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Print Friendly MapThe Pecatonica State Trail is never far from water as it takes the easygoing Bonner Branch Valley through the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a region that the glaciers didn’t scrape flat in the last Ice Age.
The 10-mile trail from Belmont to Calamine follows a branch line of the Mineral Point Railroad that the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) later acquired to haul lead from area mines. The railroad builders avoided the rugged terrain by keeping to the valley of this Pecatonica River tributary.
Like its cousin the Cheese Country Recreation Trail, the Pecatonica State Trail is shared by ATVers (April 1–November 15), mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers in warmer months. When the snow flies, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers use the trail. Motorized use can make the trail passage rough in places, so it’s best to use the widest possible tires if you’re mountain biking.
You’re starting in Belmont, the home of the First Capitol, where the Wisconsin Territory was established. The two-story white clapboard capitol and adjacent Supreme Court buildings still stand, but nearly 3 miles north of town in the midst of cornfields. After Belmont had its year of glory in 1836, many residents followed the government to its new home in Madison or just drifted away. The final blow came in 1867 when the railroad laid its tracks to the south. Anyone who was left relocated to be near the railroad.
The trail starts on the west side of town where the railroad continued its route to Platteville, but the best parking and facilities are in shady Bond Park on the east side. Be sure to stock up on water and snacks, as there’s nothing east of Belmont unless you’re passing through Calamine on the Cheese Country Recreation Trail to Darlington (5.6 miles south) or Mineral Point (9 miles north).
Beginning at Bond Park, you’ll notice the asphalt trail turns to crushed stone on the way out of town. The trail twists and turns along the sluggish waters and crooked banks of the Bonner Branch as you cross 24 bridges.
Oak and hickory trees shade parts of the trail. Elsewhere you’ll pass rolling farmland and tall grasses. Together this creates a good habitat for such birdlife as flycatchers, vireos, quail, and turkey. The valley deepens as you head east, and you’ll notice Bonner Branch spreading out into a marshy area as it joins the Pecatonica River right before you hit the Cheese Country Recreation Trail junction. A left turn takes you to Calamine and the trailhead there.
NOTE: ATVers must carry Wisconsin DNR registration to use the Pecatonica and Cheese Country Trails. A State Trail Pass ($25 annually/$5 daily) is required for bicyclists and horseback riders ages 16 and older. Snowmobilers must display either Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile State Trail Pass. For information, go to dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/trailpass.html. Use of the Cheese Country Recreation Trail requires a separate Cheese Country Trail sticker.
To reach the western trailhead at Bond Park in Belmont from US 151, take Exit 26 toward Belmont onto southbound County Road G/First Capitol Ave., which becomes N. Mound Ave. Go 0.8 mile, and turn left (east) onto E. Platteville Ave. Go 0.3 mile, turn left onto S. Park St., and go 0.1 mile to parking for Bond Park on the left. The endpoint is located 1.1 miles west along the trail.
To reach the eastern trailhead near the town of Calamine from US 151, follow the directions above through the second sentence, but instead of turning left onto S. Park St., continue straight (east) on County Road G/E. Platteville Ave. In 5.3 miles, bear right at the Y to continue east on County Road G. In another 3.8 miles, look for the trailhead on your left, after you cross the Pecatonica River and just before you reach Calamine.
Very nice. Not for biking or running, but perfect for ATVs, though frequent bridges are a bit of a pain. Lots of close by paved trails for runners.
trails were not bad. it is limestone or gravel. Encountered atvs and they gave plenty of space or stopped and waved.
Sorry bikers for your displeasure, however my experience on the trails was fantastic. Both hikers and bikers were given space and respect as well as a wave. A friendly wave was returned. This was a mid week ride. No disrespect intended, however I find some arrogance on your part. If one was to go out looking for ill behavior I would say that bikers on main roads tend to reflect the most inappropriate attitude. However on the trail ride between Mineral Point and through Calamine to Belmont and back the trail users were as I hoped they would be.
Better luck to you next time.
This trail is to rough for anything short of a mountain bike. Pretty large stone used, which is fine for the ATV's but not well suited for bikes.
This trail is not paved/asphalt as described. It is the same surface as the Cheese Country trail it tee's into. Mountain bike at best. Way to rough and soft for road or even hybrid tires.
The ATV riders I encountered were very polite and gave me plenty of room.
If it weren't for the ATV's and dirt bikes tearing around, this would be a frequent stop for our family. No peace, no quiet, and arrogant "motorized recreation" people in a hurry to race to the Cheese County trail. Forget it unless you ride something that belches fumes.
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