South Connector Trail
Janesville’s South Connector Trail is also known as the Highway 11 Trail. It connects neighborhoods on the city’s south side to the Peace Trail on the west bank of the Rock River. While the main trail paralleling Wisconsin State Highway 11 is 4 miles long, several connecting spur trails extend the length to over 6 miles.
The trail is paved and in good condition. It traverses small hills next to the adjacent highway. Park benches are placed along the path, but no other facilities are present.
The trail seems to function mainly as a commuter path; there is no trailhead at the eastern terminus. On weekend days, cyclists may begin their ride after being dropped off at the parking lot of the Rock County Salt Station. It is at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highway 11 and Avalon Road. To access the trail from this location, cyclists must cross the state highway’s busy four lanes to the north side of the road. It is not recommended to leave a vehicle at the salt station while biking. It serves only as a drop-off site.
After heading west for a half mile, the trail crosses County Road G (Beloit Avenue). The landscape is a mix of fields, homes and businesses, and large factories and warehouses. The large warehouses of Dollar General, Generac, and Blain’s Farm and Fleet are noticeable from the trail. Cyclists should pay close attention to heavy truck activity when crossing streets. For enhanced safety, visibility gear and lights are recommended when biking this trail.
A half mile west of Beloit Avenue, a spur trail arrives from the right (north). It travels 0.6 mile to Jackson Elementary School and its neighborhood. For cyclists parking their cars and heading out on a bike ride, the school parking lot serves as a better trailhead than the salt station parking lot. It is located on S. Jackson Street. It is reached from Wisconsin State Highway 11 by turning north on County Road G (Beloit Avenue, then turning left (west) on W. Burbank Avenue, and then left (south) on S. Jackson Street.
Back on the main trail, the path climbs a hill before descending to cross U.S. Highway 51. A Kwik Trip convenience store is located on the southeast corner of this intersection. Cyclists should obey crosswalk signals and exercise caution when crossing streets.
After a half mile west, another spur trail joins from the right (north). This spur travels 0.4 miles to a neighborhood, passing Paw Print Dog Park and Prairie Knoll Park. The parking lot there may serve as an alternate trailhead location. It is located at 2701 S. Oakhill Avenue.
A third spur path joins from a neighborhood on the south of the highway after another 0.7 mile. This path passes underneath the highway and circles up to the South Connector Trail.
Next, the trail begins a descent over the Rock River. After crossing a ramp leading down to S. River Road, the trail splits. The path to the right descends to S. River Road. The path going left continues along the highway, crossing the bridge over the Rock River. The bridge offers a stunning view of the river north towards Janesville.
A short distance west of the bridge, the S. Connector Trail ends. It divides into three routes. Cyclists planning to access the Peace Trail should turn right (north) at the first junction. Heading straight across the other side of a railroad crossing brings cyclists to yet another fork in the trail. Both of these trails lead to bike lanes on separate city streets.
Back at the first intersection, the spur trail to the right (north) leads downhill to the Peace Trail. At the trail junction, cyclists may go left (north) into Janesville, or turn right (south) to reach Tripp Road trailhead. After going right on the Peace Trail and biking 0.4 miles through a dense forest, the trailhead appears. The Tripp Road trailhead is an ideal spot to end or start a ride. It has a parking lot, benches, and an information kiosk. There are no restrooms.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
By car, Tripp Road trailhead is reached from Wisconsin State Highway 11. Less than a half mile west of the Rock River, an access ramp on the north side of the highway leads to County Road D. Take the ramp and turn left (south) on the county road. Drive a half mile south and turn left (east) on Tripp Road. After briefly passing through a residential area, the trailhead is found on the left, just before the road enters Janesville’s water treatment facility.
Trail ridden and documented in September, 2021.