Upper Yahara River Trail

The Upper Yahara River Trail is a short, delightful path that journeys through the village of DeForest in Dane County. It follows the Yahara River through forests and meadows, with large sections on elevated boardwalks. The trail is under 5 miles long, and the entire route is filled with scenic beauty.

The path travels 3.8 miles north from a trailhead to Veterans Park. The path  surface is paved with asphalt, in excellent condition. It is 10 feet wide, with  room to safely pass pedestrians or ride side by side. Three road intersections have crosswalks and self-activated flashing lights. The trail contains several steep hills, including one with a 12% grade that may be challenging for some cyclists.

Interpretive markers along the Upper Yahara River Trail share the area’s natural and historical background. They educate the public about plants and trees growing along the river, as well as birds and wildlife living in this green space. Other markers reveal how this unique natural area has been reclaimed after years of deforestation.

Three village parks are found along the route. They are Sunnybrook Park, Western Green Area Park, and Veterans Memorial Park. The first two parks have gazebos or picnic shelters and large playgrounds. They serve as a perfect stop for children using the trail. Veterans Memorial Park honors community members who served in the military.

There is no fee to use the Upper Yahara River Trail. Posted signs remind trail-goers of the rules: cyclists should yield to pedestrians, not exceed 10 miles per hour, and stay to the right of the path. Cyclists should also move off the trail when stopping, and inform others when passing on the left. When the boardwalks are wet, they may become slippery. There are portable toilets along the route, with public restrooms at Western Green Area Park. Park benches are located throughout the trail.

The village of DeForest has over 50 acres of community parkland,  30 acres of neighborhood green space, and 300+ acres of conservancy land. DeForest has 15 developed parks, and has made a strong effort to connect the village with a trail system. The Yahara River, which runs through the village, offers canoeing and fishing. The adjacent trail provides glimpses of water, flora, and fauna.

While DeForest claims a strong Norwegian heritage, its founder was an immigrant from Belgium. Isaac DeForest arrived in the area in 1854 and accumulated large land holdings for wheat farming. The land was platted in 1856. Because of the decline in wheat prices after the Civil War, in 1868 DeForest sold his land and moved to Kansas. His name remained, and soon became the name of the local post office. By 1872, it was a main station on the Madison-Portage Railway line. In 1902, DeForest incorporated as a village.

Today’s visitors to DeForest have several dining choices. Close to the trail, Norske Nook Restaurant and Bakery features Norwegian-American cuisine, and is renowned for homemade pies. Also near the trail is Woolly’s Snack Hut, which serves a variety of treats including Cedar Crest ice cream. Not far away, North and South Seafood and Smokehouse offers a menu of wood-fired smokehouse fare.

Returning to the Upper Yahara River Trail, a ride begins at the trailhead on Windsor Road. It has a parking lot, portable toilet, self-service bicycle repair station, bike rack, drinking fountain, and garbage can. It overlooks Sunfish Pond, which in the summer is surrounded by wildflowers. The trailhead and path are next to a residential neighborhood.

To access the trailhead from Interstate Highways 39, 90, and 94, take exit 131 to Wisconsin State Highway 19. When going south from the interstate, turn left (east), but go to the left (west) when taking the northbound ramp. Drive to County Highway CV and turn north. Travel 1.5 miles and turn left (west) onto Windsor Road. The trailhead is 0.4 mile down the road to the right (north).

The trail departs the trailhead by winding around Sunfish Pond and turning north along Yahara River. It then journeys on a boardwalk and continues north between the river and a subdivision. This trail has several boardwalks over floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas. Throughout its distance, the trail is buffered by neighborhoods, and numerous spur trails lead to nearby streets.

A quaint riverside rest area is located 0.3 mile from the trail’s start. Here, the Yahara River appears as a small creek. In fact, it is a tributary of the Rock River, traveling over 60 miles. Historically it was called Catfish River by the Sauk, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk nations, who originally lived along its banks. In 1903, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names changed its formal name to the Yahara River.

Past the rest area, the trail runs on an elevated boardwalk for 0.3 mile. Along this section is another access spot to the river. After the boardwalk, the trail climbs and descends a hill over the next half mile. It also crosses Innovation Drive and another 200 foot boardwalk.

Over the next half mile, the trail passes homes and then goes through the Upper Yahara River Environmental Corridor, a mix of forest and marshland. It then crosses the Yahara River for the first time. A long, curvy, and very steep climb follows the river crossing. After passing through farmland, the trail gradually descends to a second river crossing.

After crossing the bridge, the route arrives at a “T” intersection. The trail turns right (east) and passes Sunnybrook Park, which has a gazebo and playground. To the west is a spur trail leading to the Riverside Drive neighborhood. From the park, the path continues on a picturesque 350 yard boardwalk, slightly inclined. The boardwalk ends at the intersection of Sunnybrook Drive and South Street. The Yahara River flows close to the path here.

At the intersection, the route turns right (east) on South Street and crosses Yahara River. It continues on the north side of South Street, a section called Mayapple Trail. After crossing Yahara River again, it turns to right (east). Turning left (west) leads to other neighborhoods.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

About 175 yards after turning east, trail-goers have a choice to make. They may continue following the river along the edge of the forest, or take a circular route through an extensive prairie meadow. This 0.3 mile diversion leads back to the main trail.

Western Green Area Park is further east. This community park has plenty of amenities. It has flush toilets, a large picnic shelter, sand volleyball pit, and large playground. By car, it is accessed from Acker Parkway. After passing the park, the trail crosses the Yahara River for the last time. It’s 350 more yards to the end of the path at County Highway CV.

Veterans Memorial Park is across the road from the trail’s end and serves as trailhead. In addition to a parking lot, it has markers, statues, flag display, and memorabilia honoring veterans. The nearest interstate exit is number 126 on County Highway V. Drive east 1.7 miles, and turn right (south) onto County Highway CV. The park is 0.2 miles down the road.

The Upper Yahara River Trail offers an opportunity to journey through a scenic natural environment. Trail-goers experience the beauty of the meandering Yahara River and its surrounding landscape. A variety of birds, including sandhill cranes, may be seen from the trail. Chipmunks and rabbits scamper across the path. The Upper Yahara River Trail offers a pleasant, appealing 3.8 mile ride.

Trail last ridden and documents in August, 2024.