My TrailLink

Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Park Trail
Scenic Pines and Lakes give you a feeling of being close to nature

I rode this 6.2 mile trail with my Scorpion Fx recumbent trike on a beautiful fall day on September 22, 2008.

The trail goes from Tomahawk to Heafford Junction along a smooth crushed gravel rail bed. As you go from the trailhead in Tomahawk at Sara Park on Somo Ave., going North, you'll cross over the Wisconsin River on a 544' low trestle which gives you expansive views of this mighty river.

The tall pines along this trail makes it very scenic, and a feeling of being close to nature. The trail also passes between Lake Mohowksin and Clear lake giving some great views of these two inland lakes, and the small cottages nestled along their banks. Sections of the trail run parallel to and crosses Hwy. 51 and a few county roads, a number of times, making it necessary to watch for cross traffic.

Future plans call for connecting the 6 mile gap between the Hiawatha and Bearskin Trails making it one continuous 30 mile trail.

I would highly recommend this trail as a stepping stone to the Bearskin Trail, and the Boulder Junction area Trails in Wisconsins' north country. This trail is reasonably flat and easy to ride for all levels of bikers.

Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Omaha Trail
Needs better maintenance to restore the surface

I rode this trail on a beautiful warm sunny day on August 29, 2008 with my Scorpion Fx trike. The trails surface is composed of compressed gravel making the surface as hard as cement. However, it seems like very little maintenance is done on this trail because of it's ruts and pot holes throughout the length of this 14 mile trail, a biker has to be careful when navigating this trail. I began my ride from the restored railroad depot at the commons' in Elroy where the Sparta-Elroy and 400' trails intersect as well. To get to the Omaha Trail, you'll need to follow the 400' trail for a short distance, and then follow the brown signs along the city streets until you arrive at the start of the trail. The scenery is beautiful along this trail consisting of woods, unique sandstone bluffs, serene meadows, farm land and the quaint town of Hustler. Before Hustler you'll approach the tunnel by way of a 120 foot gradual climb, when compared to the Sparta-Elroy tunnels, it's somewhat anticlimactic considering it's length is only about 1/8 of a mile long, but still a pleasure to ride through on a hot day. A ways down, after you leave the tunnel, you'll come to the only rest area along the trail with full facilities. At one point on the trail you'll cross what is known as the shelf where the trail is sandwhiched between bluffs on one side, and a 75' drop off to the road below on the opposite side. The day I rode the trail, this portion was broken up because of the heavy rains we had here in wisconsin in spring, But I was still able to get around the broken portions of the trail safely.

I found this trail to be very peacefull and pleasant to ride, but it should be better maintained.


Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

La Crosse River State Trail
The old iron trestle is the highlite of this trail

I rode this 22 mile trail on August 28, 2008 with my Scorpion Fx recumbent trike. This trail isn't much on scenery except for when going through some densely populated wooded areas, but consists mainly of open meadows and wet lands. I did, however, enjoy going over the old iron trestle that spans the La Crosse River. The trail surface is composed of crushed limestone, and is fairly straight and easy to ride with only a few slight gradients. I began the ride at Sparta, and rode to the trail head in Onalaska You can continue from here through the town of Onalaska, and connect with the Great River Trail for another 25 miles. You will also find parking in the small village of Bangor and the town of West Salem as well as a nice rest area to just relax at with rest room facilities, and a soft drink vending machine. To get to the trailhead depot at Sparta turn at the corner where you'll find the tall statue of "Ben Biken", and go about two blocks, the depot will be on your left.

Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

The 400 State Trail
Scenic and easy to ride January 23, 2009

I rode this 22 mile trail in August and October of 2008 with my scorpion Fx recumbent trike starting at the Commons in Elroy where you can also begin the Sparta-Elroy trail and the Omaha Trail to Camp Douglas. This trail is composed of crushed limestone, and easy to ride with it's perfectly flat surface. I enjoyed the views of the distant bluffs, and the x-crossing of the Baraboo River over the old wooden plank bridges. The bridge to the South of Wonewac was still out because of torrential rains we had here in early June, so this was as far as I was able to ride. It was about 12 miles from the commons to the washed out bridge. Just after crossing Hwy. 33 in Union Center you'll get to the branch of the 4 mile Hillsboro Trail which parallels Branch Creek through mostly woods, and some open meadows. Thnis trail is worth the extra miles.

I would highly recommend this trail for it's scenic beauty, and easy ride.


Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Elroy-Sparta State Trail
The three tunnels are the highlight of the whole trail

I rode this trail in August of 2008 with my Scorpion Fx trike. The trail surface is compacted crushed gravel, and is extremely easy to ride on, and encompasses a total distance of 32 miles. You'll find some slight gradients as you approach each tunnel, but as you exit each tunnel you'll have a downward gradient for a faster ride. The trail meanders through mostly woods with a view of open meadows every now and then, and passes through the charming villages of Kendall, Wilton and Norwalk, but ask any biker, and he'll tell you that the highlight of the whole bike trip are the three tunnels. Tunnel #3, which is between Sparta and Norwalk, is the longest tunnel at 3/4 of a mile long while the other two tunnels are a mere 1/4 mile long. On a sunlit day you can see the ends of tunnel # 1 & 2, but tunnel #3 is darker than dark. You'll need to bring a flashlight along, and in order to navigate the raised trail surface to keep you from hitting the rock walls or from veering off into the drainage ditch, your required to walk your bike through each tunnel. With the trike I was able to safely ride through each tunnel at a slow pace. Be prepared to get wet in tunnel #3, the water is constantly dripping from the rock over head, and the sound of running water can be heard in the surrounding darkness as you make your way through the tunnel. Forgot your flashlight, don't worry, you can always pick up a flashlight at Tom's flashlight and snack shack located along the trail just North of tunnel #3. I sat down and talked with Tom, and was shown some photographs that were taken back in the 50's when the railroad passed Tom's house, and how different the scenery was then compared to now.

If your looking for a place to stay overnight you'll find a variety of motels, B&B's as well as a few campgrounds. I stayed in Kendall at the Sugar Maple Inn on Hwy. 71, located right on the Sparta-Elroy Trail, the rooms are exceptionally clean and affordable,. and a continental breakfast is provided before you set out on your ride. If you prefer a full breakfast the place to go is the Dorset Valley School Restaurant on Hwy 71 just outside of Wilton. A quaint old school house converted to a restaurant with Amish attire. If your looking for lunch, be sure to stop at Gina's Pies Are Square, 400 Main Street in Wilton, for a variety of sandwiches, soups and home made pie.

This trail is a must for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable bike ride, and should be on your list of future bike trips.


Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Harmony-Preston Valley Trail
Dennis Adam June 18, 2008

I rode this trail on a warm summer day in June Beginning at Harmony. This trail is extremely hilly with many winding curves, and three very long steep hills you have to navigate until you reach the bottom at Preston valley. It might be better starting in Preston, and hitting the hills going up to Harmony, and then having an easier ride back. The trail is approximately 24 miles between Harmony and the town of Fountain. The scenery consists of some wooded areas, but mostly open sun, so bring plenty of sun block along. There are a number of rest areas along the way, but the best one is at the Traihead Motel and snack shop in Preston. There you'll find rest room facilities, a place to sit to meet new friends, and enjoy an ice creme cone or sandwich. About 5.6 miles down the trail you'll find, as the locals like to call it, the junction where the Harmony-Preston Trail meets the Root River Trail. Going North from the junction takes you up a 5 mile steep incline to the town of Fountain. You need to be in good physical condition to make it to the top, but the ride back is worth the effort. You'll have many views of the south branch of the Root River along the trail, and a cool corridor where the trail passes among limestone bluffs.

This trail can be physically challenging, and I wouldn't recommend it for the novice.

Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Root River State Trail
Very Scenic and easy to ride

I Rode this trail in June of 2008, and you couldn't have asked for a nicer day. This trail is asphalt with fairly flat terrain the full 42 miles, and intersects with the Harmony-Preston Trail at a point the locals call the junction. The town of Preston is approximately 5 miles from the junction where the two trails meet. If you bike to the North of the junction approximately 6 miles you'll go up a steep hill to the town of Fountain. It takes allot of leg strength to make it to the top, but you can virtually coast the whole distance back making your effort worthwhile.. The best place to stay the night would probably be a Bed & Breakfast in Lanesboro, but if your looking for something a little more economical there's the Trail End motel in Preston with it's attached snack and gift shop. Lanesboro is a quaint historic town worth exploring, and for a quick break, stop at the Picnic Basket Sandwich Shop right next to the trail. There's a fenced in terrace with tables to enjoy your lunch outdoors on a warm sunny afternoon. Just down from the Picnic Basket is the local bike shop where you can have repairs done, or if your so inclined, you can rent the most unusual bikes there like the four wheeler with the canopy top that holds six. As you head south along the trail another 5 miles you'll enter the village of Whalen where stopping at the "Worlds Famous Pies" shop is a must to sample a slice from one of there homemade pies and a cold glass of lemonade, or coffee if you desire, to wash it down with. If you decided to bypass the pie shop, and are looking for an excellent eatery, you'll find Judy's Cafe in Peterson approximately 9 miles South of whalen, and a block west of the trail before you enter the downtown area.

This trail has something for everyone with it's scenic views of the Root River, wooden plank bridges, Crossing an historic railroad trestle as you depart Lanesborro, and passing between the limestone bluffs on a hot day is just a little something extra to enjoy . Be careful if you decide to step off the trail to go exploring. I came across a rattlesnake sunning it's self on the edge of the trail. I found this trail to be the most scenic from the junction to Peterson. A few miles before Rushford the trail opens up into grasslands with very little shade, and to close to the highway for my taste.


Dennis Adam,
Sheboygan, WI

Cannon Valley Trail
Very Scenic and easy to ride

I rode the canon Valley Trail on June 17th 2008 with my recumbent trike, it was a weekday, so I pretty much had the trail to myself except for a few bikers I passed along the way. This trail can become quite crowded on weekends, so week days are a good time to bike. The trail is asphalt the entire way, and is easy to ride with it's flat terrain except for a few slight upgrades here and there. I spent two nights at the Rodeway Inn which is tucked behind the old historic pottery in Red Wing, and only about a 1/2 mile from the trail head. The trail follows along side the Canon Valley River the majority of the way, for approximately 19.7 miles. It's not uncommon to see large turtles sun bathing on the warm surface of the trail. This trail is quite scenic with it's many views of the river, and observation decks over looking grassy marshlands, once you leave Red Wing the trail turns to mostly wooded areas. You'll find yourself crossing a number of wooden plank bridges, and as an extra treat there are off trail interpretive areas to explore telling about the history of the area.

The trail ends in the town of Canon Valley, but as an extra bonus you can continue on the city trail, for another mile to the city park. I found this trail to be most enjoyable, and would highly recommend this ride to anyone.

Denni Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Pine River Trail
Trail was in bad shape

June 20, 2008

I was coming back from a week long bike trip in Minnesota, and thought I'd do the Pine River Trail in Wisconsin on the way home.

Wisconsin was recovering from a week of torrential rains which caused flooding throughtout much of the state. I wasn't sure if this trail would be suitable to ride.

I began my ride with my Scorpion Fx Trike at the trail head in Krouskop Park located Hwy 14 West in Richland Center. The trail has no entry sign saying the "Pine River Trail". I had to ask a city employee I met at a corner stop sign, and followed him to the start of the trail.

Portions of the black top were under constructon, and torn up at the beginning of the trail. About 1 3/4 miles of black top goes through the city of Richland Center crossing a number of streets, and one busy intersection. The 1/4 mile spur that goes across the suspension bridge takes you up a steep incline on the other end winding up on a residential street. Considering it basically goes no where I feel it's not worth the huffing and puffing it takes to get up it.

The black top eventualy comes to an abrupt end, and the crushed gravel takes over. Because of the rains, the trail was in really bad shape with sink holes, and deep ruts abounding. At one point I had to get off the trike, and push it across a broken portion of the trail.

It was a hot day in the upper 80's when I rode this trail, and the trail doesn't offer much relief in the way of shade.

The trail parallels the Pine river, and crosses over a number of wood plank bridges. The bridges are really old, and the river water looks stagnant to say the least. The scenery consists mainly of farmland and meadows with a glimpse of the forested hillside in the background.

I had heard that repairs were about to begin on the trail, so it should be in more suitable riding condition in weeks to come. However, I would not recommend this trail for trikes because of the rough terrain. Wisconsin has much better trails to ride than the Pine River.

Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Mascoutin Valley State Trail
Mascoutin Valley State Trail

May 24th 2008

I began my ride from the trail head in Fond du lac on Cty. Hwy. VVV.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning with virtually no wind when I took to the trail with my Scorpion Fx Trike. The trail starts out with smooth crushed limestone for the first 1 3/4 miles, and then gets some what rough. The majority of the trail is over grown in the center with grasses and dandelions which makes it a little cumbersome for a trike, but doable. The trail becomes smooth once again for a short distance as you cross the Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area. This is a good place to take a rest, and just enjoy the peaceful surroundings that mother nature has to offer.

The majority of the trail is wooded, but there is the occasional farm field you'll encounter as well as a few residential areas in the distance. In the village of Eldorado you'll find the perfect spot to take a break, just relax, and enjoy a piece of fruit.

There's another rest area at the end of the 9.6 mile trail in the town of Rosendale. The trail is unkept beyond Rosendale, and is suitable for mountain biking only until the city of Ripon. If you would like to ride the10.5 mile section between Ripon and Berlin you can find parking on the corner of Hwy. E and Locust Road in Rippon, or in Berlin on Willard Road.

I found this trail very peaceful and relaxing void of any traffic noise.

Eisenbahn State Trail
Enjoyed the Eisenbahn Trail

May 15, 2008

Spring finally arrived in Wisconsin after a long hard winter. I was anticipating the day I could finally get outdoors on my Scorpion Fx Trike, and bike through some of Wisconsins' tranquil beauty. That day finally came as I decided to bike the Eisenbahn Trail going north from the city of Kewauskum to the village of Eden, and South to the city of West Bend.

You'll find suitable parking in Kewaskum, which is centrally located between West Bend and Eden, where you'll find a large parking lot next to the trail just east of the stop and go lights in the center of town. From here you can either take the trail North to Eden, or South to West Bend. I find going North is much more scenic and peaceful than going South which happens to run parallel to the highway.

If your going through the city of West Bend, please be careful. There are a number of busy intersections with no stop and go lights to control the traffic except for Hwy 33.

The full length of the trail is crushed limestone until you reach the city limits of West Bend where it turns into a beautiful asphalt trail rising above the Milwaukee River for the next few miles. This is probably the most scenic area on the trail going South. You'll also pass the old depot which has become a restoration project in the making. For the most part, the southern portion of the trail consists mainly of tall brush and some trees, which at least prevents you from seeing portions of the highway, but the noise of cars and trucks racing by are still apparent.

The first 1 3/4 miles of the trail going North is course gravel before it turns into a nice smooth surface of crushed limestone, and the ride becomes more enjoyable. This portion of the trail is much more peaceful and serene except for the lovely sound of song birds. It's worth a stop, or two, just to look around you, smell the fresh country air and listen to the sounds of mother nature calling out.

The scenery along the way consist mainly of farmland, marshes and open woods lining the trail the majority of the way, and if your lucky, the way I was, you'll see a few white tail deer cross the trail in front of you. You'll cross at least nine wood plank bridges as well as a number of country roads, but traffic is very minimal. If you need any supplies, the citco station in campbellsport is right off the trail, where you can pick up extra bottled water or snacks.

The trail going South is almost perfectly flat where as the portion going North has some slight gradients making for a better cardio workout. You can expect to ride approximately 28 miles round trip to the north, and about 21 miles to the South round trip.

I would especially recommend the Northern portion of the trail for anyone looking for that good old country feeling.

Dennis Adam
Sheboygan, WI

Chippewa River State Trail
Dennis Adam

I Rode this trail in early October with my Scorpion Fx recumbent trike. It was a beautiful fall day, and the trees were just beginning to paint the landscape with brilliant colors of red and gold.

You can either begin your ride at Carson Park or Owens Park in Eau Claire. I started at Owens Park which is on the Eastern end of Eau Claire just off of Menomonie Street. The trail takes you across the campus of the University of Eau Claire, down a steep hill, and then along the Chippewa River. After approximately a mile the trail ends on the streets of Eau Claire. You'll need to ride on the street for about two blocks, before the trail reconnects. You'll cross a steel railroad trestle just North of Grand Ave. at which point the trail takes you through some of the older neighborhoods of Eau Claire, and then winds along the wooded banks of the Chippewa River as you leave Eau Claire going West.

At around mile marker 7 you'll reach a rest area with a view of the Chippewa River. It's beyond this point that the trail turns from a smooth asphalt to a course asphalt giving you somewhat of a bumpier ride.

In approximately another 5 miles you'll reach the small village of Carryville. Here you'll find another rest area with picnic tables as well as a grocery store, for stocking up on supplies.

6 miles beyond Carryville you'll reach the quiet little town of Meridean with it's vistas of the Chippewa River.

In approximatley another 7-8 miles you'll reach the Dunnville nature preserve and the 860 foot railroad trestle crossing the Chippewa River, and the start of the Red cedar Trail going North to the town of Menomonie. This is a good place to rest, and just enjoy the Spectacula view of the Chippewa River. At this point you can decide whether you would like to cross the trestle to ride the 14.5 mile Cedar River Trail, or continue on another 6 miles to the village of Durand.

This 24 mile trail has a lot to offer with it's beautifull vistas of the Chippewa River, and numerous wooded areas and praries you'll encounter.

This trail is an easy trail to ride with virtually no hills, or steep grades, and plenty of solitude.

I would highly reccommend this trail to anyone who loves being among the beauty of nature.

Red Cedar State Trail
Dennis Adam

I rode this trail in October on a beautiful fall day on my Scorpion Fx trike. The temperature was a comfortable 65 degrees, and the Foliage was just beginning to change to red and gold.

This 14.5 mile trail is composed of crushed gravel with parking at either the old railroad depot in Menomonie, or at the Dunville Wildlife Area where the Red Cedar Trail meets the Chippewa River State Trail. The Menomonie railroad depot has restrooms and a gallery of historic photo's, and is located next to Riverside Park.

As you go south along the trail you'll cross eleven authentic railroad bridges. The trail parallels the Red Cedar River passing through wooded areas, marshland and open farmland. About 4 miles down the trail you'll come to an impressive weeping rock wall with trickles of water streaming down from the top across the face of the rock, just before you reach the small town of Irvington.

Another 4 miles down the trail you'll reach Downsville, and pass the old Downsville cut stone Quarry and interpretive center at mile 10. Another mile south of that is a riverside picnic area on a bend of the river where it's not uncommon to see heron feeding. There are benches for resting and enjoying the sights and sounds of the river every few miles. Once you reach the Dunville Wildlife Area be sure to cross the 860 foot
railroad trestle over the Chippewa River. The view is spectacular.

I found this trail very enjoyable to ride and peaceful, but it was a little slow with a trike because of the uneven surface.

This trail has a lot to offer with it's scenic beauty and wildlife viewing.

I rode this trail consecutively with the Chippewa River State Trail starting at Eau Claire, and working my way up to Menomonie and then back for a total of 78 miles.

I would highly recommend both of these trails to anyone that enjoys being among nature.

Old Abe Trail
Relaxing Ride, but surface needs repair north of Jim Falls

I began my journey from the city of Chippewa Falls on my Scorpion Fx Recumbent Trike on October 3rd.
The weather was perfect with sunny blue skies and a temperature around 65 degrees.

A good place to stay in Chippewa Falls, with reasonable rates, is the Lock Nest Motel right on Hwy 124 which is a main highway thru town.

To find the trailhead, turn East on First Street which is a few blocks south of the motel off of Hwy 124.
Follow First Street until it makes a slight jog in the road onto Hwy I. Follow I until it crosses Hwy 178. You'll immediately see the asphalt trail on your left beyond the stop & go lights. Go about another block, and park in the lot at the Wisota Wildlife Preserve.

About two miles into your ride you'll cross a lengthy expansion bridge over an inlet to the Chippewa River on your left, and Lake Wisota on your right. The trail is smooth asphalt up until Jim Falls. Jim Falls is a good place to take a break with it's Mini-Mart right next to the trail. You'll find fast food an refreshing ice cream cones here.

After Jim Falls the trail turns into an asphalt washboard resulting in a bumpy ride the majority of the way. I was told by another biker there were plans to fix this portion of the trail in the next year or two. The trail parallels the Chippewa River right up to the village of Cornel and Brunet Island State Park, and passes through many wooded areas and over at least one or two wood plank bridges. The foilage was abound with fall color, and a fresh clean smell of fall filled the air. On my way back, the sun was beginning to set backlighting the yellow leaves like gold gems. The air was still except for a slight russel through the leaves.

The day I was on the trail, two trees had blown down across the trail in two different locations, a few days prior to my ride. I had to maneuver around one tree, and pull the bike over the other. Hopefully, Obstacles such as this, can be removed as soon as possible to avoid injury and delays to bikers.

I found this trail to be approximately 22.5 miles from Chippewa Falls to Cornel. This trail is very peaceful and scenic, but repair is a must beyond Jim Falls to smooth out the surface.

Bugline Trail
Residential and Rural setting

I rode this trail on October 20th with my Scorpion Fx Recumbent trike. It was a beautiful fall day, and was perfect for biking with a temperature around 65 degrees.
The surface is basically smooth crushed gravel, but it had rained a few days before leaving some areas muddy and rough.
The trail is approximately 12.5 miles between the village of Merton and the town of Menomonee Falls. I parked in Merton since the trail head is much easier to find than in Menomonee Falls. You'll find the trail head, and a small parking area, right on Hwy. VV.
About 2-3 miles down the trail you'll cross over the Bark River on a wooden plank bridge, and arrive at Mill Pond. You might want to stop here, and just enjoy the scenery.
About another mile from the bridge you'll reach the Town Of Lisbon Park. You'll need to ride the asphalt path into the park. You'll find a playground here for the kids, and well kept rest rooms down the road at the second parking area.
As you continue down the trail you'll arrive at Sussex Village Park consisting of many shade trees, and a play ground. When riding through the village of Sussex be careful when crossing Good Hope Road. It's a major four lane highway through town, and the traffic can be quite intense. Just East on the out skirts of Sussex the trail comes to an end, and you'll have to ride on the street for about two blocks to pick up the trail on the other side.,
When the trail ends, cross the road, turn left (North), and cross over the gas pump area at the Citco Station on the corner. Turn right(South), and ride about 1 1/2 blocks down the road. You'll see the bike trail on your left right before the stop & go lights. You'll cross over another road, under an overpass, and then over an old railroad tressel to continue on to the small village of Lannon.
About two miles before Lannon you'll come to Menomonee Park. You'll need to take the half mile spur trail into the park. Here you'll find a playground and swimming beach as well as a nice picnic area.
As you continue on to Lannon you'll pass the hugh open pit Lannon quarry which is still in operation extracting limestone.
A short way down the trail you'll pass through the village of Lannon. Here you'll find a cafe/dairy bar near the trail.
Your last stop will be Menomonee Falls where the trail comes to an abrupt end.
I found this trail very plesant to ride. Through the villages of Sussex and Lannon you'll traverse many residential neighborhoods with only schrubs and trees separating you from there backyards, but still retaining a feeling of isolation. You'll find yourself going through many wooded areas as well.

Sugar River State Trail
Quiet and Peacful Trail To Ride

"
I rode this trail on September 11, 2007 with my Scorpion Fx trike.
This trail is composed of compacted crushed limestone which held up perfectly from an all day downpour which occurred the day before. The trail was dry and ready to ride.
I found this trail a delight to ride. The trail is almost completely level except for a few slight grades which are barely noticeable.
I started at the old depot and information center in New Glarus. The trail is asphalt for the first 3-4 blocks until it crosses Hwy 69, and then becomes crushed limestone.
The trail crosses 14 wood bridges including the historic Clarence covered bridge, and passes a variety of scenery along the way including woods, meadows and farmland.
There is a rest area at the historic depot in Mnticello, and another one in Albany. The trail ends after 23 miles in the village of Brodhead.
The Sugar River Trail crosses paths with the Badger State Trail which goes from Clarno passing through the Stewart Tunnel on it's way to Paoli."

Great River State Trail
Easy trail for beginners

"This trail traverses through deep woods and meadows crossing many wood plank bridges including the lengthy iron trestle bridge over the black river.
If you plan on staying overnight the Pleasant Knoll motel in Trempealeau is a nice place to stay with reasonable rates.
There's a trailhead about a mile outside Trempealeau on the south end of town along Hwy. 35. This is where I started my ride from with my Scorpion Fx trike. There are rest room facilities here, and one other time when you reach the black trestle.
This trail is exceptionally easy to ride on it's crushed limestone, with virtually no grades encountered. However, it can be noisy at times since it parallels a pair of railroad tracts. I encountered numerous trains going in both directions which broke the silence.
I began my ride going south to onalaska. I think the south end provides the best scenery with it's deep cool woods, and lush meadows alive with butterflies and grass hoppers. you'll cross over numerous creeks and waterways before you arrive in Onalaska as well as the small village of Midway which is about 5 miles north of Onalaska.
As you go north from the trailhead you'll find yourself crossing many roadways to get through Trempealeau. Once clear from the residential area of town the trail once again finds it's way through lush forest. All though, this end of the trail supports more open areas that are less spectacular scenery wise.
Once at the northern end you'll reach Marshland which is basically the Trempealeau Wildlife Preserve. This is where you'll find the parking area for the northern trailhead.
From here, the trail takes you into the preserve on a 3 1/2 mile loop on gravel roads shared with cars. About half way around, the trail branches off to the right onto another loop road, which passes between a swamp. This road is strictly for bikes, and no cars allowed. I found the gravel roads through the preserve to be an additional six miles, and that was without doing the complete secondary loop. The gravel roads through the preserve are hilly, and can be quite taxing on your legs. I found myself pumping extremely hard with the trike, and some fish tailing Occurring going up hills on the gravel.

All in all I found this to be one of my favorite trails, and drove six hours the following week to do it again."

Tomorrow River State Trail
"September 5, 2007"

"This is an easy trail to ride with it's compacted crushed limestone, and suitable for most any bike. I was riding my Scorpion Fx Trike.

I began my ride at Amherst Jnc. west to Plover. To get to Amherst Jnc. take Hwy Q, just on the other side of the Hwy 10 overpass, North off of Hwy B about 2 miles. There's a parking area just on the other side of the railroad tracks as your leaving Amherst Jnc.
Amherst Jnc. is a small village comprised mainly of a few houses, a tavern and bank. I found it easier to find a trail head here than in Plover.

I was expecting to find more shade along this trail, but instead found mostly open areas of sun while passing along side meadows and farm fields. The first 2-3 miles is mostly sun with very little shade, and after about 5 miles you'll run into some wooded areas which provide a nice relief. These shaded areas are a great place to take a break, and drink some water and have a piece of fruit.

I rode this trail to the very end where it connects with the Green Circle Trail Just on the other side of Hoover Ave. Between Kennedy Ave. and Hoover Ave the trail traverses along a fence line next to a railroad track. Just before you approach the Hwy 51-39 over pass the trail breaks up into limestone and sand for a short distance. Harder to ride, but doable. Be warned that this area is off limits if there spraying the neighboring field.
About half-way along the trail you'll cross over a Hwy, and in this area you'll find a tavern if your so inclined to stop and rest.
The majority of this trail feels like your either going up a slight grade, or down a grade. When going down you can build up some nice speed, and still the limestone is compacted enough to prevent slippage. But, use common sense when picking up speed on any loose surface.

I would highly recommend riding this trail in late September, or early October to avoid the heat. I did my ride on September 5th which was unusually hot. 92 degrees. Besides, the first part of the trail is lined with sumac, and it should be a brilliant red by then.

This trail is roughly 11 miles from Amherst Jnc. to Hoover Ave.

There are no restrooms along the trail except for a campground about a mile west of Amherst Jnc.
"

Ahnapee State Park Trail
Very quiet and peaceful

"I rode this trail on 9/03/07 with my Scorpion Fx trike.
The Ahnappe Trail is a slow trail to ride because it consists mainly of crushed pea gravel. I found my average speed to be around 5-6 MPH. The trail is reasonably flat with a few grades here and there.
I found the best parking in Forestville at the county park. It's a nice size parking area with restroom facilities. To get to the park turn at the Uni-Mart station, go about 1/2 mile, and turn right at the bridge. You'll see a small sign nailed to a tree that say's co. park.

I rode the trail to the north going through the small village of Maplewood, and ending at the parking area on the other side of Cty Hwy S. There's a small portion of trail that goes beyond this point into Sturgeon Bay if you chose to do so.
This portion of the trail is 10 1/2 miles from Forestville to the parking area.

The trail was alive with butterfly's, grasshoppers, and the smell of fall in the air. You'll go through a small apple orchard to start with, then journey through deep woods, farmlands and finally a swamp area filled with cattails.

When I arrived back at Forestville I took the trail to the south to the town of Algoma, about 5 miles.
This part of the trail is somewhat rougher than the northern portion. There are more weeds growing in the middle of the trail, and the trail becomes more narrow at certain points. About 3-4 miles before Algoma you'll reach a wooden bridge which crosses the Ahnapee River. This is a good place to stretch, and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the surrounding area.

As you continue on you'll pass a rest room facility before you get to the parking area on the south end of the trail located on Hwy. M. The trail does go on another 9 1/2 miles south west to the village of Casco, but this is where it becomes tricky. You'll need to turn left out of the parking lot onto Hwy. M, and go about a half mile. You'll get to a stop sign at the juncture of M and Hwy. S. proceed straight onto
Hwy. S for another 1/4 of a mile, and you'll see the trail on the west side. This portion goes to Casco.
There's another big parking lot about 3 blocks east of this portion of the trail on Hwy. S if your inclined to start in Algoma. The total length of the trail is around 54 miles from Casco to Sturgeon Bay.

I enjoyed this trail immensely, and would highly recommend it. I found it to be very peaceful and relaxing, and quite scenic.
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