State Parks & Forests

Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Mascoutin Valley State Trail

Trail Uses
How to Get There
More Information

This 20-mile, county-operated trail goes past farms, prairies and wetlands in scenic Green Lake, Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties. The Mascoutin Valley State Trail, built on a former railroad corridor, is divided into two sections, each about 10 miles. The western section travels between Berlin and Ripon, and the eastern section travels between Rosendale and the city of Fond du Lac. The gap in the two sections, between Ripon and Rosendale, is in private ownership.

Mascoutin Valley State Trail Map–West [PDF 1MB]
Mascoutin Valley State Trail Map–East [PDF 1MB] Courtesy Fond du Lac County

These cows are keeping an eye on the trail.
Photo courtesy Green Lake County

Trail Uses

The Mascoutin Valley State Trail is open to a variety of uses. The trail base is crushed limestone with some parts grass and gravel. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available in the Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area in Fond du Lac County and the Rush Lake Marsh area in Winnebago County.

Walking and Bicycling

The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling. The trail base of limestone, grass and gravel makes the tread more suitable for off-road bikes.

Horseback Riding

The Mascoutin Valley State Trail is open to horseback riding in Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties from May to October. Riders are encouraged to pick up after their horse when it leaves manure on the trail.

Horseback Riding is not allowed on the Green Lake County portion of the trail.

Snowmobiling

Both sections of the trail are open to snowmobiling when Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Winnebago county snowmobile trails are open. Snowmobile operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits.

A bridge along the trail between Rosendale and Fond du Lac.
DNR Photo

How to Get There

Berlin-The trail begins at County Highway F near South Street. Parking is available along city streets. Parking is also available about halfway between Berlin and Ripon on Lake Road, off of County Highway E by Rush Lake.

Oshkosh- From Oshkosh, take State Highway 41 south to Fond du Lac or State Highway 26 to Rosendale to access the eastern section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail. To access the western section of the trail from Oshkosh, take State Highway 44 into Ripon or State Highway 91 to Berlin.

Geese in water
The trail passes by many wetlands.
Photo courtesy Green Lake County

Ripon- The trail begins along County Highway E. There is a parking lot along the trail at the junction of Locust Road just north of Ripon. Parking is also available along city streets in Ripon.

Rosendale- The trail begins along State Highway 26 and travels east to Fond du Lac. Parking is available along city streets and at Taylor Park in Rosendale.

Fond du Lac- There are parking lots at the eastern trailhead at Rolling Meadows Drive (near State Highway 41) and at the trail's junction with County Highway I (north of State Highway 23).