HomeWisconsinFort Atkinson › Dorthy Carnes Trails

Dorthy Carnes Trails

5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Dorthy Carnes Trails' 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.

ScenicDog-friendly

Picturesque park with trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, plus an old barn.

What runners say about Dorthy Carnes Trails

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (34 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“The better side of Dorthy Carnes, so beautiful with the landscapes and nature trails in the park.”

The better side of Dorthy Carnes, so beautiful with the landscapes and nature trails in the park. The old looking barn looks awesome too. It is my favorite place to take pictures and go for a walk in Jefferson County

★★★★★ — Brett , Nov 2018

Its a place I know that its safe for me to run my dogs. I'm very Greatful to the Carnes family for leaving such a wonderful place to the public.

★★★★★ — Cece , Sep 2020

Well maintained nature trails, great views of the marsh and ponds. Little wildlife activity in winter, although occasionally there are fur remnants of rabbits indicating a recent predator meal. Great for walking a dog, although some people need to do a much better job of picking up their dog's waste.

★★★★★ — Steven , Jan 2019

Nice nature/hiking area. I really enjoyed the well manicured trails and abundance of wildflowers. Lots of wild life as well. Some trails are hilly, so be cautious if needed. There is a small section of trail adjacent that is paved that leads to an overlook on Rose Lake.

★★★★★ — Terry , Aug 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“The better side of Dorthy Carnes, so beautiful with the landscapes and nature trails in the park.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Great for walking a dog, although some people need to do a much better job of picking up their dog's waste.”

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Plan your run at Dorthy Carnes Trails

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Closed
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Dorthy Carnes Trails

Banker Rd, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Get directions

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.

Dorothy Carnes County Park

5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews

Fort Atkinson, WI

Scenic

under a mile away

Rose Lake State Natural Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 79 reviews

Fort Atkinson, WI

ScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve offering picnic tables, trails, an observation deck, and wetland views.

1.0 miles away

Dorothy Carnes County Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 257 reviews

Fort Atkinson, WI

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Landscaped park with a lake, trails, playgrounds and picnicking plus birding.

1.4 miles away

Rock River Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 191 reviews

Fort Atkinson, WI

Scenic

Park featuring grassy areas, a playground, picnic tables, an open-air pavilion and a shelter.

2.4 miles away

Jones Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 407 reviews

Fort Atkinson, WI

ShadedDog-friendly

Community park featuring baseball fields, a playground, picnic tables, and monthly car shows.

2.9 miles away

Arrowhead Island

4.2 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews

Fort Atkinson, WI

3.2 miles away

All running trails in Fort Atkinson, WI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.