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Trails to Visit Wildcat Mountain State Park For those who enjoy getting away from it all, Wildcat Mountain has three color-coded loop horse trails totaling 15 miles. The Red Loop begins at the horse campground and winds its way through the park's hills and valleys. The Blue and Yellow Loops connect to the Red Loop, taking riders farther from the park's main use areas. An additional loop, the Rock Johnson Loop, is a short trail that begins north of the horse camp and winds its way up onto a high ridge connecting with the Red Loop. An observation point overlooks the Kickapoo Valley and the Village of Ontario. The following is excepted from an article written by Barb Schieffer, the naturalist of Wildcat Mountain State Park. who wrote the interpretive signs along the trail. This appeared September 2, 1999 in the Neighbors section of the Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise. Ahhh! There's nothing like cruising along, under the cool canopy of the forest, with a breeze blowing through your hair, surrounded by lush green growth and multi-colored flowers!! You still have time to experience this quiet beauty on the 400 State Trail! In fact, this is probably the perfect opportunity for locals to take advantage of this wonderful "tourist attraction". The crowds have thinned out, the weather has cooled off and there are wonderful sights to see! The trail parallels the Baraboo River and whether you are hiking, biking or horseback riding, you're sure to see many signs of life. Just like humans, birds and other animals enjoy the atmosphere of the river. On either side of the trail, large ferns grow and flowering plants decorate the scene. Wetland species thrive near the river while prairie plants take advantage of the open sunny areas on the opposite of the path. Black River State Forest The Black River State Forest provides 35 miles of horse trails through rustic pine and oak forest. The trailhead, near the East For Campground, is located in a twelve-site campground developed specifically for horse riders. The Black River State Forest, established in 1957 includes approximately 67,000 acres in Jackson County. The area is unique among the state forests mainly because of its geological features. The Forest lies on the edge of the glaciated central plain east of the rough coulee region or driftless area of Wisconsin. If you hike the nature trail to the top of Castle Mound, one can observe what was once the bed of glacial Lake Wisconsin. Unglaciated buttes, sandstone hills, and castellated bluffs such as Castle Mound dot the vast forest landscape. Kickapoo Valley Reserve
We invite you to come see for yourself the many wonders of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Sandstone outcroppings tower over the Kickapoo River's quiet waters, and native plants and animals abound in all seasons. The Kickapoo Valley Reserve has long been regarded among horse riding enthusiasts as one of the most beautiful destinations in the Midwest. The Reserve offers approximately 37 miles of riding trails. The Reserve shares a border with Wildcat Mountain State Park to the north with its 15 miles of horse trails. This is a great area for intermediate and advanced riders.
Castle Rock State Park For beginners - sandy flat area
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