Mascoutin Valley State Trail: Rosendale to Fond du Lac (East)
The eastern section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail runs 9.7 miles through Fond du Lac County from Rosendale to Fond du Lac. The trail passes through farm fields, prairies, and wetlands. Picturesque views are seen from the path, especially in the Eldorado State Wildlife Area. The trail offers a casual downhill ride, dropping 115 feet over its distance.
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail begins at Wisconsin State Highway 26 on the north side of Rosendale. There isn’t a designated parking area there, but a large gravel parking lot on the east side of the highway and next to the trail is used by trail-goers. The lot is part of the village’s yard waste site, and is located at 178 North Street in Rosendale.
Parking is also available in Rosendale at William N. Taylor Park, half a mile south of the trail’s start. The park has restrooms, a picnic shelter, and athletic fields. By car, the park is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 26 in Rosendale by turning west onto Taylor Park Street and driving to the parking lot. A parking lot is next to the baseball diamond. Rosendale also has a coffee house/cafe and two convenience stores.
From Taylor Park, it is 0.5 mile north on Wisconsin State Highway 26 to reach the official trailhead. An information kiosk, park bench and plaque are found there. In 1987, the local Lions Club purchased a 3-mile section of the former Chicago and Northwestern Railway to develop as a trail. Then in 1996, the Wisconsin DNR purchased the path to extend the Mascoutin Valley State Trail from Rosendale to Fond du Lac.
The trail’s surface is crushed limestone, in very good condition. Cyclists should watch for occasional gopher holes in the path. The trail is fairly wide, and bridges are in excellent condition. No public restrooms are located along the trail, but facilities are not too far away.
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail crosses Willow Creek Road as it travels past Rosendale neighborhoods. The path leaves the village after bridging a tributary of the Fond du Lac River’s West Branch. It then turns east to cut through farmland. For several miles, berms run along both sides of the trail. They likely were built during railroad days. Trees and bushes line the trail, creating a shady canopy.
After 2.5 miles, the trail travels through the community of Eldorado. In this distance, it crosses another stream flowing north to the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River. From Eldorado, it is less than a half mile from County Highway C to Rose-Eld Road.
After Rose-Eld Road, the trail turns southwest and borders Eldorado Wildlife Area. This area preserves nearly 6,400 acres. In addition to the wetlands around the West Branch of the Fond dud Lac River, it has small oak openings, shrubs, and grasslands. For centuries, Native Americans used this land for hunting and gathering. Today the property is popular with waterfowl, pheasant, and deer hunters. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts also visit.
After 2.7 miles the trail turns east again, still traveling in the wildlife area. It crosses Dike and Henrich Roads, which lead to hunting dog training areas within the preserve. The trail also crosses several small streams. Where the trail resumes it eastward course, a spur trail to the right (south) leads to Hagman Road and a trailhead parking lot. It is 0.6 mile by car north from Wisconsin State Highway 23 on Hageman Road to the lot.
The forest surrounding the Mascoutin Valley State Trail then gives way to open marches and fields of cattails. Nearly a mile after the trailhead parking lot, the trail crosses the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River. It flows southeast through the vast open wetlands of the Eldorado Wildlife Area. This is a great place to pause and enjoy the view.
From the river crossing, it is 0.7 mile to County Highway I. Another gravel parking lot serves as a trailhead. It is accessed by car by going north half a mile on the county road from Wisconsin State Highway 23.
The last 2.3 miles of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail run through a corridor of trees and bushes past farmland. The path ends on the western edge of Fond du Lac at Rolling Meadow Drive. A parking lot, information kiosk, and park bench are located there. There are no restrooms. Convenience stores, fast food shops, restaurants, and hotels are found nearby.
By car, the Fond du Lac trailhead is reached by going north on Rolling Meadows Drive 0.8 mile from Wisconsin State Highway 23 (W. Johnston Street). Parking is on the west side of the road. From Interstate Highway 41, take exit 99 west on Wisconsin State Highway 23.
Biking on the Mascoutin Valley State Trail offers a pleasant view of landscapes and wildlife. As it borders state wildlife and habitat restoration areas, a variety of birds may be seen from the trail. Grouse frequent the trail in autumn, and the calls of sandhill cranes and Canadian geese may be heard across the large wetlands. It is a scenic, pleasant ride.
Trail last ridden and documented in October, 2025.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.