Then, I got to enjoy tons of great, tucked away gravel roads winding through lake country into Minocqua. While it was the longest section with no trails to date, I didn’t mind because I got to wind through quiet roads in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It was almost better than trail! And a good reminder of how state and federal programs are important to ensure safe recreation opportunities and to preserve our remaining wilderness.

Knowles-Nelson is just a part of the equation to acquiring, maintaining, and growing access to the outdoors. And unfortunately, our federal resources are at risk as well. The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently announced sweeping policy changes that would defund, deprioritize, and systematically remove federal support for bike lanes, including requiring local municipalities to redesign projects that would reduce vehicle lanes. 

I didn’t miss the trail until heading into Minocqua, when you have to ride on Hwy 51 – that really could have used a bike lane!!

Despite the lack of bike infrastructure, I did, however, still have no shortage of Knowles-Nelson properties to see! The extent of Knowles-Nelson is massive and so diverse. From town boat launches, public beaches and restrooms, to conservation easements and investments in the Northwoods’ flowages and state forests. What makes Knowles-Nelson really special is how variable the projects and grant amounts are, and that so many of them are small community projects that are requested by towns and organizations all across the state just trying to make their community a better place. Check out all the projects near you on this interactive map!

We’ve done a lot with Knowles-Nelson, but there is always more to do. For example, continuing to build out Wisconsin’s Trail Network Plan would ensure that there are safe, accessible paths or dedicated roads (with shoulders) for bikers throughout the state.