Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, in Iowa and Dane counties, connects Dodgeville and Madison by way of an 1855 military route between Verona and Dodgeville. The trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks passing by agricultural lands, woods, wetlands and prairies.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Military Ridge State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; snowmobiling in January–February; and cross-country skiing in January–February.
What can you do at Military Ridge State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing 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 Military Ridge State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Military Ridge 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 Military Ridge State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Blue Mound State Park (2 mi), Cross Plains State Park (11 mi) and Tower Hill State Park (15 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
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: 608-437-5711
Nearby
- Blue Mound State Park (2 mi)
- Cross Plains State Park (11 mi)
- Tower Hill State Park (15 mi)
- Governor Dodge State Park (17 mi)
- New Glarus Woods State Park (18 mi)
Closures and alerts for Military Ridge 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.