Hiking

There are more than 13 miles of hiking trails at Rib Mountain, with over eight miles accessible to people with disabilities. Pets are permitted in the park on the trails when on an 8-foot leash.

Hiking trails

Blue trail

Numerous unique rock formations dominate this historic trail created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. To aid travel, the CCC built rock staircases along some sections of this trail. Asphalt along this trail also provides a relatively smooth walking surface for hikers.

Dynamite trail

So named because of the former location of a dynamite storage facility at the western edge of the trail. The dynamite storage facility was used by 3M to store dynamite for use in nearby mining operations.

Gray trail

The Gray trail traverses both the north and south slopes of the park. This trail offers a relatively short walk to all of the main features of the park, including the 60-foot observation tower. The northern portion of the trail is closed during the downhill ski season.

Green trail

The Green trail is an inner loop trail within the Red and Blue trails. This trail also traverses along some hidden and unique quartzite rock formations. The CCC built this trail by hand in the 1930s along with the Red and Blue trails.

Homestead loop trail

The Homestead trail is named just for that; an old homestead foundation can be found along the trail. It is believed these foundations date to the 1890s. This trail also travels through a diverse hemlock stand, offering a unique experience from the rest of the trail system.

Quarry trail

The Quarry trail starts off of the Red trail and leads visitors to an old quartzite quarry formally operated by 3M. Quartzite mined from this quarry has been used for many purposes, including roofing materials and pool liners.

Red trail

The Red trail is the most diverse in the park. The north portion travels through mixed northern forest. The west end offers a great view of Hardwood Hill. The south section is downslope through birch and maple stands. To avoid this steep section, take the gentler Green trail.

Turkey Vulture trail

The Turkey Vulture trail travels around the old quarry offering spectacular views not only of the surrounding area but also of the quarry itself. This trail is named due to the Turkey Vultures that roost along the quarry walls during the summer season.

Yellow trail

The Yellow Trail, the most physically demanding in the park, travels down the south slope through a beautiful mature maple forest. This trail is wide, covered with wood chips and serves as an excellent snowshoe route in winter. Expect some deep breathing when traveling upslope.