Tomorrow River State Trail: Amherst Junction to Scandinavia
From Amherst Junction to Scandinavia, the Tomorrow River State Trail journeys 9.1 miles through the scenic glaciated landscape of Juneau and Waupaca Counties. Glacial features, including moraines, drumlins, and kettle ponds, are visible from the path. Despite the rolling topography, the trail’s grade is quite level. The path runs mostly downhill to Scandinavia in an undemanding, leisurely ride.
There are two trailhead options when biking east on this segment. One trailhead is located in Amherst Junction on 2nd Street. It has a parking lot, picnic table, park bench, information kiosk, and self-registration station. An interpretive marker conveys local history, as this small town used to be the site of two intersecting railroad lines. A distinctive bridge was built, permitting trains on separate lines to intersect. Today the bridge sits next to the trailhead by the marker, although it is challenging to see.
By car, the Amherst Junction trailhead is reached from U.S. Highway 10. Take exit 238 and drive east on County Road B (Western Way) for 400 feet. Then turn left (north) onto County Road Q and travel 1.1 mile. The county road turns left (west) and becomes Main Street in Amherst Junction. Turn right (north) onto 2nd Street, and drive 175 yards to the trailhead. It is on the left (west) side of the road.
Amherst Junction’s history is connected to two railroad lines that ran through the community. It’s growth and decline were tied to the the financial success of each railway. Originally named Groversburg after a local family, the name changed in 1875 when a post office was established. The village was incorporated in 1911. Today, one of Amherst Junction’s main attractions is nearby Lake Emily County Park. It’s a popular place to swim, boat, fish, camp, hike, and picnic.
Two miles east on the trail, Cate County Park also works well as a trailhead. It is located on Tomorrow River Road overlooking the mill pond. The 9-acre wooded park has picnic tables, grills, and fishing access. A self-registration station is there, along with an information kiosk and equine hitching post. A short spur trail leads north to the Tomorrow River State Trail.
To reach Cate County Park by car from U.S. Highway 10, take exit 238 and drive east on County Road B (Western Way) for 1.4 miles. The route heads through Amherst and across the Tomorrow River. Then turn left (north) onto Tomorrow River Road. Drive 0.8 mile north to the park. It is on the left (west) side of the road.
Amherst predates neighboring Amherst Junction. It’s a larger community that dates to 1853. There are two theories about the town’s name. One suggests an early settler from Amherst, Nova Scotia named the community for his hometown. Another states the name honors General Jeffery Amherst, a colonial British officer in America during the Seven Years’ War.
Amherst has two businesses that are standout favorites. King Cone ice cream shop opened for business 36 years ago, and today features tasty soft and hard-serve ice cream. Since 2012, several of King Cone’s ice cream have ranked highly in national competitions. Award-winning flavors include Caramel Apple Sucker, Lemon Pie, Salty Caramel Truffle, Zanzee Chocolate Bar, Raspberry Lemonade, Red Velvets, and Maggie’s Moo Cake.
Also in Amherst is Central Waters Brewing Company. This well-known company is renowned for their large variety of brews, sustainable practices, and local partnerships. They has been in operation, brewing tasty beer, since 1998. A large taproom serves beer enthusiasts, with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Central Waters asserts they are making the world a better place, one beer at a time.
Back on the Tomorrow River State Trail in Amherst Junction, the trail follows roads on a marked route for 1.5 miles. From the trailhead, it goes north 175 yards on 2nd Street.The route then turns right and runs southeast on County Road KK for 0.3 mile. It then turns left (east) on School Road, and travels 0.8 mile. After turning left (north) again, it goes another 0.2 mile on Alm Road. The route returns to a limestone path east of Alm Road.
After passing a half mile of fields, the path crosses its namesake river. It’s worth a stop on the 1915 railroad bridge to view the picturesque mill pond and river. Herons, egrets, and other waterfowl are often seen in the shallows. Kayakers also make good use of the waterway. Immediately east of the bridge, a spur trail leads south to Cate County Park.
After crossing Tomorrow River Road, the trail climbs and then falls about 75 feet over the next mile. It passes through a large forest, dotted with water-filled swampy sections. Before crossing County Road T, the path travels by Turtle Lake. This lilypad-filled lake is 13 acres, and has a maximum depth of 9 feet.
From County Road T, it’s 1.3 miles to Elkins Road. Along the way, the trail crosses County Road B. It passes through an attractive dale with ridges to the north and south. The landscape is a mix of rolling farm fields, meadows, and forests. Bluebird houses are strategically placed along the trail. In late summer, lavender-colored bee balm and yellow compass plants grow trailside.
After Elkin Road, the Tomorrow River State Trail bends slightly as it cuts through a wooded ridge for nearly a mile. It climbs gently in elevation, then descends into a large valley. Just before leaving the forest for the open valley, the trail moves from Portage County into Waupaca County. The flat, expansive valley is home to Peterson Creek. After crossing Gilman Road, the trail bridges the creek. Distant hills surround the valley and trail for 3.5 miles. The terrain is mostly farm fields, with a few meadows and forests.
On the east side of the valley, the trail circumvents a knoll and crosses the South Branch of the Little Wolf River. It then passes over Wisconsin State Highway 49 on a large iron trestle bridge, before arriving in Scandinavia. A path diverges from the trail and leads to the right (south) downhill to a trailhead. It has a small parking lot and bicycle self-service station. By car, the trailhead is accessed from Wisconsin State Highway 49. It is on the south side of Scandinavia and 7.5 miles north of Waupaca.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Scandinavia is one of the oldest villages in Waupaca County. It was settled in 1850 and incorporated as a village in 1894. Today, it offers cyclists a few options for refreshment. Trout Bum Bakery is a short distance from the trailhead on the south side of town. The bakery is known for its quiches, coffeecake, and scones. The shop’s décor resembles a country trout-fishing shack.
Another great stop only 350 yards north of the trailhead is Scandihus, LLC. The store offers a full menu of coffee products, Cedar Crest ice cream, baked goods, and an assortment of gifts and artwork that are unique to Scandinavian culture. The store is a local center for art, music, and literature, and it also has a public restroom.
Trail last ridden and documented in August, 2022.