The Driftless Trail
A Sweeping Vision and Strategy
Imagine hiking a footpath that wanders through woods, prairies, rolling farms, bluffs, and streams all nestled within the rugged hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The Driftless Trail invites you to a timeless landscape, untouched by glaciers, alive with ecosystems, and carved by nature.
This planned 50-mile loop connects the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, Governor Dodge, and Blue Mound State Parks, all while passing through state conservation lands, as well as privately conserved areas generously shared by dedicated stewards of the land. Whether you’re out for a short stroll or a multi-day adventure, the trail offers something for every season.
This is more than just a scenic footpath.
The Driftless Trail runs through one of the most climate-resilient landscapes in the Midwest. Its diverse ecosystems store carbon, absorb rainfall, protect clean water, and create corridors for wildlife adapting to a changing climate. Every step you take supports a larger vision and strategy: a connected, protected Driftless landscape that sustains both nature and people.
This is the future of conservation on foot.
Join us in building and enjoying a trail that protects, connects, and inspires.
Build the Trail. One Step, One Gift, One Mile at a Time.
High-quality, environmentally sensitive trails do not build themselves. But with your monthly gift, they can. With just 100 donors giving $10/month, $12,000 will help support building one mile of Driftless Trail per year. Become a “Pathmaker” today.
Trail Segments
Click the links below for more detailed information about each of the Driftless Trail Segments.
Project History and Future Timeline
From 2016-2018, a planning team worked with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to develop the Concept Plan that is guiding this project. Then and now, the Driftless Trail is a result of input from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, North Country Trail Association, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin Preservation, advisory team members, trail host landowners, and the public.
After four years of planning and preparation, we broke ground on the Driftless Trail in October 2020, starting at the Weaver Road Segment with a Wisconsin Conservation Corps (WisCorps) crew. Teams of six young conservation professionals gained valuable work experience while giving this project initial momentum, assisting with the first three segments of trail. In 2023, we transitioned to building the trail with assistance from volunteers.
DALC staff continue to contact landowners for trail hosting, develop easements, and coordinate all trail development activities. This includes interpretive signage and materials focused on Driftless geology, culture, ecology, and agriculture. By 2030, it will likely be possible to hike 15 miles from the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway to the Knobs Road Segment or Governor Dodge State Park. Trail will also be developed west of Blue Mound State Park by then. By 2040, it may be possible to hike around 50 miles through the entire project area on a combination of trails and rural roads, enjoying many nooks and crannies of the Driftless that have not been accessible to the public since the mid-1800s.
Get Involved
- Volunteer to help with project planning or trail construction
- Join our “keep informed” list to stay updated on project happenings.
- Contribute much needed financial support. (Donate online or contact our office.)
Hosting the Driftless Trail
First and foremost, DALC has no power of eminent domain. We will only work with landowners who volunteer to host the Driftless Trail.
The number one reason people enjoy hosting a public trail is the satisfaction of sharing their land with others. DALC listens to landowner needs as we develop either a whole property conservation easement or a trail easement — both clearly define the trail corridor. We aim to place the trail where it will least affect the landowner and avoid impacts to sensitive natural resources while offering an exceptional hiking experience. Users of this type of trail tend to be respectful of private property. DALC bears responsibility for long-term trail maintenance.
Questions? Contact Barb Barzen, Project Coordinator, via email or 608-930-3252.
Learn More About the Driftless Trail
Thank You to Driftless Trail Financial and In-Kind Supporters
- Alliant Energy Foundation
- Driftless Endurance
- Driftless Trail Collective
- Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
- Gathering Waters Conservancy
- Ice Age Trail Alliance
- James E. Dutton Foundation
- John C. Bock Foundation
- Kuntz Family Fund
- National Park Service
- Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
- North Country Trail Association
- Phoebe and John Lewis Foundation
- Taliesin Preservation
- The Driftless Trail Collective
Gateway Communities
- Spring Green
- Dodgeville
- Ridgeway
- Barneveld
- Blue Mounds
- Mount Horeb
- Arena
DALC will encourage businesses, schools, health care providers, and government officials in each town to engage with the trail as a valuable community resource.
“When DALC began dreaming up the Driftless Trail, I knew that I wanted my farm to be a part of it. I’ve welcomed walkers here for ten years, and I’m thrilled to invite the public to experience this landscape long into the future.”
Creating Connections and a Corridor
With over 95% of the Driftless Area being privately owned, accessing this beautiful landscape is limited to roads and a handful of state properties. The Driftless Trail offers unparalleled access, creating space for connection, exploration, and conservation across this remarkable landscape.
DALC’s vision for the Driftless Trail is not just about footpaths; it’s about forging a permanent corridor of resilience. Wherever the trail goes, it is protected forever by easements, whether it is a narrow ribbon of trail or an entire property. This growing network of “conservation corridors” not only increases ecological value but also helps buffer against climate change impacts by linking vital habitats, ranging from grasslands south of Military Ridge to oak savannas, pine relicts, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, and the Baraboo Hills.
These connections are more than ecological; they are human. The Driftless Trail fosters education, recreation, economic opportunities, and a stronger social connection between communities and the land. Through lasting easements and trusted partnerships with private landowners, we are building a corridor to protect nature, empower people, and nurture future generations.
Volunteer with Us!
Join us for monthly workdays to steward our beautiful nature preserves and trail systems. New volunteers are always welcome – no experience necessary!
A Fresh Start on the Land: Where to Hike This New Year’s Day
Get outside and explore the Driftless Area this winter! From scenic overlooks to forested trails and prairie remnants, our preserves and Driftless Trail segments offer easy-to-moderate hikes with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
A New Chapter for Wintergreen
Wintergreen is entering a new chapter rooted in conservation, care, and community connection. With long-term stewardship in mind, this Driftless property will be restored, protected, and thoughtfully shared for generations to come.
Hike Safely in the Driftless This Season
Enjoy the beauty of the Driftless this fall while staying safe during hunting season. Explore Driftless Area Land Conservancy’s open trail segments, including Phoebe Point and Welsh Hills, and learn key tips for hiking safely in the Driftless.