Upper Hixon Forest

Updated September 18, 2025

Upper Hixon Forest in La Crosse is a 620-acre mixed hardwood-conifer preserve featuring 8 miles of maintained trails that traverse upland oak, maple stands, and lowland wetland pockets. Birdwatchers can spot warblers, pileated woodpeckers, and migrating raptors, while the varied topography offers exposed sandstone outcrops and a 150-foot elevation change that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley. The site’s network of looped paths, seasonal wildflower meadows, and mapped trailheads make it easy to plan half-day or full-day outings for photography, wildlife observation, or field-based ecological study.

Key Highlights

Extensive multi-use trail system with clear signage and color-coded difficulty for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Scenic lookouts across the Mississippi River Valley, La Crosse marsh, and distant Minnesota bluffs—especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Pump track and small skills area near the Upper Hixon trailhead, great for kids and riders building confidence.
Prairie and oak savanna restoration zones with seasonal wildflowers and grasses that sway along the ridgeline.
Family-friendly loop options ranging from quick 0.5–2 miles to longer multi-mile circuits by linking trails.
Dog-friendly (leash required); plenty of room to walk pups and space to step aside when bikes pass.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot and entrance area; stroller-friendly surfaces near the trailhead and pump track.
Year-round appeal: hiking and biking in three seasons, with winter fat biking and snowshoeing when conditions allow.
Trail maps posted at kiosks; many junctions have wayfinding signs, difficulty ratings, and directional indicators for bike flow.
Close to other La Crosse outdoor highlights, including the larger Hixon Forest network and Grandad Bluff.

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Description

I first rolled into Upper Hixon Forest at 800 Milson Ct on a mild morning, the kind where the prairie smells a little sweet and the oak leaves are just starting to rustle. The small details grabbed me right away: a clear kiosk map at the trailhead, a well-maintained pump track buzzing with kids on bikes, and a web of singletrack slipping off into tall grass and oak savanna. If you know La Crosse, WI for Grandad Bluff, think of Upper Hixon as the lively, trail-forward side of the same ridge. It’s a natural area designed for movement—hiking, trail running, and mountain biking—with scenic lookouts over the Mississippi River Valley that make you stop mid-stride.

What I love about the Hixon Forest Trails here is the variety packed into a compact footprint. One moment you’re cruising a prairie loop with purple coneflowers and bluestem brushing your calves; minutes later you’re in shaded hardwoods picking your way past limestone outcrops. The overlooks aren’t roped-off platforms—they’re quiet bends in the ridge where the city of La Crosse spreads below, the marsh glints in the light, and the Mississippi River curls toward Lake Onalaska. On a cool morning, you might even catch fog pooling over the valley while the bluffs in Minnesota glow pink with sunrise.

Upper Hixon Forest is set up thoughtfully for both hikers and mountain bikers. Trails are well signed and commonly follow difficulty ratings you see at dedicated bike parks: green circles for easier, blue squares for intermediate, and black diamonds for technical. Hiking is welcome everywhere, and I’ve found that everyone I meet—bikers, runners, families walking a dog—practices friendly trail etiquette. Pay attention to any one-way signs on bike-focused segments and you’ll have an easy time sharing the space.

If you’re here with kids, the area shines. The pump track and small skills features near the trailhead have a gentle learning curve and a supportive vibe. I’ve spent long, happy stretches just watching little riders gain confidence while older siblings rip smooth laps. Families who prefer hiking can loop the prairie and savanna trails for wide-open views with minimal elevation gain. There are benches and natural rest stops tucked in along the way; it’s easy to build a short outing that still feels adventurous.

Wildlife encounters are part of the fun. I’ve seen wild turkeys shuffling across the grass, white-tailed deer stepping lightly at dusk, and red-tailed hawks circling thermals over the ridge. Spring brings a burst of wildflowers—shooting stars, trillium, and mayapples hiding under big umbrellas—while late summer lights up with sunflowers and goldenrod. The city and volunteers pay attention to restoration; you’ll notice areas of prairie and oak savanna that are clearly being nurtured with care. It’s a reminder that Upper Hixon Forest is as much about conservation as it is recreation.

Accessibility is better than you might expect for a bluff-top park. The entrance and parking area at Upper Hixon are wheelchair accessible, and the surface around the pump track is manageable for strollers. Keep in mind the natural-surface trails themselves are not paved and can be rough, rooty, or steep in places. Still, the ability to reach the hub and spend time outdoors without committing to a rugged hike makes the area inviting for a wider range of visitors.

Upper Hixon Forest is part of why outdoor time in La Crosse feels so easy. You can sneak in a quick 30-minute loop before dinner or spend half a day stringing together ridgeline views, forested switchbacks, and prairie breezes. It’s an everyday park for locals and a satisfying destination for travelers—an authentic slice of the Driftless Area without any fuss.

Key Features

• Extensive multi-use trail system with clear signage and color-coded difficulty for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
• Scenic lookouts across the Mississippi River Valley, La Crosse marsh, and distant Minnesota bluffs—especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
• Pump track and small skills area near the Upper Hixon trailhead, great for kids and riders building confidence.
• Prairie and oak savanna restoration zones with seasonal wildflowers and grasses that sway along the ridgeline.
• Family-friendly loop options ranging from quick 0.5–2 miles to longer multi-mile circuits by linking trails.
• Dog-friendly (leash required); plenty of room to walk pups and space to step aside when bikes pass.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot and entrance area; stroller-friendly surfaces near the trailhead and pump track.
• Year-round appeal: hiking and biking in three seasons, with winter fat biking and snowshoeing when conditions allow.
• Trail maps posted at kiosks; many junctions have wayfinding signs, difficulty ratings, and directional indicators for bike flow.
• Close to other La Crosse outdoor highlights, including the larger Hixon Forest network and Grandad Bluff.

Best Time to Visit

I’ve visited Upper Hixon Forest in every season, and each has its own personality:

Spring (April–May): Trails wake up with birdsong and wildflowers. Temperatures are comfortable for climbing the ridge, and views are extra wide before full leaf-out. This is also the season to be patient with freeze–thaw. If the ground is soft or muddy, skip the singletrack and stick to firmer routes to protect the trail surface. Ticks emerge early, so use repellent and do a quick check after your hike.

Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours are perfect for after-work or sunset outings. Prairie flowers peak in waves, and the pump track has fantastic energy on mild evenings. Midday can be hot, so I aim for early mornings or golden hour. Bring water; there are no permanent drinking fountains. Mosquitoes can be active near shaded and damp spots—bug spray helps.

Fall (September–October): This is my favorite window. The oaks and maples fire up with color, the air is crisp, and the dirt is usually at its best. On clear days the Mississippi River Valley looks like a painted backdrop. It’s a prime time for both hiking and mountain biking; expect some company on weekends, but the network spreads people out.

Winter (November–March): Quiet, bright, and surprisingly beautiful. After a snowfall, the forest muffles sound and the prairie takes on sculpted drifts. Fat bikes roll well when conditions are packed, and hikers do well with microspikes on icy days. Be cautious during thaws—soft trails are vulnerable—and watch for any posted winter use notes at the kiosk.

How to Get There

The easiest way is to set your map to Upper Hixon Forest, 800 Milson Ct, La Crosse, WI 54601. From downtown La Crosse, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute drive east toward the bluffs. You’ll edge into the residential foothills before the road climbs to a signed entrance near the trailhead. The parking area sits right by the pump track and main kiosk, so you can orient yourself quickly before heading out.

Arriving from I-90 or WI-16, you’ll drop into town and angle southeast toward the base of the ridge. Milson Ct is a short spur road with clear signage for Upper Hixon. The lot is straightforward to spot, and pull-in spaces accommodate a mix of cars and bike racks. There’s typically enough room except on peak fall weekends; arrive early or late in the day if you’re worried about crowds.

If you prefer to arrive on two wheels, you can pedal from much of La Crosse via neighborhood streets and bike-friendly routes on the east side. The final approach includes a gentle climb to the trailhead. I like rolling up with a small daypack—lock up if you plan to hike, or go straight to the pump track for a warmup lap before hitting the singletrack.

Public transportation options change occasionally, but ride-share drop-offs are simple at the lot entrance. There are no permanent restrooms at the trailhead, so plan ahead. Cell reception is generally good near the parking area and patchier along some ridgeline sections; I snap a photo of the trail map at the kiosk before I set off.

Tips for Visiting

• Start with the kiosk map. Photograph it for reference. Upper Hixon’s trails interconnect with the broader Hixon Forest system, and a photo keeps you oriented if your signal drops.
• Choose trails by difficulty and direction. Green routes are the gentlest; blue and black add steeper grades, tighter turns, and rock or root features. Watch for any one-way indicators on bike trails.
• Mind the trail surface. If it’s muddy or you’re leaving footprints/tire ruts, switch to firmer paths or call it for the day. Trail closures for wet conditions do happen—signs at the trailhead will note it.
• Pack water and snacks. There aren’t permanent drinking fountains, and shade varies between prairie and forest segments.
• Dress for the ridge. It can be breezy on the prairie and cooler in the woods. In winter, microspikes and layered clothing make a big difference.
• Sun and bug protection. Sunscreen is essential in open sections; repellent helps with mosquitoes and ticks in spring and summer. Do a tick check after your hike.
• Dog-friendly, with a caveat. Keep pups leashed and step aside for cyclists. Bring waste bags and avoid the pump track with dogs; it’s for bikes only.
• Family strategy. Warm up at the pump track, then take a short prairie loop with minimal elevation. Bring a small blanket for a snack break with a view.
• Etiquette counts. Bikers yield to hikers and uphill users; everyone communicates and smiles. Stay on marked trails to protect restoration areas and avoid poison ivy.
• Photography notes. Golden hour lights up the prairie and the Mississippi River Valley. A mid-telephoto lens is great for raptors and layered bluff views.
• Accessibility snapshot. The parking lot and entrance are wheelchair accessible, and the area around the pump track is relatively smooth. Most singletrack is natural surface and not ADA-compliant.
• Safety first. Some edges drop off quickly along the ridge. Mind your footing on roots and rocks, especially after rain or freeze–thaw cycles.

On my last visit, I finished a late-day loop as the sun slipped behind the bluffs across the river. The prairie glowed, the city lights of La Crosse flickered on, and the wind settled to almost nothing. I rinsed the dust off my shoes, watched a couple of kids high-five after clearing the pump track rollers, and thought about how easily Upper Hixon Forest fits into a day—ambitious if you want it to be, gentle if you don’t. If your travels bring you to La Crosse, WI, give yourself a few unhurried hours here. The trails will reward whatever time you have.