Hiking

An abundance of trails exist in the riverway, and a wide variety of activities are available for enjoyment. Hiking trails are located at Ferry Bluff and the Black Hawk Ridge. A wide variety of terrain can be hiked and a historic battle site explored at Black Hawk Ridge just south of the Sauk-Prairie area. The short but steep climb at Ferry Bluff will take visitors to a beautiful panoramic view of the Wisconsin River valley — the view is well worth the effort in the hike. There is also an interesting interpretive display to enjoy at the end of the trail.

Mountain bikes are not allowed on any trails, though fat tire bikes are allowed during winter. ATVs or other off-road vehicles are prohibited within the riverway property.

• Black Hawk Ridge Map [PDF] - 11.4 miles of trail open to hiking
• Blue River Bridle Trail Map [PDF] - 6.25 miles of trail open to hiking
• Ferry Bluff Trail [PDF] - .6 miles of trail open to hiking
• Milllville Bridle Map [PDF] - 5.1 miles of trail open to hiking

Black Hawk Ridge

The Black Hawk Ridge trails are located on State Highway 78 approximately 2.5 miles south of US Highway 12. They are just 3 miles southeast of the village of Sauk City, and about 15 miles northwest of the Madison area. The trails at Black Hawk Ridge are open for hiking and horseback riding. In the winter, they are also open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking, but are not groomed for any of those activities. Equestrian trails are open seasonally for horseback riding and fat tire biking; please see table for details.

Blue River Bridal Trail

The Blue River Bridal Trail runs west from State Highway 80 along the High Bank Road (River Road) from the village of Muscoda in Grant County to Lake Road about 1 mile east of the village of Blue River. The trail is just a short distance north of State Highway 133 and may be accessed at several points along its length. This trail in the Blue River Unit of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is open for horseback riding and hiking. It is also open to vehicle traffic along much of its length. Portions of the trail are used for snowmobiles in the winter.

Millville Equestrian Area

The Millville Equestrian Area is located just 4 miles east of US Highway 18/State Highway 35 on County Road C. The city of Prairie du Chien is about 15 miles to the northwest. The Millville Equestrian Area is open to horseback riding and hiking. In the winter, the trails are also open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking, but are not groomed for any of those activities. Equestrian trails are open seasonally for horseback riding and fat tire biking; please see table for details.

Ferry Bluff

This trail is located at the end of Ferry Bluff Road. Follow State Highway 60 for 5.5 miles west from the village of Sauk City, and turn left (southeast) on to Ferry Bluff Road. The trailhead is located off the parking area at the end of the road. This trail, within the Ferry Bluff State Natural Area, is open to hiking only. The trail and surrounding areas are closed to all public access from Nov. 15 to March 31 to protect bald eagle roosting sites.

Winter Trail Use

In the winter months, visitors are welcome to cross-country ski or snowshoe on any of the trails; however, we do not groom or maintain any trails specifically for skiing. Fat tire biking is allowed on the horse trails at Black Hawk Ridge and at the Millville Equestrian Area, Dec. 15-March 1 only, and the trails are not groomed.

Note: The property manager may close trails at any time when conditions warrant.