Hillsboro State Trail
The Hillsboro State Trail is a 4.2-mile path running from Hillsboro to Union Center. It connects with the “400” State Trail in Union Center. Maintained by Vernon and Juneau Counties, the trail passes through the scenic lowlands of the Baraboo River’s West Branch. Along the way, the trail crosses the Baraboo River once, and its West Branch three times. The landscape includes meadows, marshes, hardwood forests, and farm fields.
This bike trail follows the former route of the Hillsboro and Northeastern Railway. The rail company was chartered in 1901 and constructed the line in 1903. It ran slightly less than five miles, connecting Hillsboro with the Chicago and North Western Railway at Union Center. The railroad was called the “shortest railway in the world.” Operations declined in the 1960s. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum operated tourist passenger trains over the line until moving to a new location in 1963. The corridor was finally abandoned in 1987.
The Wisconsin DNR acquired the old railroad corridor in 1988, as part of the “Rails-to-Trails” program. After renovations, the recreational path opened to the public in 1993. The trail features a direct route between Hillsboro and Union Center through scenic woods, agricultural farmlands, and over the West Branch of the Baraboo River.
The Hillsboro trailhead has a parking lot, information kiosk, picnic table, drinking fountain, and pit toilet restrooms. It is at the end of Air Rail Avenue. To reach the trailhead by car in Hillsboro from Wisconsin State Highway 82, turn east on County Highway FF (E. Madison Street), and drive 175 yards. Then turn left (north) on Air Rail Avenue. The trailhead is another 175 yards on the right (south) side of the road.
Before or after a trail ride, cyclists may want to explore Hillsboro. It’s a Vernon County community with a unique history. After the Civil War, Quakers and about 150 African Americans settled in nearby Cheyenne Valley. A Wisconsin state historical marker in Hillsboro shares this history. Hillsboro is also known for its Czech and Amish heritage.
Beyond the Hillsboro State Tail, this area offers a variety of outdoor activities. The unglaciated countryside (called the Driftless Area) features miles of hiking trails, excellent trout fishing streams, and scenic rivers for canoeing and kayaking. The area’s natural resources and boundless and they attract many outdoorspeople year round.
Hillsboro Brewing Company is located next to the bike trail on the corner of County Highway FF and Air Rail Avenue. The brewery and restaurant occupy a large historic factory that was once used to produce condensed milk. Today visitors will find a vast assortment of brews from IPAs to heavy stouts. The restaurant menu includes appetizers, burgers, and pizzas.
Returning to the Hillsboro State Trail, its surface is crushed limestone, in good condition. The route travels on level ground and crosses two roads, one a state highway. The lowland valley of the Baraboo River’s West Branch offers picturesque views. Oak and willow trees with thick bushes often line the trail. Views of meadows and marshes open up between the forests, and the ridgeline of the valley rises up nearby. Pausing to admire the view from a bridge may offer the chance to see woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, or mourning doves.
From the Hillsboro trailhead the path heads northwest, making several turns before straightening. From the last turn, it is a half mile to the first bridge over the Baraboo River’s West Branch. Before the bridge, the trail moves from Vernon County into Juneau County. At the first bridge, pine-forested bluffs rise high from the valley floor just 300 feet to the south.
After 0.4 mile, the trail crosses the meandering West Branch again. It’s only a half mile through a hardwood forest to the third crossing of the river. Though the wooded ridge is no longer as close to the trail, this spot still offers a splendid scenic view of neighby bluffs.
It is 2.2 miles from the trail’s start to the third bridge over the West Branch. From there, the landscape changes from hardwood forests to low-lying agricultural fields and marshes. A corridor of trees and bushes surround the path to its terminus. It is 0.6 mile from the third bridge to Smith Road, and nearly a mile to yet another bridge. This one spans the Baraboo River’s main branch. A long irrigation ditch is visible to the right (south) in the open area of this section. The ditch drains waters into the Baraboo River further south.
From the last bridge over the Baraboo River, it is 0.3 mile to trail’s end in Union Center. In this section, the path passes a pond on the left (north). It is surrounded by paper birches. The Hillsboro State Trail connects to the “400” State Trail behind a large Land O’ Lakes Creamery in Union Center. An information kiosk stands at this junction. Turning right (south) on the “400” State Trail takes cyclists to Wonewoc, nearly three miles away.
Turning left (north) onto the “400” State Trail leads to Eagle Parkway in Union Center. Trail-goers first cross Wisconsin State Highway 33. Eagle Parkway serves as a great trailhead. It has parking, flush toilets, a picnic shelter, grill, self-service bicycle repair station, and drinking water. The park has a playground, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts.
Union Center was first called “Union,” and incorporated in 1859. The village was located on the Chicago and North Western Railway line, which arrived in 1872. Today, the “400” State Trail follows this route. Main industries in early Union Center were logging, milling, and agriculture. German and Polish immigrants settled here. Next to Eagle Parkway is St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Built in 1863, it now serves as a Chapel of Perpetual Adoration.
Though the ride may not be long, the Hillsboro State Trail is pleasant, relaxing, and scenic. Using the Hillsboro State Trail costs $5 daily per person or $25 for an annual pass. Passes may be bought at a DNR office, self-registration stations along the trail, or local businesses. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. Trail-goers should obey all posted signs.
Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2025.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.