The Wolf Run Trail supports a wide variety of users on its two miles of crushed gravel, situated on the outskirts of Mazomanie in northwestern Dane County.
Heading southeast from the charming little town, the trail runs alongside a former rail-line and the recently restored Black Earth Creek, which originates across the county in Middleton and is well-known for its trout fishing. The terrain is mostly level, with prairie and farm land on the eastern side and the tree-lined corridor to the west. The trail takes users past the small Lake Marion, which is host to a local park, and continues along the creek until the creek bends towards the west, where the trail cuts across open ground to resume following the old rail-line before ending at Wisconsin Heights High School.
Local advocates hope to one day extend the trail all the way along the Black Earth Creek to Middleton, and possibly further north to Sauk City, but for now, this two-mile gem boasts the best way to experience the creek and its rural surroundings.
Parking is available at the trail's eastern trailhead in the Wisconsin Heights High School parking lot, off of Olson Road.
To reach the eastern end of the trail from out of town, take I-90 towards Madison, then take exit 142 to head west on Hwy 18. Continue west on Hwy 18 through Madison until it becomes Hwy 14, and continue west on Hwy 14. Stay on Hwy 14 through Middleton and Black Earth, then take a left onto Olson Road, followed by an immediate right into the high school parking lot.
Nice short ride along Black Earth Creek between Mazo and high school. Lots of benches and signage along the way. Good for “new riders” (kids).
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