The Trails

Let's face it the big deal about the BALLS ride is that we get to log 160+ miles over two days with very minimal paved roads.  At the core of BALLS is a 130+ mile almost entirely rail-trail dirt loop.  Just taking a few minutes today to give recognition to the trails we will ride.  These trails aren't free but the good news is that a WI DNR trail pass covers you for everything....yes, even the predominantly ATV based Cheese Country Trail. 



Military Ridge State Trail

The 40-mile Military Ridge State Trail, in Iowa and Dane counties, connects Dodgeville and Madison, by way of an 1855 military route between Verona and Dodgeville. The trail runs along the southern borders of Governor Dodge and Blue Mound state parks passing by agricultural lands, woods, wetlands and prairies. There are several observation platforms adjacent to the trail for viewing wildlife and other natural features. In Ridgeway, the trail passes by a historic railroad depot.  Most of the trail follows the former Chicago and North Western Railroad corridor, which has a gentle grade of only 2 to 5 percent. Between Dodgeville and Mount Horeb it runs along the top of the Military Ridge, the divide between the Wisconsin River watershed to the north and the Pecatonica and Rock River watershed to the south. Between Mount Horeb and Fitchburg, the trail goes through the Sugar River Valley.



Cheese Country Trail

If you're looking for an invigorating motorized trail experience, the Cheese Country Trail (a.k.a. the Tri-County Trail) will not disappoint. The 47-mile trail meanders through the heart of southwest Wisconsin's Driftless Area, a massive tract of land noted for the rolling hills and rocky outcroppings left untouched by glaciers. The Cheese Country trail traverses Iowa, Green, and Lafayette counties, intersects with the Pecatonica State Trail near Calamine, and crosses a total of 57 small bridges and overpasses, including the 440-foot bridge at Brownstown as it winds from Monroe to Mineral Point.


This is primarily used as an ATV and snowmobile trail, though bicyclists, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers share the corridor. The surface in many areas is quite rough; if you plan to bike, opt for the sturdy tires of your mountain bike. You should also be prepared to share the trail with loud and heavy ATV traffic.

Monroe, the Cheese Country Trail's southern end is-quite fittingly-known as the "Swiss Cheese Capital" of the United States. The trailhead, with parking, is just 6 miles from the Illinois border. Heading northwest from Monroe, you follow Highway 11 through Brownstown and South Wayne. After passing through Brownstown, the trail crosses a 440-foot bridge spanning the Pecatonica River. Here the trail runs through wooded areas and marshes, all the while hugging the scenic farmland of the local dairy farms. If you want to take a break, Gratiot, at Mile 20, is a good bet. Restaurants and shops are found here, as well as ATV rentals in case you want to start your motorized adventure.

From Gratiot the trail continues northwest along stretches of farmland and wooded ridges for about 11 miles to Darlington, right off Highway 81. Refreshments, supplies, and ATV rentals are plentiful in this community.

Another 5 miles on the trail brings you to Calamine. As you approach Calamine you run into the Pecatonica rail-trail, which runs west for 10 miles to Belmont. Finally, from Calamine the Cheese Country Trail heads north for an additional 10 miles until it ends in the lovely town of Mineral Point at the old Railroad Depot Museum. Mineral Point is among Wisconsin's oldest communities, and this historic mining village is today rich with artist's studios and galleries. Many of the old homes in Mineral Point have been restored, and some of them have been made into restaurants and bed-and-breakfast inns that will allow you to stay awhile.

A state trail pass is required for bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers 16 years and older, and registration is necessary for ATVs. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
 



Badger State Trail

Badger State Trail is a "Rails to Trails" trail extending from Madison, WI to the Illinois state line intended for bicycles and hikers during warm months and snowmobiles and limited ATV use during the winter. With one end of the trail located in Madison, a tunnel (considered to be the darkest trail tunnel in Wisconsin), and the distinction of being the only inter-state trail in Wisconsin, the Badger State Trail is becoming the most popular trail in the state.

The trail is the old Illinois Central Railroad corridor. The Badger Trail connects to the Southwest Path, the Military Ridge State Trail and the Capitol City Trail in Madison. The trail is blacktopped from Madison to Purcell Road (North of Belleville). From Purcell Road to the Illinois state line limestone screenings provide a hard smooth surface for your biking and hiking enjoyment.

The highlight of the trail is the restored 1200-foot long Stewart Railroad Tunnel that was finished in 1887 and is located south of Belleville. Because of a slight bend in the tunnel, you gaze into total darkness. We recommend that you bring a bright flashlight. This tunnel may not be the longest trail tunnel in Wisconsin, but is considered by many to be the darkest in Wisconsin. From the tunnel, the trail continues south to Monticello where it crosses the Sugar River State Trail. From Monticello the trail continues to Monroe and then on into Illinois. At the Wisconsin state line it connects to the Jane Addams Trail which brings you to Orangeville and Freeport, IL. The Jane Addams Trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail System.



Sugar River State Trail
 
The Sugar River State Trail follows an abandoned railroad line in south central Wisconsin for 24 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead. A short access trail connects the Sugar River State Trail to New Glarus Woods State Park. Fourteen trestle bridges cross over the Sugar River and its tributaries, while the trail passes by farmlands, woods, rolling hills, scenic meadows, remnant prairies, and glacial topography. North of Brodhead, the trail goes over a replica covered bridge. The trail has also been designated as a National Recreational Trail.  The Sugar River Trail headquarters is in the restored 1887 railroad depot in New Glarus. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places and houses displays of local culture and railroad history.

Posted by Bear at 4:01 PM