I rode this trail for the first time on Monday, deciding to begin at the trailhead in Lone Rock. It is not marked so I had to ask at a local convenience store and was directed to where the 'bike path' begins. From my experience, do NOT begin in Lone Rock. The first five miles are wide open and parallel U.S. 14 from a distance of 30 to 50 yards. The trail gets amazing where it crosses state highway 60 in Gotham. I only went another five miles, but they are among the most amazing I've experienced in southern Wisconsin. The trail goes through the lowlands and bogs of the Lower Wisconsin river...multiple wood plank bridges (including one that's curved)...distinctive scenery...farm land...and not heavily used. You can still spot a couple utility pools from the late 1800s and early 1900s along the trail. Very cool.

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

"Unloaded at Krouskop Park for a short ride on the East River dike.
The Suspension Bridge spur is wide enough for the 41” Tri- Cruiser.
Paved through most of town, would liked to have more time as I think this would be an interesting trail. Date 23 Aug 06."