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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Words & Photos By Andrew Temperly
So, Wisconsin may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of mountain biking, much less epic single track. The north woods of Wisconsin is known more for hunting, fishing , and people who drink copious amounts of beer. But don’t let that fool you. There are gems of trail systems hidden all over the forests, like the trails at Nine Mile State Forest in Wausau Wisconsin.
This trail system was first a collection of cross country ski trails that rambled through heavily wooded and rolling hills. Not too much to speak of for biking until cyclists came together to cut some of the finest tight, single track loops that intertwine with the existing double track ski trails. The result is a maze of trail that changes from super tight and rooted track into fast bermed corners that let you rail through with as much speed as you can handle.
With over 25 miles worth of trail, there is enough to keep the most fit cyclist begging for mercy. Switching between the slow and rocky single track to the fast and wide open double track is enough to keep your legs burning for hours.
The best way to ride these trails is to start out on the old ski trails located by the warming house at the parking lot. From there, keep an eye peeled for numbered trail markers on the sides of the main trail. They pop up rather suddenly, so keep your head up. These tight side trails wind back into the woods through some of the most spectacular terrain that a rider could want. Keep a loo out for rocks and roots as they pop up out of nowhere and can send your front wheel sliding off the trail. The single track loops usually spit you back out on the old ski trail. From there, just continue on down the double track until you see the next trail side marker. The trails can get a little confusing at times, and it can be easy to miss some of the side trail turn offs. Be sure to grab a map from the trail kiosk near the parking lot so that you don’t miss any of the possible routes.
If you plan on spending the night up in the north woods, there are several great possibilities for camping. The best choice by far is the Rib Mountain Recreation Area. This is located just down the road from the Nine Mile trail area. Look for the only large hill within eyesight and that is Rib Mountain. I know it’s not really a mountain, but more of a very large hill. But the camping area offers great views of the surrounding region with comfortable and rustic camp sights. Beware. If you camp here in tornado season, the areas only tornado siren is right next to the camp ground and it will scream bloody murder all night long if there are storms in the vicinity.
Getting there is pretty easy. From Milwaukee, it is about 3 hours away. Tack on another hour if you are coming from Chicago; take I-94 west towards Madison. If you have time to kill, stop in Madison and go for a walk on State Street. There are countless cafes, and being so close to the University, there are endless opportunity for people watching. From Madison, continue on I-94 until you get to the I-39 turn off. Take this north for another 2 hours. When you get to the outskirts of Wausau, look for exit 188. Follow County Road N west for approximately 4 miles. Turn Left on Red Bud Road and continue down for another mile. The trail parking lot will be on your right hand side.
All Wisconsinites that mountain bike absolutely have to ride these trails as they rival some of the finer trails that are found out in the Western states. If you’re from out of town and have some time on your hands this trail system is well worth the drive, from even as far away as Chicago.
