Rail trail · Wisconsin
Wild Goose State Trail
A 34-mile rail-trail through glacial lake country and Horicon Marsh in east-central Wisconsin, following the Kettle Moraine and one of the most important waterfowl staging areas in North America.
Length
34 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Fond du Lac to Clyman Junction (Dodge County)
Season
Year-round; spring and fall migration seasons are exceptional for wildlife viewing at Horicon Marsh. Summers are warm and busy. Snowmobile use in winter after snowfall.
Plan your ride or walk
The Wild Goose State Trail earns its name from its route along Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States and a National Wildlife Refuge that hosts some of the most spectacular waterfowl migrations in North America. Every fall, tens of thousands of Canada geese, along with ducks, herons, egrets, and shorebirds, concentrate in the marsh and the surrounding wetlands visible from the trail. The 34-mile crushed-limestone corridor runs from Fond du Lac at the south end of Lake Winnebago south through the Kettle Moraine glacial landscape to Clyman Junction in Dodge County. The route combines Kettle Moraine topography with the flat marsh edges near Horicon, giving it more visual variety than most Wisconsin rail-trails. The segment adjacent to Horicon Marsh is the most visited and the most photographed, especially during the October peak migration. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older.
Getting there
The northern trailhead is in Fond du Lac, about 65 miles north of Milwaukee via US-41. The trail runs south through Oakfield and past the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge before reaching Clyman Junction. Parking is available in Fond du Lac and at the Burnett Road trailhead near Horicon.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Wild Goose 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
Why is it called the Wild Goose State Trail?
The trail runs alongside Horicon Marsh, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, which is a major stopover for Canada geese and other waterfowl during spring and fall migration. The name reflects the spectacular goose concentrations visible from the trail each fall.
When is the best time to see wildlife on the Wild Goose State Trail?
Fall migration, typically October, is the peak season for wildlife viewing. Tens of thousands of Canada geese gather at Horicon Marsh, along with many duck species, herons, and shorebirds. Spring migration is also excellent, with different species moving through. Summer is good for resident marsh birds but less dramatic.
How long is the Wild Goose State Trail?
The Wild Goose State Trail is about 34 miles long, running from Fond du Lac south to Clyman Junction. The most scenic and heavily visited segment is the portion alongside Horicon Marsh, roughly in the middle of the route.
Do you need a pass for the Wild Goose State Trail?
Yes. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older. Walking and running are free. The same pass covers all Wisconsin state trails.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.