Ogle Lake and Rally Campground Loop

The trail starts across from the Rally Campground within Brown County State Park. You'll find parking available near the campground entrance.

Yes, much of the loop, particularly the section around Ogle Lake (Trail 7), is considered easy with minimal elevation changes. However, Trail 4, which connects to the lake, involves a descent of about 250 feet and can be moderate. The trail features wooden bridges and staircases, making it generally kid-friendly, but it's not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to uneven paths.

Yes, an entrance fee for Brown County State Park is required to access the trail. This fee helps maintain the park's facilities and trails.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trail, but they must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times to ensure the safety of wildlife and other hikers.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but it's especially vibrant in the fall when the surrounding forest displays impressive autumn colors. Spring offers lush greenery and flowing creek beds. Be aware that sections can be muddy after rain.

The loop offers varied terrain. You'll encounter upland sections, winding paths through lush forests, and a significant descent on Trail 4. The Ogle Lake section (Trail 7) is mostly singletrack, with some rugged, root-covered paths, charming wooden bridges, and occasional staircases, especially near the dam.

You'll enjoy continuous, tranquil views of Ogle Lake throughout the hike. The trail also passes through a serene forest, including portions of the Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve, known for its diverse plant life. The headwaters of the lake, located in a deep ravine, are a notable scenic point.

Hikers often spot turtles basking on logs, various bird species, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and pileated woodpeckers. The area is also home to diverse plant life, including rare yellowwood trees and abundant ferns. Be aware that copperheads and timber rattlers are also present in the park.

Yes, the route is well-connected and allows hikers to extend their routes by linking with other trails. It primarily combines sections of the Rally Campground Trail and the Ogle Lake Trail, and also passes through parts of Trail 5, the Vollmer Trail, and the Limekiln Trail.

If you prefer to tackle the steeper descent early on, you might start across from Rally Campground and take Trail 4 down to Ogle Lake. This means you'll be ascending the less steep sections later. Conversely, starting with the easier lake loop and then ascending Trail 4 might be more challenging for some.