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Shelby Butterfly Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 54 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 Shelby Butterfly 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.
Park offering kid-friendly hiking trails leading to scenic views.
What runners say about Shelby Butterfly Trails
“The Limestone Bluff Trail in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on the Rim of the City, offers stunning views.”
Immerse yourself in the world of butterflies at Shelby Butterfly Trails in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Designed to attract and support butterfly populations, these trails offer a unique opportunity for nature walks and butterfly observation upon the bluffs.
Steady uphill climb on trail accessed on left-hand side of parking area. Alltrails.com has great trail GPS map to follow. Hike to Cliffwood Bluff takes close to 30 minutes depending on pace, just keeping staying left when the trail forks. So many cool aspects to the trail.
This was a pretty steep trail, but worth every step for the pictures! The Limestone Bluff Trail in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on the Rim of the City, offers stunning views. The effort to reach the top is rewarded with breathtaking scenery and perfect photo ops. Highly recommend this hike!
Really nice trail! There were lots of different lookout points, and the trails were uphill but relatively easy and maintained.
Trail conditions & character
“The Limestone Bluff Trail in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on the Rim of the City, offers stunning views.”
“There are several incline and elevated areas, switchbacks and areas of wide open trail and fields that make you feel like you are just being mindful with nature.”
“Half way up is a trail you can access if you’re walking up Old Vineyard Road; if you’re driving there is a small parking lot at the end of the road.”
Plan your run at Shelby Butterfly 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitetownofshelbywi.gov
- Phone+1 608-788-1032
- Social Facebook
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.
Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve
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Unpretentious nature reserve boasting scenic trails and waterfalls as well as a pond and fountain.
Tramway trail trailhead
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Grandad Bluff Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,006 reviews
Large bluff offering hiking trails & a scenic overlook of the town of La Crosse.
Pammel Creek Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 87 reviews
Wide-open park boasting a playground, T-ball goals, swings, and a creek.
Lower Hixon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
Trail network amid wooded terrain and bluffs that’s popular for hiking, mountain-biking and trail-running.