Hixon Forest offers a great spot for some trail running right near town. There’s something for all abilities on the 10+ miles of trails crisscrossing the wooded bluffs on the eastern edge of La Crosse. It’s a popular area for hiking and mountain biking. Hixon Forest is divided into Upper and Lower sections, bisected by FA Road. There are trail maps for each of the sections, showing numerous color-coded trails rated from easy to difficult. The terrain is mainly wooded, with a few open sections, especially along the bluffs. Note: There are some ‘hiker only’ trails if you’d like to avoid mountain bikes.
A fun and scenic option is Grandad Bluff, which offers fantastic views of the Mississippi River Valley. Access via the Oak Trail, or the parking lot off Bliss Rd. If accessing from Bliss Rd., it’s ~2.5 miles and a 660 foot gain. Easier option is the 1 mile, 150 foot climb from Grandad Bluff Rd. (parking near Aspen Trailhead).
Add-Ons: Can access from Myrick Park, where you can connect to our River Walk & Marsh route.
Hixon Forest offers a great spot for some trail running right near town. There’s something for all abilities on the 10+ miles of trails crisscrossing the wooded bluffs on the eastern edge of La Crosse. It’s a popular area for hiking and mountain biking. Hixon Forest is divided into Upper and Lower sections, bisected by FA Road. There are trail maps for each of the sections, showing numerous color-coded trails rated from easy to difficult. The terrain is mainly wooded, with a few open sections, especially along the bluffs. Note: There are some ‘hiker only’ trails if you’d like to avoid mountain bikes.
A fun and scenic option is Grandad Bluff, which offers fantastic views of the Mississippi River Valley. Access via the Oak Trail, or the parking lot off Bliss Rd. If accessing from Bliss Rd., it’s ~2.5 miles and a 660 foot gain. Easier option is the 1 mile, 150 foot climb from Grandad Bluff Rd. (parking near Aspen Trailhead).
Add-Ons: Can access from Myrick Park, where you can connect to our River Walk & Marsh route.
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Essentials
10 miles of trails
Depends on trail chosen. Some options for hills!
Depends on trail chosen
Numerous trailheads & parking areas -- see trail maps
The go-to route in La Crosse, featuring trails along the Mississippi River and around La Crosse Marsh. Nice river and wetland views, and all off road. Good options to add or shorten.
Tranquil spot near downtown with quiet roads and a park-like atmosphere. Some nice water views from N. Pettibone Rd. ~2 miles from end-to-end. Can also run from downtown using the La Crosse Westbound bridge.
The more scenic of the two long-distance trails in La Crosse. Up to 22 miles between Onalaska and Marshland, through a mix of river marshes, wildlife preserves, hardwood forests, and old river towns along the eastern shoreline of the Mississippi River.
This rail-trail that runs for 23 miles between northern La Crosse and Sparta is a great long-distance running option. Landscape is mix of farmland, marshes, and some surviving prairie. Can connect to the Great River State Trail.
Worth the 20-minute drive from La Crosse to enjoy scenic, pastoral running on the island's quiet roads and trails. Farms, fields, and views out to the numerous sloughs.
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Essentials
10 miles of trails
Depends on trail chosen. Some options for hills!
Depends on trail chosen
Numerous trailheads & parking areas -- see trail maps
color-coded trails rated from easy to difficult. The terrain is mainly wooded, with a few open sections, especially along the bluffs. Note: There are some ‘hiker only’ trails if you’d like to avoid mountain bikes.
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!