John Muir

A big part of the attraction is one-way trails in the challenging terrain of the beautiful Kettle Moraine State Forest. The one-way trails make the experience seem almost private. You may pass or be passed by a few people, but you won't believe you're sharing the trails with a thousand other riders. The rugged terrain, hills and kettle-like depressions make for some tough riding, and may not be for everyone. But for riders looking for challenging, technical riding - this is the place. These trails are not suited for road or touring bikes, or bikes with trailers. During the winter, these trails are open to hikers and snowshoers. Fat-tire bikes do use this trail in the winter as well. A state park vehicle sticker is required. Anyone 16 years and older riding a mountain bike will require a state trail pass as well.

Directions via Google Maps

John Muir Trail Map (PDF)

DNR–Trail Maps

Emma Carlin

This sister system to the John Muir Trail is a bit more out-of-the-way and less heavily used. This trail system, on County Highway Z just south of State Highway 59, goes through a hardwood forest with mostly hilly terrain. Three color-coded trails ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles. Parking, water, and vault toilets are available. The trails in this system are single-track mountain bike trails that are generally more difficult than the John Muir Trails. All three loops have difficult sections. If you ride every loop in both systems and the connector, you will cover nearly 40 miles - and deserve a medal. The trail is open to hikers and snowshoes in the winter. A state park vehicle sticker is required. Anyone 16 years and older riding a mountain bike, cross country skiing will require a state trail pass as well.

Directions via Google Maps

DNR–Trail Maps