Trail Trek Challenge
The Challenge is YOURS!
Trail Trek Challenge is a FREE year-round
hiking program for all to enjoy.
Registration for the 2025-2026 Trail Trek Challenge kicks off at Earth Fair on Sunday, April 27th at 11am with a guided marsh hike. Registration will be open throughout the year so you can sign up anytime! SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SIGN UP.
About Trail Trek Challenge
Trail Trek Challenge is a free year-round hike/walk program on the nature preserves you've helped protect in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Challenge yourself to hike at least five of the 19 designated trails to discover nature's treasures and learn what makes these places so valuable for everyone who lives, works, and plays here.
Those who register for the 2025-2026 Trail Trek Challenge will be eligible to earn an official weatherproof and dishwasher proof sticker for completing 5 hikes, but the greatest reward is spending time immersed in nature at these protected places. Registrants will also receive our Conservancy Notes emails (semi-monthly) with information about free guided hikes and latest local conservation news (option to unsubscribe is always available).
Bring friends or go solo. The Trail Trek Challenge lets you walk when and where you choose.
When you sign up (below), you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to your downloadable Trail Guide & Hike Log with hike descriptions and a place to record your hikes throughout the year. Downloadable trail maps and driving directions to each hike location are available from the Nature Preserves section of this website. Remember, COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE BY APRIL 15, 2026 AND WE WILL SEND YOU A WATER BOTTLE STICKER to commemorate your accomplishment! Add the kids' names to your Trail Guide, and we will send one for each of the kids, too!
Trail maps and treasure hunts
Trail maps and discovery challenges (called Find Nature's Treasures) can be viewed and downloaded from the Nature Preserves section of this website (look for the nature preserve listings that show the words Trail Trek Challenge). Refer to your Trail Guide & Hike Log for the full list of trails. The trail maps include information about activities allowed and not allowed on each nature preserve.
THANK YOU to our sponsors, whose support helps us
- Protect trees, prairies, and clean water for plants, animals and YOU!
- Teach the value of nature through outdoor recreation and land restoration projects.
- Clear trails and provide free places for people to hike on over 7,000 acres in 9 counties.
- Inspire community members to unplug and spend more time outdoors.
2025-2026 Trail Trek Challenge Sponsors: J.F. Brennan Company, Organic Valley, Emplify Health at Gundersen,
Mayo Clinic Health System, Trust Point, People’s Food Cooperative, Altra Financial Advisors, Explore La Crosse, News 8 Now,
Powered Printing-A Service of Dairyland Power Cooperative
OTHER FUN HIKE IDEAS:
The following hike destinations are recommended for their seasonal attributes and trail conditions. The hikes below are not organized hikes – just suggestions for places you can organize your own hike! Click on the links below to learn more about each nature preserve and download trail maps. For a complete list, visit the Nature Preserves section of this website (look for the nature preserve listings that show the words Trail Trek Challenge).
January Hike of the Month: Miller Bluff at Rim of the City Road Trailhead
February Hike of the Month: Snowshoeing in the Driftless
March Hike of the Month: Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area
April Hike of the Month: Holland Sand Prairie
May Hike of the Month: Sugar Creek Bluff
July Hike of the Month: Borah Creek
August Hike of the Month: Easter Road (Hass Tract) / La Crosse Blufflands
September Hike of the Month: New Amsterdam Grasslands
October Hike of the Month: Greens Coulee
November Hike of the Month: Little Bluff
Trail condition updates & reminders
If you can see your tracks, please GO BACK. DON'T GO AROUND. Going around the edges of muddy trails only makes things worse by damaging sensitive habitat, and it causes erosion, water contamination, and allows invasive plant species to take hold.
Trails are currently CLOSED at La Crosse River Conservancy.
Some of the well-drained prairie preserves, such as Holland Sand Prairie and Tunnelville Cliffs are good options in spring, when other trails may be muddy.
REMINDER: Dogs are not allowed on the majority of the Conservancy's nature preserves. Please see the Rec Use Policy for details about policies at the nature preserves you plan to visit.