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Very enjoyable ride

By myfinecycle in August, 2012

We just got back from riding the entire length of this trail and found it to be in excellent condition. We rode from south to north and really enjoyed the quietness of most of the trail. It was a very windy Friday and there were very few trail users so we had it almost to ourselves. I was impressed with its condition and the frequent benches along the way.

A bit rough but decent trail

By mczet in November, 2011

The West Bend section is paved, but often crowded. Once you get past keewaskum you will have the trail mostly to yourself. (nice coffee shop in keewaskum). The trail is a bit coarse for the most part with the gravel creating significant resistance in many areas. You sort of get used it until you cross a road and realize how much harder you were working on the trail.

Riding is mostly through rural farm country. Pleasant scenery and enough canopy areas to find cool rest spots on hot days. Long slow grades as on many rail to trail paths. This is kettle moraine country the terrain off the trail is often like a roller coaster to if your looking for some interval hill work this is a good area.

Eisenbahn trail from Eden to West Bend and back, May 22, 2011.

By Mahy Mike in May, 2011

Trail was real smooth, tires on 9-speed bike are slick 32mm and they worked just fine. Lots of bridges along the route, and crossings of the Milwaukee River. The train depot in West Bend is newly restored, with rest rooms and drinking fountain. The park in Kewaskum is also nice with a Dam, fishing pond, playground, and rest rooms.

Liked it.

By dandee2talk2 in July, 2010

My husband and I biked from Campbellsport through West Bend to the trail end and then back. Beautiful day, beautiful scenery...nice long bike ride.

daffodil777

By daffodil777 in July, 2009

I have done this trail in all the way from Rusco rd to Edens Community park twice now. I start at the south end (Rusco Rd.) The paved surface in West Bend is really nice and smooth but you will be sharing with many people especially on weekends (obviously they think it's nice too!) Once the traffic bond surface begins (in Barton) the numbers drop off and a more remote feeling kicks in. Paralleling hwy 45 heading into Kewaskum is a bit of a drag as all the cars have a clear view of the trail and the surface is a bit coarser than regular traffic bond. Add a north wind as we often have and it can be a long stretch. Once you get to the back side of town there is more to see. Heading to Campbellsport you will eventually be all alone as I have rarely seen anyone past this point at any time. Get water/gum/whatever in Campbellsport 'cuz after that the stretch to Eden can seem endless. Ending at the Community park is also quiet as I have rarely seen a soul there. If you are looking for solitude...well this is the trail for you! Until you reach Kewaskum again, you will probably have the trail to yourself. Make sure you are well-fueled/watered and your bike is in shape! If you are looking for solo time-the northern sections of this trail give it to you. Farm scenery zen...! But then if I was not looking for this peace, I wouldn't have done it twice (and will most likely do it again!)

Enjoyed the Eisenbahn Trail

By pbadam1512 in May, 2008


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