Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Platteville, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I started the Jane Addams Trail at the RT 26 Junction and finished at the Wisconsin State border for a total of 32 miles round trip. Most of the trail felt like double track that was in very good condition due to the median of the trail being somewhat high grass, This did not make the ride difficult as both tracks are plenty wide for a gravel or hybrid bike to navigate with no issues.
I found the Orangeville trailhead to offer the most services along the trail. I'm sure the terminus in Freeport offers options as well but I did not explore that part of the trail. I also rode the Sugar River trail in Wisconsin and it is a great plus that one can ride the Jane Addams trail to the Beaver State Trail to the Sugar River Trail and beyond.
I rode the entire Sugar River Trail starting in New Glarus and ending in Brodhead totaling around 44 miles round trip. I found the trail to be in very good condition, mostly flat and finely crushed gravel with no major imperfections. The trail is mostly shaded and provided a wide variety of scenery from farmlands to quiet streams. There are a few road crossings but I encountered very few cars my entire trip.
The highlight of the Sugar River Trail are it's endpoints, both Brodhead and especially New Glarus are wonderful towns filled with charm and many options to dine at. I especially recommend staying in New Glarus at it makes accessing the Sugar River Trail as easy as a short ride if you stay in town.
The trail is almost entirely crushed stone, except for the 1/2 mile of asphalt in New Glarus and the 1 mile of road in Brodhead. In fact, the term "crushed stone" is quite generous, since the trail is mostly two tire tracks with a grass median. Bottom line, the trail surface was solid even after a light rainfall and the grass on both sides of the trail as well as the median were neatly mowed. There was a nice mix of marsh, forest and open prairie. There was a mile marker on the west or south side of the trail every mile. The ride was very peaceful and quiet, except for an auction I heard while taking a break at the Albany trailhead. It was a nice change of pace to the ambient serenity. There were a few road crossings, but the country roads were rarely traveled. Both Broadhead and New Glarus were excellent anchors for this trail. There was lots to explore in both cities!
(08/19/26) - Another beautiful day and a beautiful trail. Rode from Tutty's Crossing (Freeport) to state line (WI). Trail in great shape with no major defects to get in your way for a relaxing ride. The small town and countryside/farmland vibe is just outstanding. Especially if you're a small town kid like me. It's a true getaway from life kind of ride for a couple hours. Very little trail traffic and the scenery is gorgeous. As always, don't forget to treat yourself at Union Dairy after the 34 mile round trip. A great reward for a long ride.
Rode from Dodgeville to Barneveld. The trail is pretty rough and feels more like a dirt road than a rail trail. Some sections are fine, but on other sections you really need to pay attention.
Great trail, but rode it today and there is construction that is not passable at about 7 miles from Galena.
Good easy trail. Started in New Glarus and went foe about 2 miles.
Love this trail but rode today between Riley and Brigham County Park and found the trail to be in extremely rough shape on either side of Mt. Horeb. Lots of ruts, giant holes and loose sand. Slow your roll and pay attention to utility flags and sticks identifying some of the bigger holes. Stay safe!
Parked at Graf and rode east to Durango and back 16 miles. The trail surface is packed sand/stone dust and a really pleasant ride! No roots, heaves, potholes, etc. There are plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery or have a snack. There is a new bathroom which was clean. Looked like spots to camp as well. At Durango, there is a place to eat right on the trail. Shaded canopy. The limestone cliffs reminded me of the KATY trail. Wish I had time to go west but alas, this gives me an excuse to visit Iowa again!
Not scenic by any means, but the quality of the trail is nice as of May 2026. 1/3 Asphalt, 1/3 Limestone, 1/3 Sand. I would say they fixed most problematic surface issues that any other review complained about but like any other track with multiple mediums, always be mindful for chipmunk holes and washout. The path from the park in Richland Center to the start of the main path is a little confusing because it’s not clearly marked, and you do go through a busy intersection so make sure to map it out if unfamiliar. Enjoy!
Beautiful multi-use trail. It is the only trail open to ATV/UTV’s in Southern WI
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