Mascoutin Valley State Trail: Rosendale to Fond du Lac (East)
For bicyclists who enjoy a casual downhill route, consider starting in Rosendale to bike the eastern portion of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail. The trail runs 9.7 miles to Fond du Lac, dropping 115 feet in elevation.
The Mascoutin Valley State Trail (East) begins on Wisconsin State Highway 26 on the north side of Rosendale. A designated trail parking area does not exist, but a local business’s gravel parking lot next to the trail is often used by trail-goers on weekends. Otherwise, parking is available at William N. Taylor Park in Rosendale, a half mile south of the start of the trail. Restrooms, a picnic shelter, and athletic fields are located there. By car, the park is reached by turning west from Wisconsin State Highway 26 in Rosendale onto Taylor Park Street. Parking is located next to the ball diamond. Two convenience stores, a sandwich shop, and coffee house are located in Rosendale.
It is 0.5 mile from Rosendale’s William N. Taylor Park north on Highway 26 to the trailhead. At the start of the path is an information kiosk and park bench. A stone plaque offers a history of the trail. The condition of the trail’s crushed limestone surface is excellent from Rosendale to Eldorado. Due to use, most gravel trails acquire two tracks, but here the trail is flat and fully covered with limestone. It also is much wider than other trails. The bridges throughout the trail’s length are in excellent condition.
After making its way past the backyards of Rosendale neighborhoods, the trail cuts through farmlands and runs straight east. For several miles, berms run along both sides of the trail. They likely were constructed during railroad days. Trees and bushes also line the trail.
After 2.5 miles, the trail travels through the small community of Eldorado. East of town, the trail’s wide, limestone base diminishes. It’s surface eventually resembles most rural bicycle trails in Wisconsin. The changing trail conditions do not detract from the ride, however.
For the next 4 miles, the trail moves southeasterly. To the north is a public wildlife area, and a dog training site is located between Dike and Heinrich Roads. The forests then give way to a large marsh, through which the West Branch of the Fond du Lac River runs. It is worth pausing on the bridge to scan the vast marsh for birds and waterfowl.
Two separate trailheads are located off the path in this section. One trailhead is at the north end of Hageman Road, off Wisconsin State Highway 23. The other trailhead is accessed from County Road I, one half mile north of its junction with Wisconsin State Highway 23.
The last 2.3 miles of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail runs through farmland. It ends at Rolling Meadow Drive on the edge of Fond du Lac. A parking lot, information kiosk, and park bench are located there. There are no restrooms. Convenience stores and fast food shops, as well as restaurants and hotels are nearby in Fond du Lac.
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.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Biking on the eastern section of the Mascoutin Valley State Trail offers the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife. A large variety of birds are usually seen from the trail. During autumn months, grouse frequent the trail, and the unique calls of Sandhill Cranes and Canadian Geese are heard across the large wetlands. While no public restrooms are located along the trail, benches are found at various places.
Trail ridden and documented in October, 2020.