Wildcat Mountain State Park

🏔️ Wisconsin’s Hidden Driftless Gem — Dramatic bluffs overlooking the Kickapoo River Valley, 25 miles of horse trails, and paddling through one of America’s most crooked rivers. The Driftless Area’s best-kept secret. Verified with Wisconsin DNR January 2026.

Tucked into the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, Wildcat Mountain State Park rises above the Kickapoo River Valley like a sentinel guarding the Driftless Area. At 1,220 feet, the park’s sandstone bluffs offer sweeping views of forested ridges, farm-dotted valleys, and the winding river that carved this landscape over millennia.

This is Wisconsin’s horse country. With 25 miles of equestrian trails winding through oak-hickory forests and across ridgeline meadows, Wildcat Mountain draws riders from across the Midwest. But you don’t need a horse to appreciate this place—hikers, paddlers, and anyone seeking refuge from crowds will find exactly what they’re looking for.

The park sits squarely in the Driftless Area, a region that escaped the last ice age’s glaciers. While most of Wisconsin was flattened by mile-thick ice sheets, this corner remained untouched, preserving ancient valleys, rocky bluffs, and a landscape that feels more Appalachian than Midwestern. The result is some of the most dramatic topography between the Rockies and the Alleghenies.

Why Visit Wildcat Mountain State Park?

• 🏔️ Driftless Area Scenery — Unglaciated hills, deep valleys, and sandstone bluffs unlike anywhere else in Wisconsin
• 🐴 25 Miles of Horse Trails — Premier equestrian destination with dedicated riding camps
• 🛶 Kickapoo River Paddling — One of America’s “crookedest rivers” perfect for canoeing and kayaking
• 👀 Observation Point — Panoramic views across the Kickapoo Valley from 1,220 feet
• 🍂 Fall Colors — Outstanding autumn foliage in the oak-hickory forests
• 🏕️ Year-Round Camping — Family and equestrian campsites available
• 🦅 Bird Watching — Excellent raptor viewing, especially during spring and fall migration

Best Things to Do at Wildcat Mountain State Park

1. Take in the Views from Observation Point

The Observation Point at Wildcat Mountain offers the park’s most celebrated vista—a panoramic view of the Kickapoo River Valley stretching to the horizon. On clear days, you can see for miles across the Driftless landscape, with forested ridges rolling into the distance like green waves.

The Observation Point is accessible via a short paved path from the parking area, making it suitable for visitors of all abilities. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography, while fall visitors are rewarded with a tapestry of red, orange, and gold coating the valley below.

Pro tip: Visit during peak fall colors (mid-October) for the most dramatic views. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to beat the crowds.

2. Hike the Old Settler’s Trail

The Old Settler’s Trail is the park’s signature hiking experience—a 2.5-mile loop that descends into the valley, crosses Billings Creek, and climbs back up through mature forest. Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of early homesteads and get a sense of what life was like for the pioneers who settled these hills.

The trail is rated moderate due to elevation changes of about 300 feet. The descent into the valley is gradual, but the climb back up can be challenging for casual hikers. Take your time and enjoy the changing forest as you move from ridgetop to valley floor.

3. Paddle the Kickapoo River

The Kickapoo River is often called “the crookedest river in America”—and for good reason. In just 120 miles, the river makes countless oxbow turns, creating a paddling experience unlike any other. The gentle current and abundant wildlife make it perfect for canoes, kayaks, and even stand-up paddleboards.

Several outfitters near the park offer canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service. Popular trips range from 2-hour floats to full-day adventures. The river flows through the heart of the Driftless Area, with forested bluffs rising on either side and great blue herons watching from the shallows.

Best paddling: April through October, with higher water levels in spring. The stretch from Ontario to La Farge passes closest to Wildcat Mountain.

4. Horseback Ride the Ridge Trails

Wildcat Mountain is one of Wisconsin’s premier equestrian destinations. The park features 25 miles of horse trails that wind along ridgetops, through valleys, and across meadows with stunning views. Trails range from easy bridle paths to challenging ridge routes.

The Mt. Pisgah Horse Trail is particularly popular, offering sweeping views of the Kickapoo Valley from horseback. Riders can access the trail system from the equestrian campground, which includes tie stalls, water, and parking for trailers.

Note: Horses are not permitted on hiking trails. Bring your own horse—there are no rental stables within the park.

5. Explore the Hemlock Nature Trail

The Hemlock Nature Trail is a 1-mile interpretive loop that showcases one of the park’s most unique features—a stand of eastern hemlocks surviving far from their typical range. These ancient conifers thrive in the cool, shaded ravines of the Driftless Area, relics from a time when the climate was cooler.

Interpretive signs along the trail explain the park’s ecology, geology, and history. The trail is short and relatively flat, making it ideal for families with young children or visitors short on time.

6. Watch for Raptors

Wildcat Mountain’s bluffs and thermals make it an excellent spot for bird watching, especially during raptor migration. Red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and bald eagles are common sights, particularly in spring and fall when birds ride the thermals along the ridges.

The Observation Point is the best spot for raptor watching. Bring binoculars and watch the sky—on good migration days, you might see dozens of birds soaring overhead.

All Trails at Wildcat Mountain State Park

The park offers trails for hikers and horseback riders (kept separate):

Trail tip: Combine the Old Settler’s Trail with the Hemlock Nature Trail for a half-day hiking experience covering the park’s best features.

📍 Download Official Trail Map (PDF) — Get the printable trail map from Wisconsin DNR before your visit.

Camping at Wildcat Mountain State Park

Wildcat Mountain offers two distinct camping experiences—family camping in the main campground and equestrian camping for visitors with horses.

The family campground is shaded by mature hardwoods and features pit toilets and a water spigot. Sites are generally small—best suited for tents and small pop-up campers rather than large RVs. The equestrian camp includes tie stalls, water for horses, and trailer parking.

Reservations: Book through wisconsin.goingtocamp.com. Fall weekends and horse-show weekends fill up fast.

Best Time to Visit Wildcat Mountain

Pro tip: Mid-October is peak fall color season in the Driftless Area. The Observation Point becomes crowded on weekend afternoons—arrive before 10 AM or visit on a weekday.

Fees and Hours

Hours: Open daily 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM year-round.

Getting There

Wildcat Mountain State Park E13660 State Highway 33 Ontario, WI 54651 Phone: (608) 337-4775 Official DNR Page

From Madison: 90 miles west via US-14 (about 1.5 hours) From La Crosse: 45 miles east via WI-33 (about 1 hour) From Minneapolis: 180 miles southeast via I-90 (about 3 hours)

Nearby Attractions

• Kickapoo Valley Reserve — 8,600 acres of public land just south of the park, open for hiking, hunting, and horseback riding
• Elroy-Sparta State Trail — One of America’s first rail-trails, featuring historic tunnels
• Organic Valley Headquarters — Tours of America’s largest organic farmer cooperative in La Farge
• Amish Country — The surrounding area is home to a large Amish community with roadside stands and furniture shops

Safety Information

Emergency Contacts

• Park Office: (608) 337-4775
• Emergency (911): Vernon County dispatch
• Nearest Hospital: Vernon Memorial Healthcare, Viroqua (~20 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wildcat Mountain good for beginners?

Yes, for hiking. The Hemlock Nature Trail is easy and flat, while the Old Settler’s Trail is moderate but manageable for most fitness levels. Horseback riders should have experience, as trails include steep sections.

Can I rent canoes or kayaks near the park?

Yes, several outfitters operate near Wildcat Mountain, including in Ontario and La Farge. They offer canoe/kayak rentals and shuttle service for Kickapoo River trips. Book ahead on summer weekends.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are allowed on hiking trails and in the campground but must be leashed (6 ft max). Dogs are not permitted on equestrian trails.

What is the Ice Cave?

A natural rock formation where cold air pools even in summer, sometimes retaining ice into early July. It’s accessible via a short trail and is one of the park’s unique features.

When is the best time for fall colors?

Mid-October is typically peak color in the Driftless Area. The mix of oaks, maples, and hickories creates a varied palette of reds, oranges, and golds.

How crowded is the park?

Wildcat Mountain is less crowded than Devil’s Lake or Blue Mound due to its remote location. The exception is fall weekends and equestrian events, when the horse campground fills.

Can I see the whole park in one day?

For hikers, yes—you can hit the Observation Point, Old Settler’s Trail, and Hemlock Nature Trail in a half-day. Add a Kickapoo River paddle for a full Driftless experience.

Explore more: All Wisconsin State Parks | Horseback Riding | Paddling Parks | Blue Mound State Park

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

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