Foundation Trail (Route Description)

The Foundation Trail offers a leisurely ride for 4.7 miles through the city of Black River Falls. The path winds along the Black River and Town Creek, passes through several parks, and journeys next to the Jackson County fairgrounds and Black River Falls High School. In the downtown area, the route travels for 0.3 mile of Water Street.

The surface of the path is paved with asphalt and averages 10 feet wide. There are a few hills to climb and ascend. While most gradient changes are slight, there are some steep sections with inclines that exceed 8%. Additionally, the trail is used frequently by pedestrians. The use of extreme caution and a slow rate of speed is required when biking this trail. Wearing a helmet, bright clothing, and using head and taillights is recommended too.

Along its way, the Foundation Trail travels through two underpasses and on top of a levee. The route is equipped with lights, park benches and picnic tables, and two bicycle self-repair stations. Several interpretive markers are found along the way.

Lunda Community Park, on the west side of Black River Falls, is a jewel of the city. It works well as trailhead. This expansive park includes a pond, accessible playground, amphitheater, aquatic center, skate park, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and athletic fields and courts. The Foundation Trail journeys through the park.

To reach Lunda Community Park by car from Interstate Highway 94, take exit 116 and drive west on Wisconsin State Highway 54. Go 1.9 miles through downtown Black River Falls. Turn right (north) onto 10^th Street, then left (west) onto Tyler Street. Drive 0.4 mile and turn left (south) at the park entrance on 14^th Street. Drive to the parking area by the playground.

Begin a ride on the Foundation Trail by heading south from the parking lot up the hill around the amphitheater. An amazing view of the park is presented from here. The path next circles down to the pond. Follow the trail to the left or west of the pond. On the east side of the pond, two separate trails lead to the park’s entrance at Tyler and 14^th Streets.

The route continues north on 14^th Street. In this 0.2 mile section, the trail ascends 40 feet in elevation. It turns right (east) on Van Buren Street and goes 0.3 mile, descending the same elevation as the previous climb. Next, the route turns left (north) and goes another 0.3 mile uphill past Skyline Golf Course. Trail signs indicate the route on these streets.

The trail peels off to the right (east) through a charming forested section aside Town Creek. There are a few hills to climb over the next 1.2 miles, but the majority of the route travels downhill. This entire length passes through the shade of a thick forest. Park benches and pull-outs offer trail-goers a place to contemplate the beautiful views of babbling Town Creek.

The Foundation Trail passes the ball diamonds of Marks Field and descends to a rest area by 8^th Street. A wonderful view of the creek is provided here. The path continues under the street and meanders alongside the valley walls of Town Creek and through the dense forest. After a half mile, the trail passes under Jefferson Street.

A trailside pullout here invites cyclists to look down through the vegetation into the ravine to spy a small waterfall below. Its falling waters help in discovering its location. Other interpretive markers along the trail reveal different unique stories about the creek’s history.

It’s 0.3 mile from the underpass to the Field of Honor Veterans Memorial. The trail leaves the wooded ravine and enters an open field. A bicycle self-repair station is located by the path. Across from it is an impressive memorial honoring the community’s veterans, but particularly Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War.

The Black River Falls Chamber of Commerce is located there. Nearby is an interpretive marker about Wisconsin’s pineries, and a sign conveying the story of the city’s dams. There are also picnic pavilions and a playground. This area is used as a trailhead. It is located on Water Street. By car, take exit ramp 115 south from Interstate Highway 94 into Black River Falls. Drive 1 mile to the Chamber of Commerce on the right (west) side of the road.

The trail next turns right (south) and crosses Town Creek over a narrow pedestrian bridge. Because it is limited width, cyclists are advised to walk their bikes over the bridge. The route continues south on Water Street. This road is frequently busy with traffic. Cyclists may want to use the sidewalk for safety. Over the 0.3 mile distance, the route crosses a busy intersection where employing crosswalk signals is advised.

The trail resumes after crossing Pierce Street. It proceeds for the next half mile on a high dike. The Black River flows south on the trail’s left (east) side. Along the way, the trail passes Al Young Park and Bruce Cormican Canoe Landing. After a half mile along the levee, the path dips down into the forested lowlands next to the river.

Trail-goers who are interested in visiting Sand Creek Brewing Company should instead follow a dirt path straight ahead for 0.3 mile to the brewery. The path travels by the city’s wastewater treatment facility and turns into Disposal Road. The brewery is a little farther after traveling on 4^th Street.

Returning to the Foundation Trail, the path meanders through the forest next to the Black River. After passing by a scenic bend in the river, the trail climbs a high bluff. It ascends 90 feet over a half mile, and includes one switchback. This climb is strenuous, to say the least.

Now on level ground, the trail next passes the Jackson County Fairgrounds and crosses Wisconsin State Highway 54. The last half mile of the Foundation Trail passes by Lunda Community Center and Black River Falls High School. A second bicycle self-repair station is located in this section. A little further, the trail arrives back at Lunda Community Park by the parking lot from where the ride began.

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

The Foundation Trail is short, but extremely scenic. The sections by Town Creek and Black River are especially picturesque. These wooded areas are sanctuaries for squirrels, deer, rabbits, and birds. Cyclists riding this trail are advised to go slow and take their time. There is so much to see, hear, and observe along the way.

Trail last ridden in September, 2024.