The 4.3-mile Hillsboro State Trail will make you feel instantly at home. Easy and flat, this gravel trail will take you on a short excursion from Hillsboro to Union Center. But this trail is more of a draw for what it connects you to than for the trip itself.
In Union Center you can hook up with the
400 State Trail, which connects to the
Elroy-Sparta and
Omaha state trails to the north. Access this longer trail system for amenities such as campsites, trail information kiosks, picnic rest areas and restroom facilities.
In Hillsboro you have your pick of activities: Outdoor types will find hiking opportunities in Wildcat Mountain State Park, canoeing on the Kickapoo River, bird-watching at the Wildcat Mountain State Park Wildlife Reserve or trout fishing at Hillsboro Lake. Shoppers will enjoy the farmer's market (May to October), with local produce and Amish baked goods brought to market by buggies from the surrounding Amish community. History buffs will want to stop by the Field-Veteran's Memorial Park to pay tribute to local veterans. And architecture enthusiasts can explore one of the largest concentrations of round barns in the United States. Many were built and designed by Alga Shivers, an African-American settler and son of a slave who escaped to the area via the Underground Railroad.
Finally, the calendar of events in this town will hold anyone's interest. Hillsboro stakes its claim as the "Czech Capital of Wisconsin," and every June a week-long celebration marks local heritage with spirited music and dancing, handmade crafts and Czech fare, such as roast pork, sauerkraut and dumplings. The town also hosts a 2-day tractor pull around July 4 and the region's largest Labor Day celebration, complete with a parade, carnival and softball tournaments.
Whether you come to Hillsboro for a day or a week, be sure to travel its hometown rail-trail as a way to immerse yourself in the flavor of this lively community.
Take WI-33/WI-82 into the town of Hillsboro, where the route becomes Water Avenue. Turn left on E. Madison Street and go 2 blocks to the trailhead on your left.
I rode the trail to Hillsboro while riding the 400. It's very scenic; however, some sections of the trail were a little overgrown. Also, there was some bridge repair done this summer, and when I was on the trail, there was still a sign saying that the ...
This summser 06 I rode the 400 trail 5x and twice I
included the Hillsboro trail.
This trail is very scenic and
in good condition. As good
as the 400 if not better. Riding the 400 is not complete without the pleasent
ride to Hillsboro. I highly
recommend ...
"This short trail has a nice rest area in Hillsboro. The trail, though, isn't very well maintained, although the surface is solid. "