must have their pet on a leash 8 feet or shorter, at all times and pick up after pets.
Website by Tamlyn Akins Art & Design