Home › Wisconsin › Fort Atkinson › Dorothy Carnes County Park
Dorothy Carnes County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 257 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dorothy Carnes County 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.
Landscaped park with a lake, trails, playgrounds and picnicking plus birding.
What runners say about Dorothy Carnes County Park
“Many trails throughout all parts of the park, nice pavilion, clean restrooms, beautiful lake with many breeding birds.”
“Many trails throughout all parts of the park, nice pavilion, clean restrooms, beautiful lake with many breeding birds.”
“Absolutely beautiful trail, wonderful bird watching area, well maintained and peaceful”
“My (small and long haired) dogs were covered in burrs but we loved it!”
I spent about 3 hours here painting the beautiful scenery. There are paved paths allowing wheelchair access to a deck structure that overlooks the lake. I used that path to pull a cart with my supplies.There are other more rugged trails for hiking also. Place is popular for birding.
Dorthy Carnes Park is one of my favorite places to experience nature in all 4 seasons in Wisconsin, right outside of Fort Atkinson in Jefferson County. With 3 different entry ways to the park, each path you take is a new experience. Rose Lake is full of migratory birds, natural prairies, and beautiful wooded areas.
Very pretty and well maintained park. Various types and levels of trails. We stayed closer to the parking area/bathroom. So two different paths that were about .6 mile. My (small and long haired) dogs were covered in burrs but we loved it! Wildflowers and something sweet smelling was in full bloom.
Beautiful park with lots of easy to moderate walking trails covering prairie, woods, and wetland areas. Lots of wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. Great pavillion and viewing deck of Rose lake. I take my dog here weekly for relaxed hikes.
Trail conditions & character
“Many trails throughout all parts of the park, nice pavilion, clean restrooms, beautiful lake with many breeding birds.”
“We have gone with or without dogs and have had pleasant experiences each time.”
“Many trails throughout all parts of the park, nice pavilion, clean restrooms, beautiful lake with many breeding birds.”
“There is a picnic structure near the parking lot with plenty of picnic tables and restrooms without running water.”
“Absolutely beautiful trail, wonderful bird watching area, well maintained and peaceful”
“There are paved paths allowing wheelchair access to a deck structure that overlooks the lake.”
“There are paved paths allowing wheelchair access to a deck structure that overlooks the lake.”
Plan your run at Dorothy Carnes County 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 4:30 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Fort Atkinson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rose Lake State Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Nature preserve offering picnic tables, trails, an observation deck, and wetland views.
Dorthy Carnes Trails
5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
Picturesque park with trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, plus an old barn.
Rock River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Park featuring grassy areas, a playground, picnic tables, an open-air pavilion and a shelter.
Jones Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 407 reviews
Community park featuring baseball fields, a playground, picnic tables, and monthly car shows.
Arrowhead Island
4.2 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews