Blue Mound State Park
Winter Trails

Cross-country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts will find some of the finest trails in the area at Blue Mound.

The trails are scenic, too.
DNR Photo

The park also is next to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, which is open to snowmobiles when there is enough snow and which goes to Madison and Dodgeville.

Blue Mound also has a hill for sledding, just west of the Cross Country Ski Trailhead in the pool parking lot.

Cross-Country Skiing

More than 10 miles of meticulously groomed and tracked trails wind through peaceful rolling fields and mature oak-hickory forests. Trails at Blue Mound vary from beginner to more advanced, and can be reached from the trail head at the pool parking lot. A state trail pass is required of all skiers aged 16 and over (in addition to the vehicle admission sticker). John Minix, Pleasure Valley, Willow Springs, Flintrock and Ridgeview (in order from easiest to most difficult) are groomed for skiing when conditions permit.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except on cross-country ski trails. A designated snowshoe trail with a .75-mile loop and a 3-mile loop has its trailhead on the east side of the pool parking lot.

This trail follows the single-track mountain bike trail. Look for the expanding snowshoe trails at Blue Mound State Park.

Ski Trail Descriptions

John Minix 1 mile, level to moderately hilly, wooded

The Minix Trail is our easiest trail. This trail is fairly level but offers some ups and downs with a few curves thrown in just to make it interesting.

Willow Springs 2 miles, level to moderately hilly, wooded

The trail winds through a mixed hardwood forest that eventually passes by a stand of willow trees and a spring that flows year-round.

Flintrock 4 miles, moderate to steep hills, wooded

Read the interpretive signs and watch for flintrock boulders scattered alongside the trail.

Ridgeview 5 miles, moderate to steep hills, wooded/open fields.

The Ridgeview Trail is mostly wooded, but passes through open areas that offer spectacular views. Some exciting downhill runs can be found along this trail. Not recommended for the novice skier.

Pleasure Valley 2 miles, moderately hilly, open field

The Pleasure Valley Trail is groomed for both traditional and diagonal skiers. Although mostly open field, this 2-mile loop takes you through a stand of mature Maple trees. A fun trail to ski that offers some stunning views of the surrounding area, especially on sunny winter days.

For More Information

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