Horse trails are in abundance in Driftless Wisconsin. The topography lends to an unforgettable equestrian experience that matches developed trails with unmatched scenery. The trail system near Prairie du Chien meanders through the bluffs and backcountry and connects with a horse camping area near La Riviere Park.
In the northern reaches of Driftless Wisconsin near Lafarge and Ontario, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve offers horse trails, as does Wildcat Mountain State Park. Several miles of developed trails explore the Kickapoo Valley and the ridge lines above the river.
Hiking trails are also in abundance. Wyalusing Park near Prairie du Chien, and both Pikes Peak and Effigy Mounds across the Mississippi River provide unrivaled vistas from the bluff tops. The best birds-eye view of Driftless Wisconsin comes from the summit of the Iowa bluffs overlooking the valley.
Discovery awaits you along the trail. I once “discovered” the Kickapoo River while hiking the trails of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, stumbling upon the river that wanders aimlessly through the valley. If you find a quiet spot to sit, perhaps you’ll discover some wildlife scurrying through the underbrush.
On the horse trail, Riley sits by my side taking in the sights and smells. The silence is broken by blue jays quarreling, squirrels foraging, and insects buzzing. Above us, Virginia Creeper wraps around the trunk of a basswood tree, shooting skyward like the contrail of an errant rocket. The woods are alive and the trail is your guide.
Whether you’re a horseman or a hiker, pick a trail and let the exploration begin. As Dale Evens Rogers once crooned, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”