Overview
About 15,000 years ago most of North America was covered by a huge glacier. Wisconsin displays the earth-carving result of this glacier in its many lakes, river valleys, gently rolling hills, and ridges. The more than 20,000 acre Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest showcases many topographical glacier-formed features. The Forest is nearly 30 miles long and extends from Dousman nearly to Whitewater; it contains lakes, pine and hardwood forests, and prairies.Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest is managed for forestry and outdoor recreation. Over 160 miles of trails wind through the State Forest, providing spectacular views of glacial landscapes and forest scenery. Steep climbs and descents are common.
There are 20 miles of mountain bike trails found in two areas: John Muir Mountain Bike trails and the Emma Carlin trails, which are connected by a 5 mile connector trail. The John Muir system is the most popular area within hundreds of miles. There is also a .4 mile loop behind the Muir shelter that was created for younger mountain bike riders. All trails normally are opened in late April.
This is a map of the entire Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Getting There
The Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest is 61 miles east of Madison and 37 miles southwest of Milwaukee.To reach the forest headquarters:
From Milwaukee:
- I-94 West to STH 67
- STH 67 South (Left) to STH 59 (Eagle)
- STH 59 West (Right) 3 miles to Headquarters
OR
- I-43 South to STH 83
- STH 83 North (Right) to CTH NN
- CTH NN West (Left) to STH 59 (Eagle)
- STH 59 West (Left) 3 miles to Headquarters
From Chicago:
- I-94 West to STH 50 (Kenosha)
- STH 50 West to US 12 (Lake Geneva)
- US 12 West to STH 67 (Elkhorn)
- STH 67 North (Right) to STH 59 (Eagle)
- STH 59 West (Left) 3 miles to Headquarters
From Madison:
- US 12 East to STH 59 (Whitewater)
- STH 59 East (Left) to Headquarters 3 miles past Palmyra
OR
- I-94 East to STH 67
- STH 67 South (Right) to STH 59 (Eagle)
- STH 59 West (Right) 3 miles to Headquarters
From Janesville:
- STH 26 North to STH 59
- STH 59 East (Right) to Headquarters 3 miles past Palmyra
From Rockford/Beloit:
- I-90 North to STH 26 (Janesville)
- STH 26 North to STH 59 (Milton)
- STH 59 East (Right) to 3 miles past Palmyra to Headquarters
From Fox River Valley:
- US 41 South to STH 67 (Lomira)
- STH 67 South (Right) to STH 59 (Eagle)
- STH 59 West (Right) 3 miles to Headquarters
Red Tape
A trailpass is required for all riders 16 years of age and older. The 2007 Wisconsin resident fee was $15 for an annual pass or $4 for a daily pass. Passes can be purchased at entrance stations, self-registation stations, online, and through DNR service stations.Vehicle admission stickers are also required and can be obtained in the same manner as is listed above.
External Links
Follow this link for current conditions, or call the Trail Information Line at 262.594.6202 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).Camping
There are many options available for camping in Southern Kettle Moraine. Reservations can be made through Reserve America.Pine Woods Campground - 101 campsites, flush toilets, pit toilets, and showers,no electrical sites, open mid-May though mid-October
Ottawa Lake Campground - the only year-round campground, 100 sites including 49 electrical sites, two shower buildings, flush toilets and a winter pit toilet building
Whitewater Lake Campground - a primitive campground with 63 campsites, pit toilets, no shower facilities, open mid-May through mid-October
Pine Woods Group Camp - four large sites for up to 40 people per site, adjacent to the Pine Woods Campground, drinking water and pit toilets, open April 1 through Wednesday before deer gun hunting season
Hickory Woods Group Camp - five sites for up to 20 people per site, adjacent to the Whitewater Lake Campground, drinking water and pit toilets, open mid May through mid October
Walk in Sites - available at the Pine Woods, Ottawa Lake, and Whitewater Lake Campgrounds, located in the forest 140 to 750 feet from parking, picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet, and a gravel pad
Backpack Shelters - 3 year-round shelters are available, hike ranges from 1/2 mile to 10 miles from parking, limited to 10 people per night, reservations by phone only at 888.947.2757
Contact Information
Forest HeadquartersS91 W39091 Highway 59
Eagle, Wisconsin 53119
262.594.6200 or 262.594.6201
Ottawa Lake Visitor Center
262.594.6220 (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Whitewater Lake Visitor Center
262.473.6427 (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Images
 |  |  |