Great Sauk State Trail - Image 1
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Great Sauk State Trail

4.9
·14 reviews·Prairie du Sac, United States

A scenic 11-mile paved trail along the Wisconsin River, featuring public art and connecting to the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Great Sauk State Trail - Image 1

Great Sauk State Trail

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 11-mile paved trail along the Wisconsin River, featuring public art and connecting to the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area.

4.9
(14 reviews)

"Beautiful trail with great views and interesting art, perfect for a relaxing bike ride."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Plenty of Water 💧

Limited shade means you'll need hydration, especially on sunny days. :water_buffalo:

Watch for Road Crossings 🚗

Some street crossings can be busy; drivers may not always yield to cyclists. :cyclist: 🚗

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 14 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wisconsin River Views

Wisconsin River Views

Along the trail

Enjoy picturesque vistas of the mighty Wisconsin River as you cycle or walk.

Public Art Installations

Public Art Installations

Scattered along the trail

Discover unique sculptures and artwork that add an artistic flair to your journey.

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area

Sauk Prairie Recreation Area

Southern end of the trail

Explore this expansive area offering diverse natural landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Etiquette & Safety

Respect fellow trail users! Yield to hikers and equestrians. Be aware of your surroundings, especially on shared paths. Carry water and snacks, as amenities can be sparse. :waterbuffalo: :hikingboot:

Best Access Points

Several access points exist, with parking available in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. Consider starting near the Wisconsin River for scenic river views. 🅿️ 🏞️

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#greatsaukstatetrail #prairiedusacwi #devillakewisconsi
@zekemedina87
0 likes • 11 views

Pack Plenty of Water 💧

Limited shade means you'll need hydration, especially on sunny days. :water_buffalo:

Watch for Road Crossings 🚗

Some street crossings can be busy; drivers may not always yield to cyclists. :cyclist: 🚗

WE SPENT TWO DAYS IN SAUK CITY & PRAIRIE DU SAC 😍🙌 Special thanks to @Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin for having us!! #saukcity #prairiedusac #vlog #wisconsin #travel #wisconsincheck #wisconsinlife #ope #youbetcha #wisconsinclothingcompany #travelwisconsin #discoverwisconsin #drinkwisconsinbly #culvers #fyp
@wisconsinclothingcompany
181 likes • 3.2K views
Great Sauk State Trail is a beautiful path that follows along the Wisconsin River, located in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, extending into the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. @saukprairieriverway was able to show us around the trail, as well as downtown businesses that are near by! #exploresaukcounty #shoplocal #greatsaukstatetrail #biking @c2juicery @vintagebrewingcomadisonwest @delicias_mon...
exploresaukco
12 likes • 530 views

Explore the Art 🎨

Keep an eye out for the interesting sculptures dotted along the trail. 🎨

Check Trail Extension Status 🚧

Newer sections may open; check local park updates for the latest. :construction_worker:

My HAPPY PLACE ! The @greatsaukstatetrail! Setting my mind straight for my next big adventure in this thing called life!!!! #englishmastiffmomx2 #momofenglishmastiffx2 #greatsaukstatetrail
bev_englishmastiff_momx2
0 likes • 88 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Plenty of Water 💧

Limited shade means you'll need hydration, especially on sunny days. :water_buffalo:

Watch for Road Crossings 🚗

Some street crossings can be busy; drivers may not always yield to cyclists. :cyclist: 🚗

Explore the Art 🎨

Keep an eye out for the interesting sculptures dotted along the trail. 🎨

Check Trail Extension Status 🚧

Newer sections may open; check local park updates for the latest. :construction_worker:

Gravel Bike Friendly 🚲

The paved trail is great for road bikes, but gravel bikes can also handle offshoots. :mountain_biking:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Great Sauk State Trail for its beautiful scenery and smooth, paved surface, making it ideal for biking and walking. Some users wish for more restroom facilities and note that certain road crossings can be hazardous for cyclists. The lack of shade is also a recurring point.

"beautiful trail, scenery
Just need some portal potty and unfortunately some if the streets to go across may be dangerous as people in cars don’t respect cyclists"

Vivi Ow

"Quaint and decent parking. The trail itself is awesome for biking but he careful not much shade to offer for hiker or biker on a sunny day."

Priyojit Ganguly (PG)

"Great multi use path. Beautiful scenery and there are a couple of off shoots you can explore as well."

delbert cline

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Smooth paved trail
River views

What People Dislike

Limited shade
Road crossing safety
Few restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is accessible from multiple points in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. Parking is available at various trailheads, including those near the Wisconsin River. 🚗 🚌

Yes, parking is available at several access points, particularly in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. 🅿️

While the trail is near the Devils Lake area, direct access from the north end to Devils Lake via Burma Road is not well-developed and may be challenging for cyclists. :hikingboot: :mountainbiking:

The trail primarily passes through Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, extending into the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. :town_name:

The Great Sauk State Trail is part of a larger network and connects to other recreational areas, including the Ice Age Trail. :hiking_boot: :cyclist:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Great Sauk State Trail is a public recreational area and does not require an admission ticket. 🆓

The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. Always check local park advisories for any specific closures or hours. :clock1:

Parking at the designated trailheads is typically free. :moneywithwings:

The trail is open to the public and does not require reservations. 🎟️

For larger organized events, it's advisable to contact Sauk County Parks to inquire about any necessary permits. 📋

🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience

The main trail is a smooth, paved surface, making it ideal for biking and walking. :paved_road: :cyclist:

The trail is approximately 11 miles one way, with a recently opened 1.4-mile extension. 📏

Absolutely! It's a popular choice for cyclists, offering a smooth, paved path with beautiful scenery. :biking_man:

Some users have noted a need for more portable restrooms. It's recommended to check for available facilities at main access points. 🚽

The trail has limited shade, so be prepared with sun protection, especially during warmer months. :sunwithface:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the trail passes through Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, which offer various dining options from local cafes to restaurants. 🍴

Picnicking is permitted. There are some areas where you can stop and enjoy a meal, but designated picnic tables might be limited. :picnic_table:

While there aren't restaurants directly on the trail, many are located in the adjacent towns of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. 🍽️

You can find a range of options, including local Wisconsin fare, casual dining, and cafes in the nearby towns. 🍕 🍔

Given the limited amenities and potential for heat, bringing your own water and snacks is highly recommended. :water_bottle: :apple:

📸 📸 Photography

The Wisconsin River views, public art installations, and the natural landscapes of the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

It's best to stop at designated points or pull-offs to safely take photos while biking. :cyclist: :camerawithflash:

Expect scenic river views, open prairies, and unique sculptures. The changing seasons also offer diverse photographic subjects. 🏞️ :flower_field:

The trail has historical significance and artwork that tells a story, providing interesting subjects for photography. :old_key:

Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the river and landscapes. 🌅 🌇

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