Great Sauk State Trail

The construction of the Great Sauk State Trail began in 2017, utilizing the rails to trails program, it is located in the former right-of-way of the Union pacific rail corridor. The currently 11.4 mile trail parallels the Wisconsin River through the communities of Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, and into the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views as they pass through historic Towns, and Wisconsin River valley on this ADA accessible trail paved with asphalt. 

A trail pass is required for all bikers and roller bladers, 16 years of age and older. The trail pass fee is $5 / day or $25 / year. Trail passes can be purchased at the trail (near the Ruth Culver Library) or at the Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Prairie du Sac Village Hall, Sauk County Clerk's Office, Merrimac Town Hall and the Sauk County Parks and Recreation Office. A portion of the proceeds from permits purchased at the local vendors listed above or at the trail will directly benefit the Great Sauk State Trail.

Currently, parking to access the Great Sauk State Trail is available at the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street, next to Ruth Culver Library. There is also a parking lot located near the corner of County Hwy Z and State Hwy 78. There is no fee to park at either location.

The current trail is part of a larger idea that will continue adding successive segments and eventually connect this trail heading north to Devil’s Lake State Park, the 400 State Trail in Reedsburg, and the Elroy-Sparta Trail in La Valle. To the south, it will connect to the Walking Iron Trail and other Dane County trail systems via a bridge over the Wisconsin River. Sauk County has partnered with HKGi, a planning and design consultation firm, to lead the planning and routing process of the trail. We look forward to working with our local citizens and government to continue this trail forward and complete a trail system spanning the state.

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