Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Old Abe State Trail is a paved 20-mile trail connects Lake Wissota State Park and Brunet Island State Park. The trail is on an abandoned railroad grade and winds through agricultural and forest land while following the undeveloped shoreline of the beautiful Chippewa River. The trail features an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, with many historical sites along the way.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Old Abe State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; horseback riding in June and September–October; and snowmobiling in January–February.
What can you do at Old Abe State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking, horseback riding and hunting.
Do you need a state park sticker at Old Abe State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Old Abe State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking, in-line skating 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 Old Abe State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Lake Wissota State Park (2 mi), Brunet Island State Park (16 mi) and Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area (17 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling, in-line skating and horseback riding.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 715-726-7920
Nearby
- Lake Wissota State Park (2 mi)
- Brunet Island State Park (16 mi)
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area (17 mi)
- Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area (22 mi)
- Chippewa River State Trail (26 mi)
Closures and alerts for Old Abe 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.