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A panoramic view of rolling hills in Wisconsin's Driftless region.

THE DRIFTLESS TRAIL

Knobs Road Segment

Looking up a grass-covered hill towards a blue sky.
A foot bridge over a small stream.
People walking on a path through mowed grass. There is a farm at the top of the hill beyond them.

The Hike

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.9 mile loop
This trail offers a lot of variety as it traverses oak woods, pastures, hayfields, an orchard, and a Mill Creek tributary. It includes 2.7 miles on a farm that produces grass-fed beef, plus a 1.1 mile stretch of Knobs Road to return to the trailhead. When hiking on Knobs Road, stay on the shoulder of the down-slope side so it is easy for drivers to see you. For a nice two mile out-and-back hike, go to the top of the ridge to enjoy a 360-degree vista before turning around.

Explore the Trail!


Knobs Road Brochure [PDF]

Trail Notes

  • This is a foot-only trail, to be used for hiking, running, or snowshoeing.
  • Cross country skiing is permitted but trails are not groomed and some sections are not safe for skiing.
  • Do not pick apples in the orchard.
  • Pay attention to the wayfinding signs! When cattle are grazing in valley pasture red gates will be closed and you must cross fence using ladder stiles. It is fine to walk near the animals but do not touch or scare them.
  • There are no toilets or water at this trail.
  • Wild parsnip is common near the stream and road. This plant contains photo-toxins that can cause a severe rash, so look up how to identify this plant and please avoid it.
  • Knobs Road has little traffic, but cars DO travel fast here so walk on the shoulder.
  • This trail is closed from November 1st – December 19th for deer hunting.
  • Pets are welcome but MUST remain on a leash.

Location & Parking

  • This trail is 9 miles southeast of Spring Green and 5 miles north of Ridgeway. From Highway 23: one mile south of the Wisconsin River, turn east onto County T. Travel 4.4 miles, turn south onto Knobs Road, and go 1.8 miles to the trailhead. From County H: 3.5 miles north of Ridgeway, turn west on Knobs Road and go 1.4 miles to the trailhead.

  • Park on the shoulder of the road, well off the pavement and at the top of the hill. Cars travel fast on Knobs Road so be extra careful when parking, turning around, and hiking. Avoid using driveways.

Trail Closed For Hunting!

November 19, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Explore Other Driftless Trail Segments

A sunlit path winding through a forest.
Phoebe Point
A rock formation in the forest.
Weaver Road
Looking through a small grove of birch trees down into a valley of the Driftless Area.
Welsh Hills
A map detailing the existing route of the Driftless Trail.

Build the Trail. One Step, One Gift, One Mile at a Time.

High-quality, environmentally sensitive trails do not build themselves. But with your monthly gift, they can. With just 100 donors giving $10/month, $12,000 will help support building one mile of Driftless Trail per year. Become a “Pathmaker” today.  

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Join us for monthly workdays to steward our beautiful nature preserves and trail systems. New volunteers are always welcome – no experience necessary!

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