Upper Yahara River Trail

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

The path travels 3.8 miles north through DeForest from a trailhead to Veterans Park. The path surface is paved with asphalt, in excellent condition. It is about ten feet wide, with room to safely pass pedestrians or ride side by side. Three street intersections have marked crosswalks and self-activated flashing lights. The trail contains several steep hills, including a tough one with a 12% grade. It 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 yield to pedestrians, do not exceed ten miles per hour, and stay to the right. Cyclists should also move off the trail when stopping, and inform others when passing. Caution is required on wet, slippery boardwalks. There are portable toilets along the route, with restrooms at Western Green Area Park. Park benches are placed along the trail.

DeForest has over 50 acres of community parkland, 30 acres of neighborhood green space, and 300+ acres of conservancy land. The village has 15 developed parks, with many connected by a trail system. The Yahara River runs through the village, and 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 delicious, 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.

The trailhead may be accessed by car from Interstate Highways 39, 90, and 94. Take exit 131 to Wisconsin State Highway 19. When driving south on the interstate, turn left (east) on the state highway. When taking the northbound ramp go to the left (west). From either 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 Upper Yahara River Trail departs the Windsor Road trailhead by going east. It winds around Sunfish Pond and turns north next greet the Yahara River. Less than a half mile from the trailhead, a spur trail branches off to the left (west). It leads to a nearby neighborhood. A quaint riverside rest area is located there at the trail intersection.

The path continues on going straight north. It travels on a boardwalk for 0.3 mile, turning to the east, then back north. Along this section is another access spot to the Babling Yahara River. This trail has several boardwalks over floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas. Throughout the path’s entire distance, it is buffered by neighborhoods and the river.

The Yahara River is a small creek in this part of Dane County. It broads after flowing through all four lakes in the area. The Yahara River 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. They first lived along its banks. In 1903, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names changed its formal name to the Yahara River.

After the departing the boardwalk, the Upper Yahara River Trail climbs, then descends a hill over the distance of a half mile. A short distance further, it crosses Innovation Drive and another 200 foot boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, aa spur trail branches of to the left (west). It leads to the Rivers Turn neighborhood. The main trail goes to the right (north).

In the next section, the trail travels by homes and through the Upper Yahara River Environmental Corridor. The landscape in the nature area is a mix of forest and marshland. A half mile from the intersection with the spur trail, the path crosses the Yahara River for the first time. It traverses the river and its lowlands on a 300 foot wooden bridge.

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 200-foot long bridge, the route arrives at a “T” intersection. A spur trail goes to the left (west) to the Riverside Drive neighborhood, but the Upper Yahara River Trail turns right (east). The main path advances through Sunnybrook Park. It has a gazebo and playground. From the park, the trail continues on a picturesque 350 yard boardwalk to Sunnybrook Drive and South Street. The Yahara River flows close to the path here.

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

At the intersection, the Upper Yahara River Trail turns right (east) a crosses South Street and the Yahara River. This next section is called Mayapple Trail. It proceeds 350 yards, crosses the Yahara River again, and arrives once more at another “T” intersection. The main path turns right (east). Turning left (west) leads to other neighborhoods.

About 175 yards after the trail intesection, trail-goers 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 next on the trail. It has plenty of amenities, including flush toilets, a large picnic shelter, sand volleyball pit, and large playground. By car, it is accessed from Acker Parkway.

After passing the Western Green Area 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 and next to a delightful, babbling, little river. 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.