Photo: Wisconsin DNR
This trail in west-central Wisconsin follows the scenic Buffalo River valley for 36 miles between Mondovi and Fairchild. The river, which lends its name to the trail, was named by early French explorers. They called it Riviere de Beeufs for the many bison that once inhabited the area. The trail is built on a former railroad corridor and passes by farmlands, woods, hills and wetlands while traveling through the communities of Eleva, Strum and Osseo.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Buffalo River State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; mountain & fat biking in June and September–October; and ATV / UTV / off-road in June–October.
What can you do at Buffalo River State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Buffalo River State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Buffalo River State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking and horseback riding: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Buffalo River State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Lake Wissota State Park (27 mi), Old Abe State Trail (28 mi) and Black River State Forest (28 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling and horseback riding.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 608-534-6409
Nearby
- Lake Wissota State Park (27 mi)
- Old Abe State Trail (28 mi)
- Black River State Forest (28 mi)
- Chippewa River State Trail (29 mi)
- Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area (37 mi)
Closures and alerts for Buffalo River State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.