Donald County Park Trail System
Download Trail Map
Download Equestrian Trail Map
The trail system in Donald County Park was created through the joint efforts of Dane County Parks, The Friends of Donald County Park, community volunteers and willing land owners. These trails are maintained by Dane County Parks with much help from The Friends of Donald County Park volunteers.
This unique trail system is made up of well-marked and groomed hiking, multi-use and interpretive hiking trails. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are left un-groomed to give the user a rustic experience.
- The Pop’s Knoll entrance has a shelter, bathroom, picnic tables and grills.
- The Equestrian entrance has a bathroom, picnic tables, handicapped mounting block and hitching post.
- A horse trail pass is required.
- No bikes allowed in the park.
- Dog permits are required and dogs must be on-leash at all times. Fines are enforced.
Donald County Park encompasses 781.5 acres of park land containing oak and pine woods, restored prairie habitat, wetlands and intriguing rock outcroppings with scenic views. Enjoy miles of well maintained and wide mowed trails.
Donald County Park is also known for its trout streams – Deer Creek, Frye Feeder and Mt. Vernon Creek.
Visitors can bring a basket of goodies to Delma’s Shelter, at Pop’s Knoll picnic area, which was developed through a generous donation from the Woodburn family and the efforts of The Friends of Donald Park, Inc.
Multi-Use Trails
There are 8.5 miles of multi-use trails which can be used for horseback riding, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing throughout the park.
Some Places of Interest on the Multi-Use Trails
- Delma’s Shelter at Pop’s Knoll Picnic Area
- Donald Rock
- Foye Cabin at the Little Spring
- Apple Orchard
- Restored Prairie and Oak Savanna
- Bluebird Trail
- Larson’s Pond
- Poetry Trail
- Pine Grove
- Big Spring
- Mount Vernon Creek
Hiking-Only Trails
During the winter months the Hiking-Only Trails are left ungroomed, giving those who cross-country ski and snowshoe a chance to enjoy rustic natural trails. Horses are NOT allowed on Hiking-Only Trails.
Some Places of Interest on the Hiking-Only Trails
- Delma’s Shelter at Pop’s Knoll Picnic Area
- Donald Rock
- Foye Cabin at the Little Spring
- Apple Orchard
- Restored Prairies
- Larson’s Pond
- Poetry Trail
- Pine Grove
- Big Spring
- Mount Vernon Creek
Bluebird Trail
Download Bluebird Trail Map
Bluebird Watch
Donald County Park is an excellent place to view and enjoy the sky blue color of Eastern Bluebirds. The birds usually arrive at the end of February, and leave in flocks beginning in mid-September.
The Friends of Donald Park have an active Bluebird Group of volunteers, which have constructed 32 bluebird nesting boxes in the park. Check out the Bluebird Watch and follow the monitoring records.