Rail trail · Wisconsin
Mascoutin Valley State Trail
A 30-mile rail-trail through the Fox River valley of east-central Wisconsin between Berlin and Ripon, crossing pastoral farmland, river bottomlands, and the scenic Green Lake County countryside.
Length
30 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Berlin to Ripon
Season
Best May through October; fall brings harvest-season views across the Fox River farmland; a Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older
Plan your ride or walk
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail runs 30 miles through the gentle agricultural landscape of east-central Wisconsin, linking Berlin on the Fox River to Ripon on the west edge of Green Lake County. The trail name references the Mascouten people, an Algonquian-speaking nation historically present in the region. The route follows a former railroad corridor across farmland, creek crossings, and Fox River bottomlands, with views of working dairy country and the open sky of the eastern Wisconsin interior. Green Lake, one of the deepest natural lakes in Wisconsin, is just a short drive north of the trail at the midpoint. The towns of Berlin and Ripon provide services and parking at either end.
Getting there
The eastern trailhead is in Berlin, about 75 miles north of Milwaukee via US 151 and Highway 49. The western terminus is in Ripon, home of Ripon College and a short drive from Green Lake. Parking is available at both ends; intermediate access points exist at Princeton and other road crossings along the route.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Mascoutin Valley 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 Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail is 30 miles, running point to point from Berlin east to Ripon through the Fox River valley and Green Lake County farmland.
Do you need a pass for the Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, available as a daily or annual pass. Walking and running are free.
What is the terrain like on the Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
The trail is flat as a former rail corridor, crossing open farmland, river bottomlands, and low creek crossings through east-central Wisconsin. It is well suited to casual riders, families, and those looking for a gentle long-distance route.
What is nearby the Mascoutin Valley State Trail?
Green Lake, one of the deepest natural lakes in Wisconsin at over 200 feet, is a short drive north from the midpoint of the trail near Princeton. The town of Ripon at the western end is historically notable as the birthplace of the Republican Party.
More Wisconsin trails
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