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Kettle Moraine South
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Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit
Trails
The Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest has more than 160 miles of trails, varying in difficulty, length, and permitted uses. Steep climbs or descents are common. Parking lots are provided throughout the forest. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not allowed on Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit trails at any time.
Hiking Trails
Hikers can enjoy miles and miles of rolling hills through pine plantations, prairies and southern hardwood forests. Trail maps help to prepare you for the distances you will encounter and the natural areas that will surround you when you hike. Hiking is available on the Scuppernong, Emma Carlin, John Muir and Nordic trails, as well as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Mountain Bike Trails
From the youngest beginner to the most avid professional, 20 miles of trail offers some of the best off-road biking in the Midwest. Normally these trails are open from mid-April to February 15. In order to protect the trail tread, the trails are closed during wet conditions after rainfall. For up-to-date trail conditions, call (262) 594-6202. We highly recommend that you do not ride while it is raining or within 4 to 6 hours after rain has stopped. Please call ahead before venturing out.
A special loop has been created for the younger mountain bike riders. This .4-mile loop is behind the Muir shelter and introduces young riders to the skills of off-road biking. Young riders have the option of riding the a level trail or taking short loops off the main trail to test their skills riding in sand, over rocks, narrow beams, and logs.
A state trail pass is required for riders 16 years of age and older.
John Muir Bike and Hiking Trail
Located on County Highway H north of the Town of La Grange and US Highway 12 and south of the Town of Palmyra, this is the most popular trail within hundreds of miles. Five different loops ranging from 1.5 miles to 10 miles. Parking, water, and vault toilets are available.
Emma Carlin Trails
This trail system, on County Highway Z just south of State Highway 59, goes through a hardwood forest with mostly hilly terrain. Three color coded trails ranging from 2 to 4 miles. Parking, water, and vault toilets are available.
Bridle Trails
Fifty-four miles of equestrian trails offer loops of varying lengths over a cross section of the Kettle Moraine. Riders will enjoy large hardwood forests, pine plantations and many vistas overlooking wet kettles, oak savanna prairies, and area lakes. Horses are limited to trails marked with orange diamonds. A state trail pass is required for riders 16 and older.
Cross-Country Ski Trails
The Nordic, McMiller, and Scuppernong trails are open for skiing when there is enough snow. Hiking, pets, and snowshoes are prohibited on these ski trail systems when they are groomed for skiing.
A trail pass is required for skiers 16 years of age and older. Trails can be closed with very little warning if weather changes. Please call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202 before venturing out.
Nordic Hiking and Cross-country Ski Trail
This trail, on County Highway H south of the Village of Palmyra, provides hiking and skiing for skate and classical stride cross-country skiers through a variety of vegetation, hardwoods, pine plantations, open meadows, and kettle moraine terrain. There are six different trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, providing great hiking or skiing for all levels of ability. A warming shelter is open every day, and convenient parking, vault toilets and a sledding hill are also available at the trailhead. Hiking is not allowed when the trails are groomed for skiing.
McMiller Ski Trails
This trail system, on County Highway NN south of the Village of Eagle, provides skiing for skate and classical stride skiers. The trails traverse some significant terrain which provide great training opportunities for all skiers. The trails pass through primarily hardwoods forest and pine plantations. Five trails of different distances and degrees of difficulty greet skiers of all abilities. McMiller's heated shelter building with flush toilets and some vending machine refreshments is open on weekends. The trails are open every day of the week. Hiking is not allowed when the trails are groomed for skiing.
McMiller also offers a biathlon course for those who participate in this unique sport that combines physically demanding cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship. The biathlon range at McMiller is open for use from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays and during daylight hours on weekdays.
Scuppernong Hiking and Cross-country Ski Trails
Scuppernong Trail map [PDF 132KB]
These trails, on County Highway ZZ just east of Hwy 67 north of the Village of Eagle, are open to hikers and classical stride skiers only; skate skiing is not permitted. There are three color-coated loop trails ranging from just over 2 miles to 5 miles. The Scuppernong area provides convenient parking, water, and a vault toilet. The trails have a nice rolling characteristic through hardwood forest and pine plantations. Hiking is not allowed when the trails are groomed for skiing.
Snowmobile Trails
A 56-mile network of state forest trails join private trails in Waukesha, Jefferson, and Walworth Counties which make it possible to visit adjoining towns and villages in this region. Local snowmobile clubs contracted by the state forest groom the trails. Riders will enjoy many miles of trail that traverse through the southern hardwood forests, pine plantations, and open vistas.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, and age of 12 or older must have a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile, and displayed to a law enforcement officer upon demand. See the listing of Snowmobile Safety Education Classes. No one under age 12 may operate a snowmobile unless the he or she has by a parent or guardian or a person over 18 years of age on the same snowmobile.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoe Trails
For a winter hike, head to the John Muir, Emma Carlin, Connector, or Ice Age Trail.
Hiking and snowshoeing is prohibited on groomed ski trails (Nordic, McMiller, and Scuppernong).
John Muir Trails
Snowshoeing at its best can be found on the John Muir trails, which include 5 loops that range from .4 to 10 miles. Three leatherleaf bogs, three ponds, miles of southern hardwood forest, and pine plantations provide plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy.
Emma Carlin Trail
This trail system, on County Highway Z just south of State Highway 59, goes through a hardwood forest with mostly hilly terrain. Three color coded trails ranging from 2 to 4 miles. Parking, water, and vault toilets are available. These trails are open for hiking and snowshoeing.
Connector Trail
The 5-mile connector trail that connects the Muir with the Carlin trail systems
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Explore the 30 miles of Ice Age Trail that goes from the southernmost end to the northernmost point of the Kettle Moraine State Forest--Southern Unit. It's part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that eventually will go 1000 miles through some of Wisconsin's most scenic areas.
Trail Information Line (262) 594-6202
Southern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest
Forest Headquarters
S91 W39091 Hwy 59
Eagle, Wisconsin 53119
(262) 594-6200 or (262) 594-6201
Eldene Furman, Program
Assistant
Ottawa Lake Visitor Center
(262) 594-6220 (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Whitewater Lake Visitor Center
(262) 473-6427 (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
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