Zillmer Trail Area
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit, Wisconsin Trail Guide

Trail Facts

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Synopsis

Trail Review

LOCATION

East of Campbellsport.

TRAILS

Grooming: Classic & skate. Multiple loop trail system.
Snowshoe Trails: No.

TRAIL NOTES

The Zillmer Trail Area is one of the more popular cross-country ski trails in southeastern Wisconsin with 18.2 kilometers of trails in a stacked loop system. There are four named loop trails and all are groomed for both classic and skate. The scenery is a pleasant variety of oak and aspen forest, pine plantations, marsh, and open fields. The terrain consists of long flats, numerous rollers, and a couple of large hills. One of the trails also features a scenic overlook with expansive views of the surrounding area.

The longest and most challenging trail is the Yellow Trail (8.6 km). This is a fun intermediate loop that features several long flats mixed with rolling hills. Several hills have steep downhill grades and one in particular has a long, winding, white-knuckle fast descent, especially in icy conditions. Red Trail (4.8 km) also has long flats, rolling hills, and another winding downhill, though not quite as serious as what you’ll find on Yellow. Green Trail (2.9 km) is listed as ‘More Difficult’ but should OK for experienced novices. Brown Trail (1.9 km) is the shortest and the easiest.

The Zillmer trailhead has: a large paved parking lot, drinking water, vault toilets, and a cozy warming building with a wood burning fireplace. There is a rustic shelter on the trail near the junction of Red and Green Trails with benches, and a firepit. The Kettle Moraine Ice Age Center is located at the north end of the trail system and is open daily, year-round.

Grooming is excellent and timely. All of the trails are one way. The trails are well-marked and there are map signs at all trail junctions.

Overall this is a very scenic trail system, and will be most enjoyed by novice and intermediate level skiiers.

LAND OWNERSHIP

The entire trail lies within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit, WI DNR

FEES

Wisconsin DNR Vehicle Admission Sticker Required
WI License Plate Daily: $8
WI License Plate Annual: $28
Out-of-State Daily: $13
Out-of-State Annual: $35

FACILITIES

Parking, warming building (heated), water, pit toilets
On-Site Equipment Rentals: No

IN THE AREA

Motels, food, gas (Kewaskum)

DIRECTIONS

From the intersection of Highway 45 and Highway 67 north of Kewaskum, drive east on Highway 67 for 0.8 mile and turn south onto County Highway SS. Drive 1.8 miles on County SS to the Zillmer Trailhead parking lot entrance, on the north side of the road.

TRAIL INFORMATION

Website: Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
Phone: 262.626.2116 (Kettle Moraine State Forest HQ)