Rail trail · Wisconsin
Buffalo River State Trail
A 36-mile former railroad corridor through the scenic Buffalo River valley in west-central Wisconsin, passing farmlands, woods, wetlands, and the river towns of Eleva, Strum, and Osseo between Mondovi and Fairchild.
Length
36 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Mondovi to Fairchild
Season
Open year-round; best for biking and walking from May through October. The corridor sees snowmobile use after snowfall in winter.
Plan your ride or walk
The Buffalo River State Trail follows 36 miles of a former railroad corridor through the heart of the Buffalo River valley in west-central Wisconsin, connecting Mondovi in the east to Fairchild in the west. Named for the river, which in turn was named by early French explorers who called it Riviere de Beeufs for the bison that once roamed the valley, the trail passes through quintessential western Wisconsin countryside: working farms, stands of hardwood and mixed forest, wetlands, and rolling bluffs that frame the valley. The trail passes through the small communities of Eleva, Strum, and Osseo, each offering services and trail access. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older. The trail is open year-round and sees snowmobile use in winter when conditions allow.
Getting there
The eastern trailhead is in Mondovi, about 30 miles east of Eau Claire off US 10. The western terminus is in Fairchild. Trailheads with parking are available in Mondovi, Eleva, Strum, Osseo, and Fairchild. Contact the Great River and Buffalo River State Trails office at 608-534-6409 for current conditions.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Buffalo River State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Buffalo River State Trail?
The trail runs 36 miles point to point from Mondovi to Fairchild through the Buffalo River valley in west-central Wisconsin. Most users ride out and back from one of the five trailhead communities rather than completing the full one-way distance.
Do you need a pass for the Buffalo River State Trail?
Yes. Like other Wisconsin state trails, cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, available as a daily or annual permit. Walking, running, and snowmobiling have separate requirements; check with the DNR for current fee information.
What is the Buffalo River State Trail surface?
The trail is surfaced in crushed stone throughout, suitable for hybrid and gravel bikes and comfortable for walking. It is flat as a former railroad grade, making it a good family trail for mixed ability groups.
Why is the Buffalo River called that?
Early French explorers named the river Riviere de Beeufs, meaning River of Oxen or Buffalo, for the large herds of bison that once inhabited the valley. The name carried forward and now applies to both the river and the state trail that follows its corridor.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.