Northwest Day Use Area Loop

The Northwest Day Use Area Loop is a 1.6-mile-long hike in the Eau Galle Recreation Area near Spring Valley, Wisconsin. This hike takes visitors by the 150-acre Eau Galle Reservoir (Lake George). The reservoir was created by the damming of the Eau Galle River by the Army Corps of Engineers from 1965 through 1968. The dam was built to protect the town of Spring Valley from repeated flooding. The dam is the largest earthen dam in the Midwest. The Eau Galle Recreation Area offers users many outdoor activities including swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and horseback riding.

A parking area for this hike is located at the east end of Boston Road. This loop follows gravel roads that are gated off so there is no traffic on the roads other than park vehicles. From the parking area head south and cross the Eau Galle River. After crossing the river take a right; this road leads to a narrow inlet of the Eau Galle Reservoir. Scenic sandstone cliffs can be viewed from here. After a half mile of hiking there is an intersection; going straight leads to a shore fishing spot which is a short walk away. Next head north, the road leads to a picnic area with satellite toilets. There are also hitching posts for horses here since horses are allowed on this loop. At the next intersection take a right; this road leads to another fishing spot and offers a nice view of the Eau Galle Reservoir. The earthen dam can be seen from here. After taking in the lake views, turn around and follow the road straight back to the parking area.

A brochure with information about the Eau Galle Recreation Area can be found here and a map of the hiking and equestrian trails can be found here.