Glacial Drumlin State Trail
A 51-mile ride through glacial landscapes between Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha and Cottage Grove. Beginning in Cottage Grove and ending in Waukesha, the Glacial Drumlin State Trail travels through ten small towns, farmlands, and glacial topography along 52 miles of abandoned rail corridor. The trail was developed in 1986 to provide year- round recreation opportunities such as cycling, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is listed on the Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System.
There is a 4-mile on-road stretch at the mid-point near Jefferson. The Glacial Drumlin Trail which follows the route of the defunct Chicago & Northwestern Railroad is punctuated by rolling hills, several rivers and a marsh. The terrain has abundant wildlife including a herd of bison near Lake Mills. Parks nearby are Aztalan State Park and Kettle Moraine State Forest. Between London and Lake Mills, a herd of buffalo is located just north of the trail. The towns of Cambridge and Lake Mills are a bit off the trail, but they both have interesting historical buildings and shops. Deerfield has the most accessible downtown along the trail.
The trail crosses the Koshkonong Creek five times and over the southern tip of Rock Lake on iron bridges. Rock Lake is popular with boaters and anglers. Fish populations include walleye and smallmouth bass. The trail runs through diverse landscapes with gently rolling countryside, agriculture and wildlife areas producing some interesting species of birds and wildlife. You get to enjoy all of the famous kettle scenery without the usual effort. The rail bed trail covers another hard-to-bike natural feature as well; between Dousman and Sullivan the grade crosses a vast marsh that is home to scads of wild critters. On the east end, Waukesha's roots are firmly planted in the nineteenth century. One especially charming segment, near London, traverses the Zeloski Marsh, just a 90-minute ride from the trail parking lot in Cottage Grove. A 100-foot bicycle-pedestrian bridge over the Koshkonong Creek in Cam-Rock County Park as part of a $200,000 recreational improvement package including construction of a key recreational trail with regional links to Milwaukee and Madison newly opened. This new bridge is the connector of a bike-hike trail that first will connect Rockdale and Cambridge, and then go on to connect to the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail is one of Wisconsin’s best bicycle trails. Hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest or visit the Retzer Nature Center and when you return, your private oasis will be waiting. The trail is open to bicyclists, walkers, joggers and in-line skaters for much of the year. During winter the trail is open for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorized vehicles, horses, and hunting are prohibited on the trail. Camping near the trail is available throughout the year. The 7 miles nearest Waukesha are paved for in-line skaters. Hiking, touring walking, jogging, bicycling, and, rollerblading and snowmobile opportunities between he City of Waukesha and Cottage Grove near the City of Madison. Trail passes required for bikers 16 years of age and older. Also, hikers do not need a pass.
Map Of Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Friends of Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Private Campgrounds and Camping Reservations
Direction:
Glacial Drumlin State Trail in the City of Lake Mills (West of the trail) and Delafield (East of the trail) - Jefferson County and Waukesha County (Southeast WI).