Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Ft Atkinson, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The trail is almost entirely crushed stone, except for the 1/2 mile of asphalt in New Glarus and the 1 mile of road in Brodhead. In fact, the term "crushed stone" is quite generous, since the trail is mostly two tire tracks with a grass median. Bottom line, the trail surface was solid even after a light rainfall and the grass on both sides of the trail as well as the median were neatly mowed. There was a nice mix of marsh, forest and open prairie. There was a mile marker on the west or south side of the trail every mile. The ride was very peaceful and quiet, except for an auction I heard while taking a break at the Albany trailhead. It was a nice change of pace to the ambient serenity. There were a few road crossings, but the country roads were rarely traveled. Both Broadhead and New Glarus were excellent anchors for this trail. There was lots to explore in both cities!
The surface of this 8-foot wide trail seems to be crushed stone over an older asphalt base. It is a little tougher to ride than the typical crushed gravel surface. There are some "soft" spots throughout the length of the route, but still manageable. The trail is relatively flat with an occasional grade change. The scenery is mostly suburban backyard with a touch of industrial to the west. There is very little shade to protect you from the sun, but the openness is refreshing. Although most street crossings have minimal traffic, please take caution when approaching them. This is one of my "go to" rides.
The 8-foot wide asphalt trail is not in bad shape, but it does have manageable grass-filled cracks running perpendicular to the direction of travel in a few areas. Although there is a protective barrier, the entire length of the trail runs alongside a busy highway. There are a few street crossings with minimal traffic at best, but there are also two busy roads to cross. Fortunately, the intersections for these two crossings are controlled by traffic lights with pedestrian crossing signals. This ain't no rail trail, so the route has a few hills to master. On the plus side, the trail connects to the Peace Trail at the west end and the sides of the trail are nicely mowed.
The route has a mix of crushed gravel at both ends and a nice wide asphalt trail in the middle. Be careful going through Saller Woods in the village of Rochester. The trail has been scarred by runoff, the gravel is loose and the hills are steep. Like a child clutching tightly to it's mother, the trail hugs Highway 36 for much of the ride. Although most of the trail is concealed by trees and brush, the sound of cars could still be heard. The trail in Burlington ends at a very nice park that has bathroom facility, water fountain and picnic tables under cover for a nice place to have lunch. The best part of the trail was "The Bunker." This bar & grill has a unique military-theme inside and outside its walls including a Vietnam Guard Tower and other military equipment.
I biked from the starting point just south of downtown West Bend to the endpoint in the village of Eden. The surface of the trail for the first 5 miles in West Bend was nicely paved. The trail during this stretch was 12' wide and smooth. The canopy of trees not only provided a good supply of shade, but it also created a park-like ambience. There were many photo opportunities in downtown West Bend, especially next to the Museum of Wisconsin Art building. There were a couple of busy roads to cross, but the worst was Washington Street (Hwy 33). Take Caution!
The trail changes to a hard-packed crushed stone just north of downtown West Bend. The trail narrows to 6' wide most of the way to the endpoint in the village of Eden. There is an occasional road to cross, but these were not heavily traveled. The village of Kewaskum provided a needed change of scenery and a nice rest stop.
The first two bridges I encountered in West Bend were new, but the rest of the bridges on the trail were heavily patched and, quite frankly, in need of replacement. Overall, the ride was peaceful and fairly easy.
I had high hopes for this trail. I biked from Janesville to the end of the trail in the town of Beloit. The trail has great potential, but the trail maintenance for the first 4 miles out of Janesville has been severely neglected. The ride was unacceptably bumpy due to the several and continuous cracks in the asphalt. The trail south of the water treatment plant had been resurfaced and is in very good condition. The trail leaves the serenity of the shaded canopy of trees to the road in a couple locations. I don't mind the adventure, but one of the roads was busy and at high speeds. The signage could also have been better. The end of the trail in the town of Beloit offers a good cardio workout going up a steep grade. Your efforts are rewarded with modern restrooms and drinking water at the Welty Environmental Center.
Except for a section by one of the drainage tunnels where the asphalt is severely damaged, the trail surface is in good condition. I started my ride in Veterans Park and biked through a canopy of trees overlooking the scenic Rock River. The trail ends in the very cute Janesville Town Square. Although relatively short, this was my favorite trail in and around the city of Janesville.
i’ve done this trail but it’s probably been 1214 years ago. Decided to take my E mountain bike and I’m sure glad I did some of. It’s pretty rough with rocks but overall it was fun. Nice long ride.
I rode the trail from Rosewood to Elkhorn. Most of the trail was flat and peaceful. Some of the crushed stone was washed away between Lyons and Burlington. Most of the trail surface was solid, but there were a few soft pockets where the stone accumulated from the wash out. Getting from the east section to the west section was tricky with no signage, but I was able to navigate the route using my i-phone GPS. If you like a flat, peaceful ride, then this is the trail for you.
All grass. Best for walkers not bikes.
Crossing roads can be tricky but most drivers are willing to let you pass.
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