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County Grounds Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 185 Google reviews · Running trail in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from County Grounds Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park offering trails for hiking and dog-walking through rolling hills.
What runners say about County Grounds Park
“OK first of all just WOW these grounds are so much fun to talk the trails and look at the beautiful nature!”
“Expect to see a few dogs enjoying nature while on your hike; this has long been a favorite place for dog lovers to let their furry ones out for a run.”
The County Grounds I've been a long time favorite place to get outside and get away from it all, in the middle of it all. Wildflowers dominate the hilly plains where long trails meander and disappear through the grass. From the top of Discovery drive and be gathering circle, you can see much over the distance.
Very unique rolling grassy hills less than a mile from the Medical Center of Wisconsin. Very nice trails too. Super scenic for being in the heart of Wauwatosa. Also very surprising to run into the former grounds of the Milwaukee County Hospital for the Insane. Definitely coming back.
Love the trails. The elevation changes give you a nice view. Plus it connects to numerous other trails.
Come watch amazing sunsets and see some deer. Or go for a run or bike ride.
Trail conditions & character
“Expect to see a few dogs enjoying nature while on your hike; this has long been a favorite place for dog lovers to let their furry ones out for a run.”
“OK first of all just WOW these grounds are so much fun to talk the trails and look at the beautiful nature!”
“Wildflowers dominate the hilly plains where long trails meander and disappear through the grass.”
“There is plenty of parking because this is kind of a hidden gem, not a whole lot of traffic.”
“I've known about this trail (gravel, not paved) for some years, but this was my first time getting to experience it myself.”
“It's a nice single track path that goes by the river and has some jumps in one location.”
Plan your run at County Grounds Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecounty.milwaukee.gov
- Phone+1 414-476-4510
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Wauwatosa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hoyt Park
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Forest Exploration Center
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Nature park with wooded areas and trails of varying lengths, including a kid-friendly hike.
Hart Park
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Riverside park with activities such as seasonal curling & football, soccer & tennis facilities.
