Wisconsin Camping: Trails by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“
If it is a Hiking Trail your looking for then check out these locations below.
Hiking trails at Big Bay State Park
Hiking trails take you through 7 miles of varied habitat, some of which is detailed through interpretive signage. Bikes are not allowed on any of the trails or boardwalks. Dog sleds are allowed only with a written permit from the park manager.
Boardwalk
The half-mile-long Boardwalk Trail is a a flat, well-marked, accessible boardwalk with wooden benches at several points, interpretive signs, and views of Lake Superior. The trail goes through a northern forest of red and white pines on the Big Bay Sand Spit.
The waxy evergreen needles retain water, as do the leaves of the bearberry and wintergreen below them. Look for reindeer moss, a silver-green plant 3 to 6 inches high. A sign nearby says that reindeer moss is a lichen, not a moss, and that it’s a pioneer that breaks down leaves, trees, sand and rock.
Lagoon Ridge Trail
This 2.6-mile trail goes around the west side of the lagoon and wetlands to the Indoor Group Camp.
Bay View Trail
Sunset from Bay View Trail
Photo by John Gruber
The 1.3-mile Bay View Trail follows the shoreline on the north side of Big Bay Point. Late in the day, it’s a great place to see deer and other wildlife and spectacular sunsets.
Point Trail
Connecting with the Bay View Trail near the tip of the point, this 1.7-mile trail includes a loop with both inland and shoreline segments, plus a trail that winds through the woods between the outdoor group camp and regular campground and beach area. The Cut-Across Trail, a short self-guided nature trail, also serves as a shortcut through the Point Trail loop.
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“400″ State Trail
Wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands and pastures are just a few of the sights you can enjoy on the “400″ State Trail as it repeatedly crisscrosses the Baraboo River.
Wildflowers skirt a bluff near the trail between La Valle and Wonewoc.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber
The entire length of the 22-mile trail follows along the river valley from Elroy to Reedsburg. It passes through the communities of Union Center, Wonewoc and LaValle.
The trail is used for bicycling, walking, and snowmobiling. A unique feature of the “400″ trail is a 7-mile horse trail parallel to the bike trail between Wonewoc and LaValle. Horses must stay on the grassy portion and are not allowed on the limestone surfaced trail.
The trail is named for the Chicago-Northwestern passenger train that ran on this grade. The train traveled the 400 miles between Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul in 400 minutes.
The renovated Reedsburg Depot is the trail headquarters and also the office for the Reedsburg Chamber of Commerce. The depot is used as an information center with interpretive displays and public rest area facilities.
The “400″ State Trail parallels an active rail line for a short distance.
DNR Photo
State trail passes are required for bikers and horseback riders aged 16 and older. Passes are available at the Reedsburg Depot Trail Headquarters, 240 Railroad St. in Reedsburg, phone ( 608) 524-2850 or
(800) 844-3507
; Elroy Commons,(888) 606-BIKE (2453); and other outlets in towns along the trail.
Four Trails in One
A bald eagle watches over the trail from its nest.
DNR Photo
Western Wisconsin has a unique network of four connected state trails that provides over 100 miles of continuous trail for users to enjoy. The Great River, La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta, and the “400” state trails link together unique natural ecosystems, Native American cultural sites, railroad depots and tunnels, and communities which have evolved from railroad towns to tourist destinations.
Bike 4 Trails is a cooperative effort between trail staff, friends groups, chamber of commerce groups, and tourism officials along the four trails. Visit the Bike 4 Trails Web page for maps of the individual trails as well as a large overview of the entire trail system.
You can find much more info at “Wiconsin DNR“
Wisconsin Camping: Trails by Joe “Woods Goods and Stuff“
