Blue Mound State Park
Hiking and Biking Trails

Spring, summer, and fall, explore Blue Mound State Park by foot or bicycle. You'll find interesting plants, animals, and geological features while getting healthful exercise.

Hiking

Hike when there's a little snow on the ground, too.
DNR Photo

While all of the trails in the park are open to hiking, there are three trails designated as hiking-only in spring, summer, and fall: the Indian Marker Tree Trail, the self-guided Flintrock Nature Trail and the Pleasure Valley Hiking Trail.

Bicycling

The park provides 6 miles of challenging off-road bicycle trails. You also may bike to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail from the park’s trails A state trail pass is required of all bicyclists aged 16 and over (in addition to the vehicle admission sticker). Trails are open year round unless groomed for skiing or wet trail conditions exist.

Trail Descriptions

Flintrock Trail Easy (Hiking Only)

This self-guided wooded 1.5-mile trail offers interesting interpretive signs explaining the geology of the Blue Mound area. Watch for flintrock boulders scattered along this trail as the trail takes you along the north side of the mound.

Indian Marker Tree Trail
Moderate (Hiking Only)

A half-mile trail named for an oak tree that was bent over 100 years ago and points towards a natural spring. The trail meanders along the north face of the mound through rock outcroppings. Native Americans and early settlers once used the tree marker to help locate water.

John Minix Trail Easy

Named for the previous owner of the park, John Minix, this 1-mile loop offers a gentle meandering jaunt through a dense hardwood forest. It is our easiest trail.

Willow Springs Trail Easy

A 2-mile trail that winds through a mixed hardwood forest and passes a stand of willow trees and a spring that flows year-round. Years ago, Native Americans and early settlers used this spring as a reliable water source.

Pleasure Valley Trail Easy

A rolling 2-mile trail will take you through a peaceful sugar maple forest and a wide range of plant life in a open prairie.

Pleasure Valley Hiking Trail Difficult (Hiking Only)

A 1-mile extension of the Pleasure Valley Trail. Descend into a mixed forest of oak and maple trees. The trail follows Ryan Creek, a spring-fed creek, down into the glen. A beautiful rock face wall is at the bottom with water from springs seeping out of it.

Ridgeview Trail Moderate (Hiking Only)

Along the south border of the park near the Military Ridge State Trail. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding area with easy access from the campground.

Walnut Hollow Trail Moderate (Hiking Only)

A half-mile extension of the Ridgeview Trail, this short trail takes you through a stand of Black Walnut trees before emerging back into the prairie.

Single Track Trail Moderate/Difficult

This expanding 3-mile trail is a unique mountain bike trail for enthusiasts willing to take the challenge. The trail offers spectacular views of the dolomite and chert outcroppings and challenges cyclist’s bike handling skills. The trailhead is at the pool parking lot. For safety, hikers should hike the trail in the opposite direction, facing oncoming cyclists.

For More Information

Ask Karl Heil, manager, (608) 437-5711