Greater Mauston Cross Country Skiing
The Winter Fun of Cross Country Skiing
The unique appeal of Greater Mauston cross country skiing is it’s easy accessibility to nature and all it offers. When the snow flies, the beauty and activities abound. The variety of cross-country trails is astounding. Some trails are tracked for traditional skiing, some groomed for skate-style skiing and many are wide enough to accommodate both styles. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Buckhorn State Park
A trail at Buckhorn State Park
Many wintertime visitors enjoy skiing the hiking trails at this Park. There are 4 miles of classic groomed trail, and 1.5 miles of ungroomed trails. The relatively flat terrain makes the trails a good location for family outings. An accessible sit-ski is available in winter to use on the cross-country ski trails. And snowshoes are also available to check out for free at the park office.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Winter can be a great time to explore the trails of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge; fresh snow make wildlife and their tracks more visible. Cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing trails are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Don’t forget to stop in the Visitor Center to warm up after your winter activities and explore the exhibits! When weather and staffing permits there is some groomed trails. Call The Visitor Center at 608-565-2551 for the latest trail information.
Woodside Ranch
When snow is in abundance the ranch offers marked ski trails that range from 1.5 to 4 miles throughout their beautiful wooded property.
Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail
The view from the Elroy/Sparta Bike Trail
The Elroy/Sparta State Trail, with three rock tunnels and five small towns along its 32.5-mile route, is open to cross-country skiing, though it is not groomed and is shared with snowmobiles. For more info on the Elroy Sparta State Trail and other nearby trails visit our blog, Biking Juneau County and the Greater Mauston Area.
The Rivers of Juneau County
The majesty of the Wisconsin River, the beauty of the Lemonweir River, flowing through New Lisbon and Mauston, the Yellow River in Necedah and the Baraboo River flowing through Elroy and Wonewoc provide unique opportunities in each town for cross-country skiers to investigate and thrill at the sights of nature.
Kennedy Park
Blaze a trail at Kennedy Park
This park lies along the banks of the Lemonwier River just north of New Lisbon. There are no groomed trails, just beautiful winter scenery at every turn.
Castle Rock County Park
This 160-acre park is located on the shores of Castle Rock Lake and offers some breath-taking land for cross-country skiing.
As you can see the Greater Mauston Area is the perfect winter playground.
For up-to-date snow and trail reports make sure to check out Travel Wisconsin’s snow report. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/snowreport/crosscountry
