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The short version of my review is that it's a pretty great trail that probably has something for everybody, except pavement, and that's a good thing (says me).
This is basically a trail through rural Wisconsin where you'll have a chance to pass through 3 tunnels, a few towns and cross a bridge about every mile or so. The two southernmost tunnels are basically dry (in September), but the one to the north drips a whole lot of water and there is no chance you'll come out the other side dry. The tunnels are also very dark, so you will absolutely need a good light to get through them safely.
Trees and scrub grow along a lot of the trail and the more open areas reveal whole lot of Wisconsin farmland. The trail has gradual climbs and descents along its length, but nothing that would cause the average rider any difficulty.
One of the nicer things experienced along the trail was a little table of apples and baked goods place by an Amish family. It is totally run on the honor system. I enjoyed one of their apples!
I actually started this ride in Reedsburg on the 400 State Trail, which I highly recommend if you're looking for a longer ride.
The only thing I can think of to improve the trail would be a little more signage. I totally rode right by the start of the trail in Elroy, but was quick to correct the error of my ways. The signs at the tunnels could use a "little love" as well.
Other than that, this was a really nice ride.
We rode from Lanesboro to Fountain and back. Trail was in great condition 95% of the time with lots of shade and numerous interesting views. We started down the Harmony-Preston spur but turned back after a couple miles. It had lovely scenery but the condition is not up to par with the rest of the trail. From Lanesboro to Rushford the trail was A+, but slipped down to a B+ around Rushford. Happily after that area the trail went back to A++. The incline between Rushford and Houston is a bit challenging but so much fun on the downslopes!
The Tank Creek Bridge is out due to a fire in May, 2025. We detoured onto Highway 35 (almost 5 miles) then to County XX (about 6 miles) to reach Midway and the trail. XX starts out paved then gravel and old asphalt until you near Midway. The trail is gorgeous! Might need to come during fall foliage.
I need to ride this trail every time I cycle to almost anywhere in Rochester. I consider that a great privilege. It is such a beautiful trail that all my rides are joyful rides. Despite it being in an urban setting, wildlife can be frequently spotted. I've seen White-tail Deer, Giant Snapping Turtles, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks. I've heard and seen many songbirds, and Chorus Frogs can be heard here in the spring. The Southern section is heavily wooded along the creek, the Northern Section travels along the creek through Bear Creek and Slatterly Parks. There are multiple underpasses so you do not have to cross traffic at all.
This is an essential connector trail from the Douglas State Trail to the Rochester Minnesota city trail system. It runs on the same Chicago Great Western Railway route as the rest of the Douglas State Trail with the exception of its two bridges, the Arianna Celeste MacNamara Memorial Bridge over US 14 and the CP Railroad, and the David Rossman Memorial Bridge over Valleyhigh Drive, and the short segment that is an access easement through the former IBM property. Little Thistle Brewery is connected to this trail. Please use extra caution when crossing 19th Street, there have been serious bike/car collisions there.
We rode Sparta to Norwalk, through tunnel 3. Two of our group had ridden the entire length in the early 70s, so it was a nostalgic day. They recalled seeing farmland and we saw a little of that, but trees have grown up and it’s mainly a nice, shaded, flat ride.
well maintained trail. scenic views of farmland, small towns, wildlife along the trail.
Asphalt trail from Tarrant Park in Durand is rough with lots of twigs, grass growing between the asphalt, and repaired potholes. We went a little over 3 miles and turned around. It is mostly shaded. There are yellowflies. Would not do again.
A 5 star is really stretching this. I get the history of this being the 1st rail to trail and the cool tunnels, but the very narrow gravel path is not much to desire. The landscape doesn’t change much and the overgrown weeds and trees prevent much scenery. Occasional stream is a welcome sight on this boring path. America’s bicycle capital is needing a little update to encourage us to return. Glad we had headlamps for the almost two mile long tunnel raining on us. Riding, rather than walking was our choice to speed it up but if you’re not steady - then walk.
The tunnels on the trail are nice, cool bluffs and overall very nice trail
Roughly about 2 miles south of the trailhead in Menominee WI, the trail has had a washout due to recent heavy rains. When you go to the trailhead there are signs that say the trail is closed. This is normally a very nice unpaved, scenic and smooth trail as I’ve rode it many times. Not sure, but you may be able to get on the trail in Downsville and ride south??
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