Great River Trail, Wisconsin
Onalaska to Black River

Photo Page 1
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Riding behind homes in Onalaska parallel to Hwy 35, heading to the trail head of the Great River State Trail. The building on the left is the Onalaska Water and Sewer Dept.

The trail head to the Great River State Trail.

Great views of Lake Onalaska.

The heavy tree cover provides a welcome respite to the harsh winds of the day. Glimpses of Lake Onalaska can be seen through the trees as you ride along.

It was about this time that I was whipping along and a large bug flew right at my face. I assumed it missed me until the next chew of my gum, when I heard a crunch. I immediately knew what it was. I became grossed out but it had a distinctive minty flavor to it that was surprisingly not that bad. I tried to work it with my tongue and spit it out, but spit out my gum instead. I was eventually able to work out all the various pieces and kept spitting until that minty flavor went away.

The trail turns away from Lake Onalaska and opens up into some protected wild grass lands.

 

Trail access at the town of Midway.

After Midway, the trail heads back into tree cover. I'd read where the trail was limestone, but it was very sparse in most places and actually muddy in spots.

View from a bridge and surrounding marshy wetlands.

An abandoned truck sits along side the Burlington Northern railroad tracks in front of a small subdivision.

Hunting is allowed on a couple stretches of the trail. I saw a couple of signs warning hunters not to shoot within certain distances of sanitoriums, buildings, and schools. I also saw a spent shotgun shell in the middle of the trail. It might be wise to wear some bright clothing

Observation deck for a National Wildlife Refuge protected area. Different prairie plants of southern Wisconsin include, the Compass Plant, Spider Wort, Big and Little Blue Stem, Indian Grass, Yellow Cornflower, Grey Goldenrod, and Butterfly Milkweed.

View of a 287' bridge spanning the Black River.

This is just outside Lytle's Landing where the trail is fairly well maintained, there is a boat launch, and a clean bathroom.

Picture taken from the bridge, looking south on the Black River.