Hiking

Governor Dodge maintains nearly 40 miles of trails. All are open to hiking, except on ski trails when they are snow-covered.

Access to Military Ridge State Trail

The park provides a connector trail to the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, which is open to bicycling, hiking and snowmobiles when there is enough snow.

Cave trail

This is a 1-mile extension of the Meadow Valley Trail. Take in eye-catching sights of Twin Valley Lake as you walk along a hilly trail that takes you near a large cave known by the locals as Thomas’ Cave. Follow the grey trail markers.

Gold Mine trail

This 0.5-mile trail segment connects the Meadow Valley and the Lost Canyon trails. It meanders through forest and prairie and is relatively flat through its course. Follow the yellow trail markers. A section of this trail is shared by horses.

Interior Horse trail system

This system includes several trail segments totaling 6.7 miles. It connects the Trails End Horse Campground and horse day-use parking area. Trail passes are required for horse riders age 16 and older. These trail segments allow horse riders the option of making several shorter loops from the campground or day-use areas by using part of the Meadow Valley Trail or one of these:

• Woodland Trail is a 1.5-mile trail segment on the northeast part of the Interior Trail System. This area of rolling hills takes riders in and out of wooded areas while passing by views of Twin Valley Lake. Follow the red trail markers.
• Old Orchard Pass is a 1.25-mile trail section that connects the Interior Trail System to the Outer Horse Trail. Take advantage of beautiful scenes of Twin Valley Lake and gain access to the horse day-use parking area. Follow the light green trail markers.

Lakeview trail

This 1.25-mile loop trail begins at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area. The trail is wooded, offers a few hills, a secluded valley and a nice view of Cox Hollow Lake. Less experienced skiers may wish to walk down the first grade and start skiing on the opposite side of the first bridge. Follow the light blue trail markers.

Lost Canyon trail

This is a 3-mile loop trail that can be reached from the Stephens’ Falls area. The trail has several steep grades. You will encounter mostly wooded areas and will journey into the scenic Lost Canyon which is fed by Stephens’ Falls. Follow the orange trail markers.

Meadow Valley trail

This 5-mile loop trail winds through the interior of the park. Trailheads are at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area and the Meadow Valley Trailhead which is about 0.4 miles west of Twin Valley Campground. You will pass through a wide variety of restored prairies, lush forests, open meadows and wooded ridges. There are some steep grades on this trail. Follow the brown trail markers. Sections of this trail are shared by horse riders.

Mill Creek trail

This 3.3-mile loop trail begins at the Cox Hollow beach picnic area. The trail winds through meadows and wooded valleys. Enjoy the spectacular views of both Cox Hollow and Twin Valley Lakes. You will encounter several steep grades but the majority of the trail is quite level. Follow the purple trail markers.

Outer horse trail

This is a 15.3-mile loop trail that winds its way through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the park. The access point is the Horse Day Use Parking Area near Hickory Ridge Group Camp. At the southeast corner of the park, there is a snowmobile access trail that connects with the 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail. Trail passes are required for horse riders age 16 and older. For safety, this is a one-way, clockwise direction trail.

Pine Cliff trail

This is a wooded 2.5-mile trail that begins at Enee Point picnic area and ends at Lakeview Trail on the southeast side of Cox Hollow Lake. An additional 2-mile self-guided loop interprets area history, wildlife, vegetation and ecology. On this trail, you will encounter several steps, steep grades and rocky surfaces. Hikers will enjoy the scenic views above Cox Hollow Lake and the hike along the lakeshore. Follow the dark green trail markers.

Stephens' Falls trail

This is a 0.5-mile picturesque trail that takes hikers past Stephens’ Falls, rock outcroppings and lush ferns as you walk beside a refreshing stream. There is a scenic overlook along a paved trail above the falls. Stone steps and uneven terrain will be encountered to gain access to the falls and the trail below. Follow the dark blue trail markers.

A 10-foot-wide paved trail, 0.25-mile-long, leads to a beautiful overlook near Stephens waterfall. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead.

Uplands trail

This is a 2.5-mile loop trail that begins about 0.25 mile northeast of the park office. Venture through rolling hills as you pass through prairies, woods and near an agricultural field. This trail is a wonderful opportunity to snowshoe, hike or use the park with your pet in the winter. Follow the magenta trail markers.