Pecatonica State Trail and Cheese Country Trails

The Pecatonica State Trail traverses 10 miles of the picturesque Bonner Branch Valley from Belmont to Calamine where it links to the Cheese Country Trail that runs from Mineral Point to Monroe. The Pecatonica passes through farmlands where you can see grassland birds in good numbers. The area’s small marshes and woodlands produce flycatchers, vireos, Prothonotary Warblers and perhaps a Yellow-breasted Chat. Bridges span several small streams along these biking and hiking trails. One of the best ways to see the Pecatonica River is by canoe or kayak. On the river, look for Western Kingbirds and other flycatchers in the branches of overhanging trees; look for the nests of swallows under the bridges.

Directions: Access to these trails can be found in Mineral Point, Belmont, Darlington, Gratiot, South Wayne, and Monroe.

Gazetteer: Pages 26, C-1 through page 27, D-6 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 91, C-6 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/266-7012 (WDNR).

Web site: Tri County Trails | WDNR Pecatonica State Trail

Signature Species: Field Sparrow, Savanna Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, Bank Swallow and Rough-winged Swallow.

Rare species: Upland Sandpiper, Great Egret, Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging: Belmont, Calamine, Darlington, Mineral Point and Monroe.

Fees: Trail fees apply.