It was a wild one. I’ve been apprehensive about this day for some time – Wild Rivers State Trail is one of Wisconsin’s longest mixed-use trails, meaning it is open to ATVs and can be quite soft and rugged in sections. It turned out just as I expected – some really hard challenging sections, some nice smooth sections, some soft sand, some washboard; a mix. It was hard riding most of the time, which made it slow, but was beautiful and I had a lot of fun. It’s also amazing how good smooth pavement feels after riding chunky trail for miles; sometimes it’s worth doing hard things for the feeling of elation and satisfaction you get after you finish. However, it would be hard to ride a mixed use trail on a bike not knowing what to expect. And it’s definitely not rideable on a road bike.
There can be a lot of controversy between bicyclists and ATV trail users. As a silent sport enthusiast, I get it since sharing the trail can mean significantly less enjoyment for bikers and walkers. However, I also am 100% supportive of the ATV trail system and the many ways we have in WI to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. I think the solution is easy – more trails. A parallel, maintained or even paved bike trail could complement the existing ATV trail and make it enjoyable to all users. The Osaugie Trail, where I started my day, I think has a good solution which features a small paved strip on part of the trail.
ATV users also buy passes and invest in trail infrastructure, just like cyclists. The more resources we have to invest in trails, either through trail passes or state funds – like Knowles-Nelson – the better. Thanks to all the nice ATV-ers who shared their trail with me today! The highlight of the trail for me was riding over the Hwy 63 bridge which I’ve driven by hundreds of times and always wanted to see from up high!
Day 3 of my ride also took me right past the Brule-St. Croix Legacy Forest, one of Wisconsin’s largest Knowles-Nelson projects. Spanning over 72,000 acres, the forest was protected in 2015, with support from The Conservation Fund and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources placed a “working forest easement” on the property, meaning the land is kept for conservation and recreation while also supplying sustainable lumber.
The forest’s trails, pine barrens, streams, and lakes make it a prime location for hiking, skiing, and hunting. Its trails are also multi-use, open to bikers and ATV riders alongside hikers and skiers. Not everyone gets outside the same way, and having options for all of them means more people get to enjoy what this land offers. Knowles-Nelson helps make that kind of access possible.
Another gem in my trip today was the Bird Sanctuary outside Solon Springs, also known as the Douglas County Wildlife Area. It’s a beautiful prairie landscape that is a welcome change from all the Northwoods forest.
Looking forward to another fun day tomorrow!
– Sarah
Today at a glance
Day 3 | Superior to Rice Lake
Mileage: 100
Trails Covered
Explore Nearby
Sarona, WI | Managed by: Landmark Conservancy
Beaver Brook Headwaters is a 1,964-acre protected property that preserves the headwaters and the Class I brook and brown trout streams. Landmark Conservancy manages the land through a conservation easement.
Superior, WI | Managed by: City of Superior
In 2010, Knowles-Nelson funding helped the City of Superior revitalize the Arrowhead Fishing Pier on the St. Louis River, adding a boat launch, shelter, restroom, and parking. The pier is now a popular spot for fishing and river access.
Minong, WI | Managed by: Washburn County
Totogatic Park is a lakeside campground on the 1,600-acre Minong Flowage, with many campsites directly on the shoreline for easy swimming and boat mooring. Knowles-Nelson funding helped Washburn County add campsites, water and sewer hookups, a shower building, a restroom, and beach upgrades.
