Easy access from Road ZZ, Dousman, WI. $8 parking fee (Wisconsin residents) or $11 (non-residents). Annual passes also available ($28 residents; $38 non-residents). Plentiful parking. Clean restroom with pit toilets. Picnic tables. Benches. We enjoyed a 3.2 mile hike here.
The "red loop" is a 2.3 mile loop to/from the parking lot. We wanted to cover a bit more distance -- so we added a portion of the green loop and the lollipop loop to the observation overlook. (Total distance was 3.2 miles with the amended route). The red loop is the park service as "short and narrow with steep terrain. You'll pass through pine plantations and hardwood forest." We particularly liked this segment, shaded and with the scent of pine. It also appears that some recent work has been done to clear underbrush. The segment of the "green loop" that we did is described as "a roller coaster of hills that you won't soon forget." We found this to be accurate.
The trails are well-maintained, with excellent signage along the way. There are regular signs that identify where you are on maps, as well as regular blazes. There are regular benches if you want to stop for a snack. Much of these trails are at least partially shaded with only limited segments and times (noon!) that are in full sun.
We saw a fair number of other hikers, perhaps a total of 10-12, even on a Wednesday morning. We also saw a bit of wildlife -- a very fat turkey, butterflies, and bumblebees. (there are also supposed to be ticks, so be careful).
Two thing prevent me from giving a 5-star rating. (1) park policy allows pets on the hiking trails if they're on a leash. However, all SIX dogs that we saw were off-leash until the owner saw us. In one case, a large dog came running towards us (with no owner in sight) while we were eating our lunches. Thankfully, he obeyed when my husband told him to sit. (Full disclosure. I'm rather afraid of dogs after having been bit). (2) the park also allows hunting, and suggestions to wear bright clothing and to inquire about hunting seasons. However, no park personnel were on-site and, signage suggested that there's a long-g-g hunting season (Sept 1 to end of May). (May 10, 2023). read more