Featured bike path - Trillium Trail
The Trillium Trail is part of the MPO Routes.
Central Wisconsin’s newest bike trail has been a hit, not just with our family but many in the area. It’s like people have come out of the woodwork to bike, jog, or walk their furry friend!
Squeals of delight
Our latest family outing began with my oldest daughter enthusiastically suggesting we take a evening bike ride on Trillium Trail. We weren’t disappointed. Over the course of just a couple hundred yards, we saw a gaggle of turkeys, a bunny, and a doe with its fawn as we approached the trail.
The geysers that erupt when we wiggle the pylons at the end of the trail are a head turner.
Every one of our children were squealing in delight as we flew down the trail. The curves provided them excitement (and for me a little bit of nervousness) as we cornered at high speed. My cheeks began to hurt from smiling with my children.
Our children all wanted to do the trail again and the squeals were just as plentiful during round two.
Our kids love all the bridges on the trail
I laughed out loud when my daughter asked to stop as we exited the trail. She dismounted her bike to wiggle the pylons and watch the water squirt out like a geyser - no shortage of excitement on the trail!
What you should expect
The Trillium Trail was intended to offer an alternative to avoid the climb on Foxglove Road and busy Hwy KK.
First ride ever on a pedal bike outside of the driveway was Trillium Trail - and we didn’t let the rain stop us!
The one mile trail has a surprising amount of character. The trail weaves through the slice of forest between I-39 and the overhead powerline. If the curves don’t break up the monotony of the roads, the six bridges will.
If you want a loop, you have two options - a flat option or a hilly one. A flat, seven mile ride option uses the area’s only tunnel to cross under Hwy 51/29. If you want to add a few more miles, you can enjoy a 10 mile route by including the 51/29 Trail.
History
The Trillium Trail utilizes Trillium Road (i.e. the Road to Nowhere) for its south approach. Trillium Road has no houses on the one mile leading up to the trail, so if you encounter a vehicle it’s likely someone parking at the end of the trail!
The Town of Rib Mountain’s bike & pedestrian committee began discussing the Trillium Trail back in 2014. In August 2020, the Trillium Trail was completed through funding by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Alternatives Program to the Town of Rib Mountain to improve connectivity of bicycle and pedestrian paths in the community. The Trillium Trail connects to existing routes that provide bicycle and pedestrian access over USH 51/I39 via Foxglove Rd to the Wisconsin River pedestrian bridge and surrounding communities. The Trillium Trail is part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Route 12.
Where to start
If you can’t bike from your home, I’d recommend parking at one of the local parks along the route – Doepke Park or Liberty Park, or Flax Tot Lot. Doepke Park has bathrooms, water fountain, playground, grill, nature trail, and fitness trail. You can also park at the end of Trillium Road or Buttercup Road.