Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Great Sauk State Trail parallels the Wisconsin River through the communities of Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, extending through the heart of the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. Built on a former rail corridor, this 11.4-mile trail is paved with asphalt. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views as they pass through two historic towns nestled above the Wisconsin River. Parking and accommodations are available in each community.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Great Sauk State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; and snowshoeing in January–February.
What can you do at Great Sauk State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking and biking. Summer (June–August): hiking and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color and biking.
Do you need a state park sticker at Great Sauk State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Great Sauk State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking and in-line skating: $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 Great Sauk State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area (2 mi), Devil's Lake State Park (6 mi) and Natural Bridge State Park (9 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling and in-line skating.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 608-355-4800
Nearby
- Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area (2 mi)
- Devil's Lake State Park (6 mi)
- Natural Bridge State Park (9 mi)
- Mirror Lake State Park (16 mi)
- Cross Plains State Park (19 mi)
Closures and alerts for Great Sauk 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.