MILITARY RIDGE BIKE TRAIL

Blues Mounds from Mount Horeb

Like most Wisconsin bike trails, the Military Ridge trail follows an old railroad right of way. In this case, the trail also follows part of an historic trail from Prairie du Chien to Portage. For a major part of the trail, the Blue Mounds are visible occassionally on the horizon. These unique formations, with their dolomite and chert capstones, guided early settlers to the first state capitol at Belmont.

Mount Horeb from Blue Mounds

The first section of the trail winds through the city of Verona, but soon you'll find yourself amid farm fields along a winding stream. There is a parking lot at Riley, a popular place to get on the trail. From Riley to Mt. Horeb, you'll find some interesting scenery and probably see plenty of birds, animals, and wildflowers.

Mt. Horeb is a charming little town famous for it's trolls. There plenty of antique stores, specialty shops, and places to eat. Be sure to check out the Mustard Museum, too. The trail from Mt. Horeb to Blue Mounds parallels a major highway for a few miles, but there are some scenic vistas of the Wisconsin River valley to compensate.

The Wisconsin River Valley

At Blue Mounds you can take a side trail and climb to the top of the mounds if you are in good enough shape (I made it with one rest stop, but the last pitch was a killer). The state park has camping and is the only Wisconsin state park with a swimming pool. The view from the two observation towers makes the climb worth the toil, not to mention the ride back down.

The stretch form Blue Mounds to Barneveld is one of the prettiest, with more forest than field. Barneveld is interesting because just about every building in the town is the same age - brand new. Almost the entire town was wiped out by a tornado in 1984. Those buildings not completely destroyed had to be at least remodelled or resided.

Early Spring

Barneveld to Ridgeway and beyond to Dodgeville takes you through more scenic country along a ridge top. You can make a side trip to Governor Dodge State Park, one of Wiscosnin's biggest and most popular parks. It has camping, fishing, and hiking and other activities. There's also a good fossil hunting quarry near the park entrance.

The Military Ridge trail is a great place to get away from the city and travel leisurely through a scenic part of Wisconsin. You'll also have to opportunity to enjoy the history and ambience of some of the oldest small towns in the area.