Muskego Recreation Trail and City of Franklin Hike and Bike Trail:
Wisconsin
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Description:
This is the story of two trails in two counties that serve up one seamless connection between the communities of Muskego and Franklin. The corridor was previously the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light, an interurban railroad in southeast Wisconsin. Wisconsin Electric Power Company, now known as We Energies, acquired the corridor, which explains the power lines draping much of the trail.
The 5-mile Muskego Recreation Trail starts in a residential community just across from the entrance to the Muskego County Park and is marked with a sign at the trail entrance. The trail's crushed stone surface cuts a bright white swath through the surrounding greenery. This trail runs directly west to east and maintains an easy, level grade throughout. Although the first 2 miles take you through the residential community of Muskego in Waukesha County, after crossing Mystic Drive you are immersed in farmland and woodland scenery.
From the Muskego Recreation Trail, you arrive at the 1.5-mile City of Franklin Hike and Bike Path in Milwaukee County. The transition is smooth, and is marked by trail signage indicating that you have joined this trail segment. The trail continues cutting west through farmland until the last 2 miles, when it abruptly veers north after crossing Forest Home Avenue. The final stretch of the trail returns you to suburban Franklin where playgrounds and residences flank the route.
While in Waukesha don't miss Little Muskego Lake-which at 506 acres isn't so little-and its public access for boating, water skiing and fishing.This lake is home to the Muskego Waterbugs, a talented group of water skiing performers, entertaining crowds every Wednesday evening throughout the summer. If wetlands are your thing, check out Big Muskego Lake with 2,260 acres of cattail marsh.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the Muskego Recreation Trail take Racine Avenue (County Road Y) south to Janesville Road. Turn right on Janesville Road; Muskego County Park is on your right. There is parking available in the park; the trailhead is immediately across the street from the county park entrance.
To reach the City of Franklin Hike and Bike Path, take US Route 45/100 north from Franklin to West Rawson Avenue (County Road BB). Turn left on West Rawson and cross Forest Homes Avenue. The trailhead is on the left between Forest Home Avenue and South North Cape Road. There is no public parking at this trailhead.
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Muskego to Franklin
Counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha
Trail Length: 6.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6227957

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Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.
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