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Recreation

Wild Goose State Trail

The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

Horseback riding

In Dodge County, horses are welcomed on a separate 14-mile pathway along the main trail corridor between Highway 60 and Pautsch Road. Horses must keep off the limestone surfaced trail except at designated horse trail crossings. The horse trail winds through wooded and open areas and the terrain is generally easy riding, however, special caution is necessary for areas with steep side slopes, wet crossings and near highways and roads. The trail surface is a combination of grass, dirt and wood chips. Parking and portable toilet facilities are available at the State Highway 60 trailhead and the Minnesota Junction area just north of State Highway 33. Water and electricity are not provided.

Walking and bicycling

The level grade and smooth surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Walkers and bikers must stay on the main trail corridor and keep off the adjacent horse trail in Dodge County.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

Winter activities

Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails are done on a county-wide basis, however, localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.

The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile webpages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.

Winter All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) use are permitted on the main trail between Dec. 1 and March 31 in Dodge County only and only when conditions allow. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV and UTV laws. This segment of the trail is 20 miles long. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited from using the adjacent horse trail and are not permitted in Fond du Lac County. For the most current trail conditions during winter, call 920-386-3705.

The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see: