Old Plank Road Trail: County Hwy G to Plymouth
The segment of the Old Plank Road Trail from County Highway G in Fond du Lac County to Plymouth is 13.4 miles long. It travels along Wisconsin State Highway 23 the entire route. The trail passes through an area of rolling Wisconsin landscape that was shaped by ancient glaciers. Set amidst this undulating terrain, the Old Plank Road Trail includes several formidable hills with climbs that may be challenging for some cyclists.
The entire surface of the Old Plank Road Trail is paved with asphalt. The western section of the path was built more recently, and has a smooth surface. On some older trail segments, the pavement shows signs of age and weathering. Large cracks in the pavement cross the trail, some with clumps of weeds growing from them. Some of the more substantial cracks can create a rather jarring ride. At the time this trail was ridden, the section in the worst condition was between County Highways S and C.
Despite highway traffic noise and some bumpy sections, the Old Plank Road Trail offers a pleasant and scenic ride. The rolling landscape features views of forests, pastures, and farm fields. The path twice crosses the Mullett River, passes through the Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, and briefly shares its route with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
A trailhead is found at County Highway G in Fond du Lac County. To reach it by car from Wisconsin State Highway 23, exit on the county road and drive south to Division Road. Turn left (east), and go 200 feet to the trailhead entrance. It is on the left (north) side of Division Road. This basic trailhead is a parking lot marked by an “Old Plank Road Trail” sign.
From the trailhead, the route goes east up a small hill. Division Road travels next to the trail on its south side. The 4 lanes of Wisconsin State Highway 23 are to the north. After a half mile, Division Road turns south. A trail sign indicates entry into Sheboygan County. From there, it’s one mile to County Highway U and another mile to Spring Valley Road.
From Spring Valley Road, the trail makes a steep ascent. The path crosses Scenic View Drive, then descends over a mile to the entrance to Old Wade House State Park. Trail-goers may want to deviate and explore this unique historic site located just off the trail.
Old Wade House State Park is a 240-acre open-air museum in Greenbush, and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, and preserves nine historic buildings. Three are listed in the National Register of Historic Places: the Sylvanus Wade House (c.1848-1851), the Charles Robinson House (1855), and the Robinson-Herrling sawmill. Historic interpreters wearing period clothing offer tours and lead presentations when the park is open.
The Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum sits at the entrance to the park. It displays historic non-motorized vehicles including carriages, sleighs, wagons, fire wagons, and more. A large visitor center houses restrooms, a museum store, classrooms, and a banquet facility. Check their website for hours of operation and special events.
Back on the Old Plank Road Trail, the route continues east down the hill from the visitor center. History buffs wanting to see the Sylvanus Wade House exterior without taking a tour, may diverge from the trail and turn right (south) onto Plank Road in Greenbush. It’s 0.4 mile to the historic building on the west side of Plank Road.
This 3-story, 27-room Greek Revival-style building was built by Sylvanus and Betsey Wade, and served as an inn on the stagecoach route between Sheboygan and Fond du lac. Next to the building, a historical marker conveys its story.
From Plank and Center Roads, it’s 0.4 mile back to the Old Plank Road Trail. Turn left (east) on Center Road and proceed to Sugarbush Road. Turn left (north) and continue to the intersection with the trail. After turning right (east) onto the path, the route soon crosses the Mullett River. From County Highway A, it is a half mile to the Plank Road trailhead. The distance between the trailheads at County Highway G and Plank Road is 5.6 miles.
The Plank Road Trailhead is well-equipped with a parking lot, covered picnic table, pit latrine, and garbage/recycle bins. A deposit box receives donations to support the trail. A log cabin named “pioneer house” is located at this trailhead, along with a handpump for water.
Vehicles may access the trailhead from Plank Road. Plank Road converges with the eastbound lanes of Wisconsin State Highway 23, but there is no access to the road from westbound lanes. When traveling west, exit Wisconsin State Highway 23 to the south on County Road A in Greenbush. Drive a half mile and turn left (south) onto Plank Road. Proceed one mile to the trailhead.
From the Plank Road trailhead, the path ascends a high moraine. The laborious climb covers 1.5 miles from the trailhead to County Highway S. About 0.3 mile into the ascent, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail joins the Old Plank Road Trail, and they travel together for a half mile. The path travels on Julie Court for a short distance. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail then leaves the path, turning north underneath a bridge on Wisconsin State Highway 23.
The Old Plank Road Trail continues to ascend the high moraine for over another high mile. The trail reaches its pinnacle at County Highway S, and then starts descending by 300 feet over the course of 3 miles. After crossing Inez Court, the path briefly travels on a town road. It bridges Jackson Creek, then ascends another hill to cross County Highway C.
Of note to cyclists are several sharp corners near trail intersections with several roads. With a fast downhill descent, speed adjustments to successfully navigate the turns become crucial. Also, at the time this path was ridden, the section of the trail between County Highway S and C was bumpy, due to cracks in the pavement. Cyclists should exercise caution and monitor speed accordingly.
After a descent from County Highway C, the trail crosses Sunset Drive and a railroad track. It then turns to left (north) next to Riverview Road, and passes under Wisconsin State Highway 23. Spur trails lead in various directions next to Sunset Drive and Riverside Road. After passing under the state highway, the route turns right (east) and crosses Riverview Road. It travels for a half mile past the athletic fields of Quit Qui Oc Athletic Complex.
The Old Plank Road Trail next traverses Wisconsin State Highway 67, where extreme caution is needed when crossing the highway’s 4 lanes. Trail-goers begin by first crossing two highway ramps. The highway intersection has no warning lights or pavement markings to alert traffic to the trail crossing.
Now on the east side of the Wisconsin State highway 67, the trail runs between the highway and Mullett River. It passes under Wisconsin State Highway 23, then turns left (east) and spans the Mullett River. On the east side of the river next to the trail and under the state highway bridge is a small rest area with a grill for cooking.
Proceeding on the south side of Wisconsin State Highway 23, it’s an uphill climb to Fairview Drive. From the bridge over Mullet River, it is 2.2 miles to Wisconsin State Highway 57. In this span, the trail crosses County Highway E and Pleasant View Road. The trail crossing at Wisconsin State Highway 57 is unmarked with no warning lights or painted crosswalk.
On the east side of Wisconsin State Highway at 57, trail-goers have a choice of routes. The main Old Plank Road Trail continues to the left (north) on its way to Sheboygan. The path to the right (south) travels a half mile to a trailhead in Plymouth. This trailhead has a parking lot, picnic shelter, free library stand, outdoor toilet, cooking grills, and garbage/recycling bins. A stone monument commemorates the construction and use of the old plank road.
The Plymouth trailhead is on County Highway C. By car from Wisconsin State Highway 23, exit south onto Wisconsin State Highway 57. Drive 0.6 mile, and turn left (east) on County Highway C. The trailhead entrance is on the left (north) side of the road after 175 yards.
This area was first known by Native Americans as Quit Qui Oc, or Crooked River. The city of Plymouth was surveyed in 1835, and settlement by white Americans and European immigrants began a decade later. Plymouth incorporated in 1877, and was known as “Hub City.” The name may have come from the central location in Sheboygan County, or that the city was home to the Schwartz brothers wagon shop in the 1860s.
Plymouth is known for its cheese industry. The city was the home of the National Cheese Exchange from 1918-1956, and titles itself “Cheese Capital of the World.” It currently hosts four major cheese processing facilities. Plymouth’s downtown is decorated with large murals reflecting its past. Many of the historic, downtown buildings have been restored. Today, museums, restaurants, and antique shops make Plymouth an attractive city for visitors.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
There are many places in Plymouth to grab a bite to eat. Near the trailhead, the Roadside Bar and Grill features a full menu including a Friday fish fry. Their sandwiches, gyros, and burgers are also highly rated. A bit further into town, Chester’s Drive-In is a traditional drive-through, with orders taken by carhops. Chester’s is best known for its root beer freeze, ice cream treats, burgers and fries.
Trail last ridden and documented in May, 2024.