Home › Wisconsin › Fort Atkinson › Rose Lake State Natural Area
Rose Lake State Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 79 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 Rose Lake State Natural Area'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.
Nature preserve offering picnic tables, trails, an observation deck, and wetland views.
What runners say about Rose Lake State Natural Area
“Grass mowed paths, beautiful array of a variety of trees, and Rose Lake.”
“Very quiet serene , went for s long walk then had a picnic at one of their campgrounds , there's a fire pit and logs for purchase .”
Always an enjoyable retreat when wanting to connect with nature. Grass mowed paths, beautiful array of a variety of trees, and Rose Lake. It is one of my favorite places to connect with nature, inner peace and wisdom
Great place to take a nature walk, walk your dog, or see the views. Very diverse wildlife, many migrating birds.
Nice quiet place. Walking trails easy to follow. They have a nice observation deck to view the lake.
Small park with lots to offer. Off the map. Definitely could use more promotion. There are steep trails through the woods and flat trails through the fields. I highly recommend a visit. With an lake not lived on you get to see a lot of wildlife and really relax breathing in at the water's edge.
Trail conditions & character
“Grass mowed paths, beautiful array of a variety of trees, and Rose Lake.”
“Awesome place to hike cross country ski and bird watch and its pet friendly!”
“Very quiet serene , went for s long walk then had a picnic at one of their campgrounds , there's a fire pit and logs for purchase .”
Plan your run at Rose Lake State Natural Area
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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.wisconsin.gov
- Phone(920) 674-7260
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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
4.8 ★★★★★ 257 reviews
Landscaped park with a lake, trails, playgrounds and picnicking plus birding.
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