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The Pine River Trail in Richland County, Wisconsin is a 14.3-mile multi-use recreational trail located about 50 minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park. Running from Richland Center to Lone Rock, the trail offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring nature. The trail is free, though donations are accepted.
The Pine River Trail begins at Krouskop Park in Richland Center, which provides parking, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other amenities like an Aquatic Center. The first couple miles are paved and travel along a flood control dike, with a few interesting one-way split sections. Highlights include the 1912 Mapleside Footbridge and a small arboretum. After crossing Hwy 14, the trail transitions from pavement to crushed limestone and heads through farmlands, forests, and Pine River sloughs.
Note: In addition to Krouskop Park, limited parking and restrooms are available in Twin Bluffs, Gotham, and Lone Rock.
Unfortunately, the limestone section is often overgrown which may make it challenging and unenjoyable for bikes with trailers (And the kids in the trailers!), trikes, or recumbents. Otherwise, it’s a flat grade with a slight descent south.
After 10 miles, you’ll reach the village of Gotham. A quick jaunt through a cool, dry pine forest leads to the sunny Wisconsin River bottoms. For the last 6 miles to Lone Rock, the trail parallels Hwy 14 and is surrounded by classic Wisconsin farmland, dry prairie, and prickly pear cactus.
Between Gotham and Lone Rock, the trail crosses access roads to the Smith and Cruson Slough Day Use Area. Riders can explore gravel roads and look for eagles, herons, waterfowl, and other wildlife in the marshes.
The trail ends in a little out-of-the-way corner of the village of Lone Rock at the end of West Richland Street. There are no amenities nearby, however, if you need to “refresh” before the ride back to Richland Center, you can ride east from the trailhead on W. Richland about 8 blocks to a convince store.
While the Pine River Trail needs some maintenance, it still provides beautiful scenery. It’s certainly worth working through the rough patches to experience southwestern Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes.
More info
Pine River Trail Map (PDF)
Trail Brochure (PDF)
More Photos
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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