The Junction Trail is a paved hike-and-bike path in Menomonie, Wisconsin. The trail sits in a converted Union Pacific railbed and travels through natural, residential and industrial areas as it heads north through the city.
The trail begins beside the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Headquarters, and across the Red Cedar State Trail, a 15-mile regional trail traveling south to beyond Dunnville. The first segment of trail sits in the woods along the Red Cedar River, offering glimpses of the water through the vegetation. Coming to Meadow Hill Drive, the off-street portion ends. (You'll also hear this initial stretch referred to as the Stokke Trail).
The off-street asphalt trail starts up again along North Broadway Street but to connect from one segment to the other requires a combination of bike lanes and sidepaths. From Meadow Hill Drive, take the bike lane along Meadow Road across the river, and then switch to the concrete pathways in the green space occupying the island between Meadow Road and Broadway Street. Here you can find a map of the city's trail system to help orient you, as do the directional signs that are placed along the route. Head north, first crossing Meadow Road and then Broadway Street at the designated crosswalks. Continue paralleling Broadway Street until you see signs marking the entrance of the Junction Trail. Here the trailway is asphalt and continues on an arrow-straight course to the north of the city. Frequent street crossings may slow your momentum if you're looking to cruise, as the trail moves away from Lake Menomin and deeper into residential Menominie.
Beyond Oak Avenue, the setting switches into a more industrial one. A bike-ped bridge spans Interstate 94, allowing walkers and bikers to cross the highway safely and to reach the trail's current endpoint at Cedar Falls Road. This bridge, installed in 2018, replaces the old railroad bridge.
Residents looking for an easy walk or ride can find it in the Junction Trail. The trail is also used for skiing in the winter months.
The official trailhead can be found on Highway 29, behind the Wisconsin DNR headquarters and across the highway from the Menomonie Depot Visitor Center.
Nice little connector trail
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