Old Abe State Trail

Highlights

Old Abe offers easy miles with river-country character—best for riders who appreciate a manageable route with a sense of place.

Riding

Under saddle, the landscape starts doing exactly what riders hope it will do. Horseback riding is permitted on a designated 6-mile section within this longer river-and-rail corridor trail. The footing, scenery, and overall cadence differ by property, of course, but this one consistently rewards riders who want a day that feels immersive, scenic, and worth the drive.

Rideable terrain

6 miles

Trailer parking

Riders usually choose access points that match the horse-allowed section, using broader roadside or trailhead parking where trailer loading is more comfortable than in compact village lots.

Horse regulations

Horseback riding is limited to designated portions of the trail, and riders 16 and older need a state trail pass where required. Check current maps so you stay within the horse-authorized segment.

Getting here

One of the strongest things about this destination is how naturally the day begins. Riders usually choose access points that match the horse-allowed section, using broader roadside or trailhead parking where trailer loading is more comfortable than in compact village lots. It is the sort of setup that helps both seasoned haulers and less frequent trailer travelers start the day in a calm, organized frame of mind.

Planning your visit

This is a good choice for an uncomplicated western-Wisconsin trail day. The main planning task is simply confirming the horse section in advance so your staging point and mileage expectations align.

Where to stay

For overnight planning, the experience depends on whether you want to stay trail-close or sleep a little softer. Chippewa Falls gives you plenty of overnight support, from hotels to restaurants, which helps this feel more polished than a simple rail-trail entry might first suggest. It pairs nicely with a Lake Wissota or Eau Claire-area trip.