Scheidegger Forest in Verona, WI

Key Highlights: Two Positives & One Drawback

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Scheidegger Forest is well-known for its tranquil setting, offering a quiet escape just outside Verona.
• Beautiful Wooded Trails: The short, scenic hiking loops showcase diverse trees and bursts of wild black raspberries in season.
• Ticks & Poison Ivy: Be prepared—ticks are common and poison ivy lines some trail edges, so long pants and precaution are a must.

Location & Getting There

Scheidegger Forest County Park is tucked away at 1828 Range Trail, Verona, WI 53593. It’s only a few minutes' drive from downtown Verona, making it a quick jaunt for locals or anyone staying in the area. The secluded entrance is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but Google Maps does a good job of getting you right to the front gate.

First Impressions & Ambience

The first thing you’ll notice about Scheidegger Forest is its cozy, hidden-gem feel. It doesn’t have the sprawl or crowds of bigger county parks. The area is compact, offering an intimate experience under the forest canopy. It’s mostly quiet, with the sounds of rustling leaves, birdsong, and the occasional distant car. On a sunny day, the dappled shade is inviting, and even in peak summer, the park manages to stay relatively uncrowded.

Trail System & Nature

The main attraction is a one-mile wooded trail loop, well-groomed and wide enough for casual strolling. The path is mostly flat, making it friendly for families and those just looking for an easy walk. Trails wind through a lovely mix of pines, oaks, and maples, and if you hit the right time in summer, you’ll find black raspberries dotting the edges. Just remember to double-check before you pick—nature has its surprises!

• Loop trail: ~1 mile, easy terrain
• Diverse woodland species (great for tree lovers)
• Seasonal wild black raspberries (mid-late summer)
• Plenty of shade in warmer months

One important note—poison ivy is present along the edges of the trail. The wide paths help you avoid it, but wearing long pants is a wise move. Dog owners should be extra vigilant, as dogs seem to pick up both burrs and, unfortunately, a lot of ticks here. Even with preventatives, several visitors have noticed ticks hitching a ride home. Bug spray is highly recommended for everyone.

Facilities & Amenities

For a small park, Scheidegger Forest manages to pack in some nice basics. There’s a group campsite area available by reservation, which is a rare find in smaller county forests. A rustic shelter provides plenty of covered picnic tables, perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just a quiet lunch away from town.

• Group campsite (reservation required)
• Covered picnic shelter with ample tables
• Fire pit area—great for group campouts or evening s’mores
• One water pump (simple, but always nice to have)
• Single vault toilet (basic, but maintained)

If you need a flush toilet, Kwik Trip is just two minutes away by car, which is a practical workaround.

Accessibility & Visitor Experience

The entrance and parking area are straightforward, but it’s worth noting: there is no dedicated parking lot. Visitors must park along Range Trail or find a spot on the shoulder, which sometimes means a bit of a walk to the trailhead if it’s busy. Accessible parking is not officially marked, and the trailhead is level, but the trail itself isn’t paved or ADA-compliant.

Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome at Scheidegger Forest, though they must be leashed. This is a popular spot for dog walkers, but again, tick precautions are a must. The wide trail makes it easy to keep your pet close and on the path.

Payment & Booking

Scheidegger Forest is free to enter for day use, which is a big plus. Group camping or shelter reservations (for parties or overnight stays) come with a modest fee. You can learn more about availability or make a reservation through the official Dane County Parks website.

Popular Activities

While it’s on the smaller side, the park attracts a mix of hikers, dog owners, birdwatchers, and groups renting the shelter or campsite. Here’s what people tend to do at Scheidegger Forest:

• Short, peaceful hikes
• Berry picking (in season—watch for poison ivy!)
• Group picnics and meet-ups
• Simple campouts in a private setting
• Birdwatching (woodpeckers, songbirds, and the occasional owl)
• Reading or relaxing in the shade on a slow afternoon

The atmosphere is very laid-back. It’s unlikely you’ll run into rowdy crowds or busy sports fields here—just the occasional local family or group enjoying a quiet, natural space.

Drawbacks & Things to Know

• Ticks and poison ivy: Take this seriously—bring bug spray, wear pants, and check yourself (and pets) after your visit.
• No dedicated parking: Street parking only; plan ahead, especially if you’re coming with a group.
• Basic facilities: Only one vault toilet; other services are minimal, so bring what you need.
• No playgrounds or sports areas: This is a nature-centric park best for quiet recreation.

Final Recommendations

Scheidegger Forest is best suited for those seeking a simple, woodsy retreat close to Verona. It’s not built for long, strenuous hikes, but it’s a great place to unwind, spot birds, or enjoy a private gathering. If you’re planning to bring a group, reserve the shelter or campsite ahead of time—it’s a well-loved spot for small events. On your visit, remember to pack out any trash, check for ticks, and keep an eye out for the poison ivy that lines the trail edges.

Bring your own water and snacks, especially if you’re coming for a picnic. Morning visits are especially peaceful, and in late summer, you might get lucky with some wild raspberries. For those who value quiet and natural beauty over flashy amenities, Scheidegger Forest feels like a hidden pocket of serenity just outside the city.

For up-to-date information or to reserve the shelter, check out the Scheidegger Forest official website.