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Hixon Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Running trail in La Crosse, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hixon Forest'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.
City park with trails for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
What runners say about Hixon Forest
“This place is beautiful, but be warned come with bug spray I never had to fight through so much Mosquitoes in my life, and I'm from East Texas.”
“Trails are well marked, map is posted and both easy & more difficult hikes are offered.”
I really enjoy hiking here, especially with my dogs! I find myself frustrated with the people that go here. If you bring your dog, keep them on the leash it makes it a safer community for everyone! Other than the minor percentage of people who disrespect the bluffs, I truly love hiking here!
Lovely trails, I believe they were rated intermediate. Beautiful views if you're willing to walk a little while to get there. 4 stars instead of 5 because the restrooms are portapotties and kind of gross. However, it is the great outdoors so if you hike often, using the restroom outside isn't a big deal.
Excellently maintained trails in a hilly, forested setting. Trails are well marked, map is posted and both easy & more difficult hikes are offered. Mountain bikes frequent the area also and on-leash dogs are allowed. Portable toilet is offered at the trail head.
Some great trails with some fab static views of the city and surrounding bluffs. Trails are easy to intermediate and are easy to navigate.
Trail conditions & character
“This place is beautiful, but be warned come with bug spray I never had to fight through so much Mosquitoes in my life, and I'm from East Texas.”
“Mountain bikes frequent the area also and on-leash dogs are allowed.”
“4 stars instead of 5 because the restrooms are portapotties and kind of gross.”
Plan your run at Hixon Forest
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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityoflacrosse.org
- Phone+1 608-789-7533
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 La Crosse
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lower Hixon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
Trail network amid wooded terrain and bluffs that’s popular for hiking, mountain-biking and trail-running.
Upper Hixon Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 238 reviews
Natural area known for its hiking & mountain-biking trails, along with scenic lookouts.
Grandad Bluff Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,006 reviews
Large bluff offering hiking trails & a scenic overlook of the town of La Crosse.
Tramway trail trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews