Donald County Park
A hidden gem offering diverse trails, a natural spring, an orchard, and excellent stargazing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Donald County Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem offering diverse trails, a natural spring, an orchard, and excellent stargazing opportunities.
"An excellent Dane County park with a great mix of trails and natural beauty."
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Trails are well-maintained & marked with numbers for easy reference on the park map. :compass:
🐴 Horseback Riding Welcome
Multi-use trails are available for hikers and horseback riders. :horse:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Spring
Within the park
Discover a natural spring with crystal-clear waters, offering a glimpse into the underwater world.
Mt. Vernon Overlook Trail
Southeast section
Ascend a neat wooded trail to a rocky overlook for stunning views.
Orchard & Diverse Trails
Various locations
Enjoy a beautiful orchard and explore trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and even skiing in winter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Variety & Horseback Riding
Picnic & Stargazing Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Trails are well-maintained & marked with numbers for easy reference on the park map. :compass:
🐴 Horseback Riding Welcome
Multi-use trails are available for hikers and horseback riders.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Allowed
Bring your furry friends, but they must be leashed at all times. :dog:
✨ Stargazing Gem
Low light pollution makes it a great spot for viewing the Milky Way. :star2:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Trails are well-maintained & marked with numbers for easy reference on the park map. :compass:
🐴 Horseback Riding Welcome
Multi-use trails are available for hikers and horseback riders.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Allowed
Bring your furry friends, but they must be leashed at all times. :dog:
✨ Stargazing Gem
Low light pollution makes it a great spot for viewing the Milky Way. :star2:
🌳 Tree ID Workshops
Keep an eye out for educational events like tree identification workshops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Donald County Park is widely praised as an excellent Dane County park, offering a great variety of well-maintained trails for hiking and horseback riding. Visitors appreciate the natural spring, orchard, and the convenience of picnic facilities. It's also noted as a surprisingly good spot for stargazing due to low light pollution. Some find the trails can be long, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"Great park with long or short trails… several small streams and a pond are nice to walk along. Nice shelter and restroom at park entrance. Mostly flat hiking with prairie and woods to walk through."
Nathan K
"Another excellent Dane County park. Check out the Mt Vernon overlook trail in the south east for a neat wooded trail that ascends to a rocky overlook."
Matt Butalla
"Discovered this park while looking for a hiking spot after visiting Mt. Horeb. Only 6 minutes drive from Mt. Horeb and what a great hidden gem.
We parked at Pop's Knoll which has a gravel parking lot for about 20 vehicles. About 100 meters from the parking lot is an area with a covered shelter with picnic tables and a toilet room.
What really surprised me about this park was how well the trails were maintained and marked with numbers so you have reference points to know where you are on the park map. Consists of multi-use trails for hikers and horseback riders, as well as hiking trails for pedestrians only. A good mix of trails through corn fields, wooded areas, and grassy paths along streams.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. I highly recommend."
Justin McBrearty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Donald County Park is located about a 20-30 minute drive from the west side of Madison, making it an accessible destination for a day trip.
Yes, there are parking areas, including a gravel lot at Pop's Knoll that can accommodate about 20 vehicles.
Information on public transport access is limited, but driving is the most common and recommended method.
The trails are generally well-marked with numbers, and a park map is available to help you navigate.
While primarily known for hiking and horseback riding, some multi-use trails may be suitable for cycling, especially in winter for skiing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Donald County Park is a Dane County park and generally offers free admission, making it an affordable outdoor escape.
Park hours are typically from dawn to dusk, but it's always a good idea to check the official Dane County Parks website for any specific seasonal or event-related changes.
No, there is no entrance fee to enjoy the natural beauty and trails of Donald County Park.
Yes, there is a covered shelter with picnic tables available, and it's advisable to check with Dane County Parks for reservation details if you plan a group event.
Occasionally, educational events like tree identification workshops are held. Keep an eye on the park's announcements or the Dane County Parks website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including pedestrian-only paths and multi-use trails for hikers and horseback riders, with a mix of woods, prairie, and stream-side walks.
Yes, there's a shelter with picnic tables and a restroom located near the park entrance, making it convenient for day visits.
With its diverse habitats including woods and prairies, Donald County Park is likely a good spot for birdwatching, though specific birding information is not widely publicized.
The trails are described as mostly flat with some gentle ascents, offering a pleasant hiking experience for various fitness levels.
Absolutely! Donald County Park is well-equipped for horseback riding with dedicated multi-use trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural spring, the rocky overlook on the Mt. Vernon trail, and the scenic orchard offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Yes, its location away from city lights makes it an excellent spot for stargazing and astrophotography, with potential to see the Milky Way.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Evenings are perfect for capturing the night sky.
The park is situated in the Driftless Area, known for its unique geology, and the rocky overlook provides a glimpse of this.
While not guaranteed, the diverse habitats may offer opportunities to photograph local wildlife. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at the shelter, and keep an eye out for any educational programs that might be offered, like tree identification workshops. Remember to bring leashes for any family pets, as dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
🐴 Equestrians
It's always a good idea to be aware of other trail users, especially hikers, and to follow all posted regulations regarding horseback riding to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Astrophotographers will also find this park appealing due to the dark skies. The natural landscapes offer interesting foreground elements to complement your celestial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Donald County Park
For those seeking a bit more elevation and a rewarding view, the Mt. Vernon Overlook Trail in the southeast section is highly recommended. This trail leads you through a lovely wooded area before ascending to a rocky overlook, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you're looking for a short, leisurely walk or a longer trek, Donald County Park offers ample opportunities to connect with nature. Remember to check the park map for trail lengths and difficulty, and always be mindful of other users on the multi-use paths.
A Natural Spring and Orchard Oasis
This natural feature adds a touch of wonder to the park's landscape and is a delightful spot to pause and appreciate the natural world. Adding to the park's appeal is a beautiful orchard, providing a scenic backdrop and a pleasant sensory experience, especially during blooming or harvest seasons.
The combination of the tranquil spring and the vibrant orchard creates a diverse and engaging environment for visitors. These features, alongside the varied trails, make Donald County Park a multifaceted destination for nature lovers and casual explorers alike. Stargazing and Community Rucks
The park also fosters a sense of community, with organized events like 'community rucks/hikes' taking place.
These gatherings encourage people to get outdoors, exercise, and connect with others in a beautiful natural setting. Whether you're participating in a group event or enjoying a solo stargazing session, Donald County Park provides a peaceful and inspiring environment. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit