Havenridge Nature Trail

Havenridge Nature Trail is the longest single trail in New Glarus Woods State Park, looping through woods and prairie openings. Plan on a shorter day outing: the route is typically listed around 3.9–4.2 miles and takes about 1.5–2 hours.

The trail’s character is heavily tied to hardwood canopy—especially black walnut and pignut hickory—before you get brief breaks into restored prairie along the way. Expect a loop that shifts between shaded forest stretches and open meadows/prairie patches.

For elevation, the trail is modest, with about ~390 feet of gain on most descriptions. Grades are generally not steep, but the up-and-down adds up over the full loop.

Wayfinding is straightforward at major junctions: it’s wide enough to stay easy to follow, and maps are provided at key trail intersections. The route also repeatedly intersects with shorter trails, which makes it practical to shorten or extend by plugging into those connectors.

If you want to structure it clockwise, one common approach starts from the picnic kiosk/parking area along County Road NN, moves into a forest, briefly enters restored prairie, passes the Walnut Trail junction, crosses County Road NN again, and continues into the northern half of the park.

Later, the loop continues through additional trail junctions (including Fox and Vista) and then works back south, passing the Fox Trail junction before finishing at a junction with the Great Oak Trail. To return to the parking area after completing the loop, follow Basswood Nature Trail back to the lot along County Road NN.

New Glarus Woods State Park keeps regular day access hours year-round (6AM–11PM in published guidance). A Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for motor vehicles stopping in the park.

More information: Pack a Picnic & Play at New Glarus Woods State Park - Go Valley Kids, New Glarus Woods SP, Green, Wisconsin, United States - eBird