After leaving Cottage Grove, you’ll pass through miles of open country before reaching Deerfield and London. They had some awesome bikes and people there were very nice. I love it every time I'm on it (over 400mi on my bike this summer). The trail was … I ride this entire trail every week if you want to see me I usually arrive in Deerfield around 12 noon every Saturday. The corridor the Glacial Drumlin State Trail (GDST) follows was once the route traveled by the Madison Air Line, a railroad built by the Chicago and North Western Railroad. The wooden pilings that supported bridges sank in the deep muck of extensive wetlands, creating dangerous passages for trains. Wonderful trail. Good condition, nice scenery. I regularly take the Waukesha to Dousman leg. All paved to this point. Those gigantic sheets of ice created wetlands, ponds, and rivers, as well as hundreds of low, cigar-shaped hills called drumlins. These are not dangerous but when you hit one unexpectedly it can rattle your fillings. Bikers, runners, walkers and inline skaters are drawn to the Glacial Drumlin for its easy terrain and scenic beauty. Lots of wildlife, interesting birds, cranes, snapping turtles, tons of frogs etc, quite fun. It was great! Had to kind of guess where to pick it up from the Fox River Trail in Waukesha but it was obviously a right turn after the faded sign of trail map. Plus we asked people. The trailhead is well-marked with plenty of parking and rest rooms. Desarrollado en 1986, el Glacial Drumlin State Trail es uno de los mejores senderos para bicicletas de Wisconsin. The golf coarse just before Wales is quite the scene, and the wildlife around you makes you forget where you are. The only other issue for people who don't like hills is the road detour around Jefferson. Wales to Waukesha is downhill and fast, but not too much of a hassle pedaling the other way. Glacial Drumlin State Trail is one of the trails of the "Rails to Trails" program of the State of Wisconsin. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. We definitely plan to 'explore' some of the remainder of this trail further west from Wales, as (so far) we have only turned around at this point to enjoy the easier ('downhill') return to Waukesha. There's a good bike shop right on the trail here and restaurants within a couple blocks. Your donation would be greatly appreciated! Er führt vorbei an herrlichen Aussichtspunkten u Completed in 1882, the Milwaukee and Madison Air Line provided a straight shot through rural countryside and several small communities to connect two of the state's most important … Trail passes are required for any person age 16 or older for biking and in-line skating. Outside of Dousman, the crushed-stone surface ends, and the final 13 miles to Waukesha are smooth pavement. Within minutes, this paved trail ducks into a nature preserve and continues through a mix of parkland, marsh, wooded areas, mixed vegetation without going off road. Grandview Blvd. The Glacial Drumlin trail starts in Cottage Grove, but some maps show it starting in Madison. There were quite a few slippery spots and leaf covered potholes. I have been riding this trail for many years and recently daily from Jefferson to Lake Mills. The return was more crowded but everyone enjoying the trail was polite and considerate. The trailhead is well-marked with plenty of parking and rest rooms. The grade to the west was a very gradual rise which wasn't a hindrance. I began my bike ride at the Waukesha end of the Glacial Drumlin rather than at its Western end. I plan to ride this trail again, and hope to ride it in its entirety someday! 52 MILES . For more information, please see: Running between Wisconsin's two largest urban areas, this trail stretches for 52 miles through farmlands and glacial topography. ( Bummer: I was hoping to surprise my wife with that part of the ride) Because of the bridge closure, you ride in the open marsh a bit longer than before. The trail travels through 10 small towns from Cottage Grove to Waukesha. This is a long trail, about 50 miles, but there are hardly any cyclists. Within minutes, this paved trail ducks into a nature preserve and continues through a mix of parkland, marsh, wooded areas, mixed vegetation without going off road. Parked at Cottage Grove today and biked out 23 miles and then back to car. Camping is available at Sandhill Station State Campground, 1.3 miles south of the depot on Mud Lake Road. Description: The Glacial Drumlin State Trail runs from Cottage Grove (just east of Madison) to Waukesha, going through the communities of Deerfield, Lake Mills, Sullivan, Dousman, and Wales. I seem to be one of the few who has covered the entire trail. although we only did 6miles. We hope to see you on the trails! A mostly slow uphill grade from Waukesha to Wales then slight downhill to Waterville road where we got off. The trail is open west of Dousman - I took it from Main St in Dousman to Sullivan and it's actually quite pretty once you get closer to Sullivan. This is a long trail, … The trail starts quite flat and straight (westerly) out of Waukesha, but soon begins a barely perceptable, but steady climb to reach the high point of the entire trail in the town of Wales. There are several road intersections, most of which are not highly travelled. Give it a try! We started at the Trail Head in Cottage Grove on Saturday Morning. There was a smallOverall a great trail. Schreiber Ln. Declining rail traffic forced the railroad to stop using the route in 1983, and it was transformed into a rail-trail in 1986. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. You can use a road bike on this section, which I will likely try next time. The landscape challenged the Chicago and North Western Railway’s builders as they established the rail line between Madison and Milwaukee in the 1880s. Yesterday I rode to Dousman, when I got back to Waukesha, made a right turn coming off the trail & took the Fox River Trail. There was a small stretch on streets but it was well marked and little traffic. Trail Information. I on the day we rode it was a slight west headwind. The Glacial Drumlin Trail is a 47 mile trail developed in 1986 on an abandoned railroad. 262-968-4700. Within minutes, this paved trail ducks into a nature preserve and continues through a mix of parkland, marsh, wooded areas, mixed vegetation without going off road. We'll keep ya posted :). All the bridges you encounter have a rubber strip in the middle and run length of bridge. I plan to do this again in the fall! In spring, the trail is ready to go as soon as the snow melts, although I have done it where there was still snow in sections. First trail ride and it was perfect! No wheels? In the 5-mile stretch between Lake Mills and Jefferson, the trail tunnels under a thick tree canopy in the summer and crosses Crawfish River and Rock River (a fishing haven for locals). I rode this trail (paved portion) almost daily during my time living in Waukesha. Today, I rode west about 15 miles from Dousman to just outside of Jefferson and back, and the western portion of this trail is crushed gravel. worse then those darn potholes that have been mostly filled in. You could see about 1/2" deep footprints from people walking. Also, if you book your Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail vacation package in Milwaukee with Travelocity, you’ll get access to our best travel discounts. The trail ends in Waukesha, but there is also a park at the trail end where you are also able to ride. The Glacial Drumlin requires an Annual Trail Pass for all bicyclists and rollerbladers. (Click the pass to the left for info.) The trail is easily assessable from … The scenery is very good, because of the glacial landscape it runs through. I live 1.5mi from the start of the trail in Waukesha (EB Shurts). many riders but most really courteous. A state trail pass is required on certain trails. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a great trail for everyone. Great ride, love to see the folks walking the pups out there.fff. There's a bikeshop, gas station, ice cream joint, and other various businesses. I have used this trail twice with my hybrid bike, and enjoyed it very much! Lake Mills view from the trail is beautiful.Next year I'll ride the whole trail. The trail is extremely flat for the entire run. All paved and areas to really open up if you want. ", " Having twice biked the stretch from Waukesha to Wales, I can highly recommend this trail. In Lake Mills Wi. Since my girlfriend lives in Wales right near the bike trail I am biking the trail almost every weekend. Glacial Drumlin State Trail . I have done the Waukesha to Dousman segment (12 miles, all paved) many times. It's well cared for by Wisconsin DNR, and has frequent wooden bridges and lots of wildlife. However the day we rode it was very misty, relatively warm, and wet so the unpaved portions were starting to get quite challenging with our heavy duty tandem bike with cruiser tires and 300# of people. The snow covered sections were covered with about 1" or so of slushy snow and if you have good balance along with wider tires it was possible to stay on the bike. Still, I'm wasting energy with an average speed of 11 mph or less. I hate riding the roads so this trail is absolutely perfect. Even with the smoother surface, you might notice the grade increase as you pass south of the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Please consider a donation to help keep this site running. Go 1.6 miles, and turn left onto US 18/Summit Ave.; then go 0.3 mile, and turn right onto N. Moreland Blvd., which becomes S. Moreland Blvd. I live in Deerfield WI and ride the trail all summer long. Accessibility: The surface is a 13-mile asphalt path between Waukesha and Dousman, and then crushed stone from Dousman to Cottage Grove. Plenty of scenery along the trail that helps pass the 50 plus miles away. In general, the existing We Energies right-of-way corridor will be utilized for the Interurban bike trail route. A bit of a terror ride for me in back where I can’t steer. Enjoy. My 11 year old and I just finished our 2 day, 62 mile trek. Starting with the trailhead, very nice ammenities. We just did a ride on May 3, 2014 riding the entire length of the trail. Hikers, skiers, and snowshoers travel free. It was a great 62 mile adventure for my daughter and I, not only did we get some good Mom and Me time, but she knows she can accomplish almost anything she sets her mind to! A fine city park with drinking fountain ('bubbler' to native Wisconsinites) and 'facilities' will greet you at this trailhead area. Blah Blah Blah! Sometimes I just go to Wales (16mi round trip), sometimes to Dousman (29mi round trip). And note that you do need a state trail pass to use the Glacial Drumlin Trail. I began my bike ride at the Waukesha end of the Glacial Drumlin rather than at its Western end. Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. Pedal'rs Inn Bed and Breakfast. Only went 3 miles past wales before going back. The different scenery was welcome and it was so peaceful as not too many people were using it yet. The daily fee is $4.00. It makes my weekend trips to Sauk City much easier because it isn't hilly. Although the trail stops short of the railroad’s original destinations, plans are afoot to link with Madison via the Capital City State Trail and with Milwaukee via the New Berlin Recreation Trail. Glacial Drumlin State Trail: 52-mile trail starts in the City of Waukesha at the Fox River Sanctuary near the junction of College and Prairie Avenues, and continues west to Cottage Grove in Dane County. Running between Wisconsin's two largest urban areas, this trail stretches for 52 miles through farmlands and glacial topography. Land seems to peak at wales as a high point. This was part of a journey that was a century ride from Fox Point Wi. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. The two trail heads are well marked and have all necessary facilities. The trail is well maintained crushed gravel. West: Connects to Fox River Trail and Glacial Drumlin trail ... View a trail map here. The unpaved part of the trail from Dousman to the on-road connector is showing its age, with some washouts and holes to dodge, and a few bridges in need of replacement. This trail would definitely not qualify as a national rail trail. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a multipurpose rail trail in the U.S. State of Wisconsin. Running between Wisconsin's two largest urban areas, this trail stretches for 52 miles through farmlands and glacial topography. The ride from Dousman on was really easy on the "bike-butt" thanks to the pavement. No trail pass is required for walking, running and hiking. The 52 mile long trail runs between Cottage Grove and the Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha with easy connections to Madison and Milwaukee. This trail is excellent, and I'm grateful for everyone who made it possible. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! On average it takes 1 hour24 minutes to complete this trail. The trail is on a former Chicago and Northwestern Rail right of way, so only one steep hill in a short area near Dousman that is off of the right of way. Glacial Drumlin State Trail (Waukesha) is a 14 mile popular paved path trail located near Pewaukee Wisconsin. That town is pretty cool. Tower Rd. Stickers and trail passes can be purchased online or at individual properties. I’d recommend having 28s on your bike as smaller tires can work but it’d be a little more difficult. Whether you are a traveler looking for a way to explore a new place or familiar with the area and want to enjoy a healthy activity, the Oconomowoc area has a great selection of trails and routes to choose from. There's also a coffee shop which I'd love to patronize on my next trip. Some of the trail is near Hwy 18, and there are some beautiful views of the countryside. Went west from Waukesha, very well maintained, nice ride. I found the trail very enjoyable with plenty of rural splendor and nice pavement in the section I rode. 94 94 JOHNSON CREEK R o c k R i v e r Jahn Rd. Forget the name of the bowling alley bar joint. The trail travels through or near the Wisconsin communities of Cottage Grove, Deerfield, London, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Helenville, Sullivan, Dousman, Wales, and Waukesha. Glacial Drumlin Trail. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. So, easy on the legs as well. Rentals: Friends of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail offers rental bicycles (most are hybrid) at the Lake Mills Depot (1213 S. Main St.; 920.648.8774) for $10 for 4 hours or $20 per day, including a helmet. and it was drizzling rain and windy, did I say Perfect! On to city streets, guessing the way to go. Office buildings, visitor centers, observation towers, enclosed shelters and playgrounds remain closed. 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