Rail trail · Wisconsin
Great Sauk State Trail
A 10.5-mile paved rail-trail paralleling the Wisconsin River through the twin historic towns of Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, running through the heart of Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area in south-central Wisconsin.
Length
10.5 miles
Surface
Paved
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Prairie du Sac to Sauk City
Season
Open year-round; best May through October; a state trail pass is required for cyclists and skaters age 16 and older
Plan your ride or walk
Built on a former rail corridor, the Great Sauk State Trail covers 10.5 miles of smooth asphalt through the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area along the Wisconsin River. The trail passes through Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, two adjacent historic communities that sit above the river and offer restaurants, shops, and lodging. The Wisconsin River views and the easy, flat grade make this a popular family trail close to Madison. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists and in-line skaters age 16 and older. Parking and accommodations are available in both communities along the trail.
Getting there
Prairie du Sac and Sauk City are about 30 miles northwest of Madison via U.S. Highway 12. Both communities have parking near the trail; contact Sauk County Parks and Recreation (608-355-4800) for current trailhead locations and conditions.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Great Sauk State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Great Sauk State Trail?
The trail is 10.5 miles, running between Prairie du Sac and Sauk City along the Wisconsin River.
Is a trail pass required?
Yes. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists and in-line skaters age 16 and older. Walkers and runners do not need a pass.
What is the surface?
The trail is paved with asphalt the entire length, making it suitable for road bikes, inline skates, strollers, and wheelchairs.
What is there to do near the trail?
Prairie du Sac and Sauk City have restaurants, coffee shops, and historic sites. The Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area offers additional wildlife viewing, and the Wisconsin River is popular for fishing and paddling nearby.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.