Old Highway 131 Trail
In Vernon County, the Old Highway 131 Trail travels 4.5 miles through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. The reserve contains 8,600 acres of public land in the scenic Kickapoo River watershed. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, managed by the State of Wisconsin and Bureau of Indian Affairs in trust for the Ho-Chunk Nation. Its extensive trail system includes the Old Highway 131 Trail.
Designated a National Recreation Trail by the Federal Government, the Old Highway 131 Trail follows the route of the historic state highway through the Kickapoo River Valley. This route has been long used for traversing the river valley, including use by members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Evidence of their past presence is seen in ancient rock shelters, petroglyphs, and burial mounds within the valley.
The Treaty of 1837 removed the Ho-Chunk nation from this area. However, many tribal members returned over the years. Today, the Ho-Chunk Nation is a federally recognized tribe with lands in five states, including Wisconsin. The tribe takes an active role in managing the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and educating the public about the land, their history, and culture.
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center hosts thousands of guests annually. The center has a gift shop, classrooms, and small museum. A welcome coordinator greets guests and answers questions. Trail usage fees and registrations may be handled at this visitor center or online. Restrooms, drinking water, and a self-service bicycle repair station are also found there. It is located on Wisconsin State Highway 131 two miles north of La Farge.
Returning to the history of the Old Highway 131 Trail, the original state highway was rerouted from La Farge to Ontario in the mid-1970s as part of a plan to dam the Kickapoo River. The aim was to alleviate regular flooding in the valley. In this section, the highway ran through the valley and crossed the river eleven times. After the plan to build a dam was halted in 1975, the idea of a nature conservancy emerged. In 1996, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve was created, and the abandoned highway section opened as a paved multi-use trail.
The Old Highway 131 Trail’s scenery is beyond outstanding. The Kickapoo Valley Reserve sits in the rugged Driftless Area of Wisconsin, which no ancient glacier touched. Sandstone cliffs rise above the meandering Kickapoo River, creating a vast valley filled with vegetation and forests. Among the cliffs and low wetlands live a variety of rare plants and animals, which thrive here in unique microclimates.
The trail passes through conifer and deciduous forests. White pine and hemlock rise along the edge of steep cliffs. Maple and elm grow in lowland areas. Oak savannas sprawl over several of the prairies. Native plants are found throughout the Reserve, and one of the Reserve’s missions is promoting pollinator plants. Amateur botanists may recognize robin’s plantain, culver’s-root, spiderwort, pasqueflower, and rough blazing-star.
Due to the lack of light pollution in the area, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve has been designated as an international dark sky area. An excellent area for stargazing, the reserve facilities incorporate responsible lighting. Programming through the visitor center helps people learn about reducing light pollution in their own communities.
Bicyclists using the Old Highway 131 Trail may expect an exhilarating ride over the short 4.5 miles. Adjacent to the asphalt trail is a grassy path for horseback riding. Since horseback riders share bridges over the river, the trail’s surface turns to crushed limestone when approaching bridges. In other places, large mats across the path allow horses to safely walk over the asphalt trail’s surface.
The trail surface is an excellent condition. There are occasional bumps in the asphalt, but nothing severe. Leaves, sticks, and other debris sometimes litter the path in forested areas. In times of heavy rain, sections of the trail may flood or become covered in mud. The trail varies in gradient. There are several hills with gradual inclines and descents along the way. In warm summer months, trail-goers may want to apply insect repellent.
When heading north on the Old Highway 131 trail from La Farge to Rockton, bicyclists begin their journey from a trailhead on Corps Road. The facilities here are basic: a gravel parking lot and information kiosk. To reach the trailhead by car, drive north for a half mile on Wisconsin State Highway 131 out of La Farge. Turn left (west) on Seelyburg Road and travel 0.6 mile, over the Kickapoo River. Turn right (east) on Corps Road, and drive a half mile to the trailhead at the end of the road.
The kiosk at the trailhead provides information and regulations for trail use. After passing a gate, the path leads downhill 35 feet over 175 yards to arrive at the first river crossing. High on the ridge to the right (south) and through the forest stands a large concrete tower. Built as part of the dam project in the 1970s, it was intended to be a spillway tower.
Bridge Number 18 is the first bridge to take trail-goers across the Kickapoo River. A park bench and canoe/kayak landing are also found at this picturesque spot. The flowing river and covered bridge are nestled into the cozy valley and surrounded by looming bluffs. It’s worth a stop at this scenic spot to appreciate the view.
From Bridge Number 18, it is nearly a mile to Star Valley Road. Elevation slowly rises about 25 feet in this section. After crossing the river, the trail passes three swampy ponds. This is a common place for trail-goers to fish. Continuing north, the trail passes two separate foot paths leading right (east) to the visitor center. To the left (west) is the entrance to Campsite A. Also called the Lower Star Valley Campsite, this is available for hikers, bikers, and canoe/kayakers. The campsite is not accessible by vehicle.
Off in the distance to the right (east) is Campsite B, called the 4-H Park. With limited access, it is reached by hiking south from Star Valley Road. The path’s intersection with Star Valley Road has a pleasant grove of flower gardens and trees. In the center is a memorial acknowledging the early white settlers of Star Valley; the open valley is now only an old lumber ghost town. Star Valley Road travels east 0.7 mile to Wisconsin State Highway 131. Along the road is Campsite D (Willow Campsite), which is accessible by vehicle.
From the intersection with Star Valley Road, it is 0.8 mile on the trail to the next river crossing. After ascending a small rise, there is a slight descent leading to the river. The path travels north past several swampy ponds, then bends to the right (east), and arrives at Bridge Number 16. After the turn in the trail, a footpath leads right (south) to Campsite E (Schroeder Campsite). It is not accessible by vehicle.
Bridge Number 16 is a simple wooden structure over the Kickapoo River. After crossing the river, the path runs northeast for a half mile on level ground. It then arrives at the third river crossing. Bridge Number 15 is also a basic wooden structure. The path continues uphill 30 feet over 0.3 mile, to the intersection with County Highway P.
At the trail’s intersection with the county road, gates on the path prevent vehicle access. An information kiosk of the Reserve’s rules is also found there. Campsite I (Kaukl Campsite) sits next to the trail on the north side of the road. It is accessible by car. On the south side of the road adjacent to the path is a small parking lot to serve as trailhead.
North of County Highway P, the trail ascends over 35 feet in 350 yards. Bicyclists are then rewarded with a descent of over 50 feet for the ensuing 0.3 mile. The trail passes Campsite L (Silbaugh Campsite); available only for trail-goers. A Wisconsin state historical marker is found next to the trail at Bridge Number 13.
The marker tells how the design of Bridge Number 13 was known as the Warren Truss type and became commonly used at the turn of the 19th century. 17 bridges over this section of the Kickapoo River were Warren Truss designs, erected in the 1950s. Historic Bridge Number 13 was refurbished in 2017. As with all trail bridges over the Kickapoo River, it is worth pausing to enjoy the view.
Old Highway 131 Trail continues north from Bridge Number 13 and then turns right (east). After 0.3 mile, the path travels past the intersection with Indian Creek Road, then crosses Indian Creek through a splendid covered bridge. The insignia of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and seal of the Ho Chunk Nation adorn the bridge.
From the bridge, it is slightly over a mile to the trail’s end at Canoe/Kayak Landing 12. The trail bends northeast, and after passing rock outcroppings, draws closer to the banks of the Kickapoo River. The end of the trail is marked by a gate and information kiosk. The landing is located to the right (east). It has a parking lot, portable toilet, and canoe/kayak launch.
Canoe Landing 12 serves as a trailhead. It is located off Old Highway 131 Road in the community of Rockton. Going west into Rockton by car on Wisconsin State Highway, turn left (south) on Old Highway 131 Road before taking the turn to the right (north). It is 350 yards down the dead end road to the trailhead.
Old Highway 131 Trail is one of the most picturesque bike paths in the state. Though short, it is packed with scenic beauty. The river is frequently used by canoe and kayak enthusiasts, but the trail does not see as much activity. A bike ride on the Old Highway 131 Trail is peaceful and secluded. Waterfowl, songbirds, and sandhill cranes may be spotted, along with red squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional white-tailed deer.
Of note— no drinking water or bathrooms are located along the path, except for a portable toilet at Canoe Landing 12. Restrooms, water, and other amenities are found off the trail at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center. Visiting the center before or after an excursion on the trail is highly recommended, especially to fill water bottles.
The daily cost to use the trail is $5 per individual or $15 for a family. An annual pass is $20 per person or $35 for a family. Trail-users aged 16 or younger are not required to have a permit. The trail is a good choice for a family bike ride. The path is paved and crosses only one road. The gradient doesn’t create a strenuous ride, and the distance is short.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Trail-goers should practice safety and comply with all trail etiquette and rules. These are posted on information kiosks at trailheads. Hikers and bikers should yield to horseback riders, stopping when they meet equestrian traffic to avoid scaring horses. In hunting season, trail-goers should wear bright colors, as the reserve has public hunting grounds.
Visitors to the Old Highway 131 Trail seeking dining options may visit nearby La Forge or Rockton. There is a bar and grill in Rockton, and La Farge has a tavern, restaurant, gas station and convenience store, and Organic Valley retail shop.
Trail last ridden and documented in June, 2025.