Pecatonica State Trail

Trail Overview

Pecatonica State Trail is a 10-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 located in Lafayette County. The Pecatonica Trail is an east/west running trail between the communities of Belmont and Calamine. The eastern end of the trail connects with the Cheese Country Recreational Trail, which also allows ATV/UTV and offroad motorcycle travel. This is a multi-use trail, so travelers should be aware that hikers, bikers, and equestrians use this trail as well. Like its cousin, the Cheese Country Recreation Trail, the Pecatonica State Trail is shared by ATVers (April 1-November 15), mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers in warmer months. When the snow flies, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers use the trail. This picturesque trail travels through the Bonner Branch Valley following the old Milwaukee Road railroad corridor that used to haul lead through this valley. The western terminus of the trail ends in Belmont where it connects to the Mound View State Trail. Bond Park in Belmont works well as a trailhead. It contains a parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, an athletic field, and an exercise course. The Pecatonica State Trail skirts the western border of the park. There are several convenience stores, gas stations, and taverns in Belmont. All-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles are allowed year-round on the Pecatonica State Trail when there is less than one inch of snow coverage on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV and OHM operation laws. ATVs and OHMs both need to be registered before riding on the trail. Cell phone service is generally good along the entire length of the trail.

Photos of Pecatonica State Trail

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Difficulty

This trail is all maintained Rails to Trails packed gravel.

History

ATVs/UTVs and Off-Highway Motorcycles operating on the CCRT that meet the statutory definition are required to be registered for public use in the state of Wisconsin (residents only). Non-residents bringing an ATV or UTV into Wisconsin from their home state can operate their ATV or UTV on designated ATV/UTV corridors and frozen waterways with either a non-resident ATV/UTV trail pass affixed to the ATV/UTV or the operator has a valid non-resident 5-day trail use receipt. For additional information provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/registrations.

Technical Rating