Fox River State Trail: Ott Road to Greenleaf
The Fox River State Trail tracvels north for 10.7 miles from Ott Road to Greenleaf. Much of the route journeys next to Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 in Calumet and Brown Counties. The landscape surrounding the trail is predominately agricultural, with some small forests an wetland areas. The surface of the path is crushed limestone, in good condition.
When biking north on the Fox River State Trail, a logical place to start is where the path commences on Ott Road. Unfortunately, there is only small parking area to accommodate three or four vehicles at the that location. Roadside parking is not permitted, with “no parking” signs posted there. A small drive-in spot is situated across the road from the start of the trail, which may also serve as a parking spot.
The trailhead is accessed by turning east off Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 onto Ott Road. The intersection is two miles north of Hilbert and three miles south of Forest Junction. Once on Ott Road, drive 350 yards to the trail’s start.
Given the popularity of the Fox River Trail, it is disappointing there is not a larger parking lot or trail amenities at its southern terminus. Trail-goers may also park their vehicles on a street in Forest Junction, or at a trailhead 3.7 miles north. This trailhead has no facilities other than a parking lot. To access it by car, turn east on County Highway K from Wisconsin State Highways 32-57. The intersection is 1.5 miles north of Forest Junction. County Highway K immediately crosses the trail. Take a quick right onto Holmes Road, and drive 0.5 mile south before turning right (west) into the gravel parking lot.
From Ott Road, the Fox River State Trail goes north, traversing wetlands. After a half mile, it crosses the north branch of the Manitowoc River. Land on the west side of the trail belngs to Brillion Conservation Club, with “no trespassing” signs posted. Land to the east is part of the Brillion State Wildlife Area. Waterfowl are often seen in the wildlife area’s ponds and rivers.
The Fox River State Trail is open to horseback riders from Ott Road to Greenleaf. Horse droppings are occasionally found on the trail. Bicyclists should yield to equestrians on the trail. The trail proceeds north pass farm fields. Tall bushes line the path, and the trail occasionally passes through small clusters of hardwood trees.
It is nearly three miles to Forest Junction. For a half mile, the path travels next to Wisconsin State Highways 32-57. The community of Forest Junction had a post office as early as 1873. The community was named for a railroad junction near a forest. The first railroad that came through in 1872 was the Appleton & New London Railroad. It later became the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad, a predecessor of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway.
The line of the second railroad through Forest Junction, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) was first built for the Milwaukee and Northern Railway in 1873. The Forest Junction depot, serve both freight and passengers. Today, Forest Junction is a quiet community, but still a junction. U.S. Highway 10 and Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 intersects there. Additionally, the Fox River State trail intersects the Friendship State Trail in Forest Junction The 4.1-mile trail travels east to Brillion.
Continuing north on the Fox River State Trail, trail-goers should exercise caution when crossing U.S. Highway 10. There are no flashing lights at this intersection. A convenience store in Forest Junction is a short distance west at the main highway intersection. Bicycling the 0.7 mile west from the trail to the convenience store on the busy U.S. highway is dangerous. It’s better to stop there to get needed supplies for starting a bike trip.
A half mile after crossing the U.S. highway, there is a spur trail on the right (east) leading to the Forest Junction trailhead off County Highway K and Holmes Road. The Fox River State Trail continues north, adjacent to Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 for seven miles to Greenleaf. Its entrance into Brown County at Mann-Cal Road is marked by an information kiosk and trail sign. As the route advances, wetlands transition to an agricultural countryside. Family farms are commonly seen across fields from the trail. In addition, several mega-farms are seen (and smelled) towards the west, across the state highway.
A tall grain elevator alongside the trail announces arrival to the unincorporated community of Greenleaf. After crossing Wisconsin State Highway 96, look for the tiny historic Greenleaf Fire Department building. A family restaurant and gas station with convenience store are nearby. Greenleaf was named for Emery B. Greenleaf, the general manager of the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad. This rail line, which now is the trail, came through the area in 1873.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
It is 10.7 miles from the trailhead on Ott Road to the rest area in Greenleaf. The rest area contains a large parking lot, portable toilet, sheltered picnic table, information kiosk, self-registration station, and a bicycle self-service station. It is located on Follett Street. Access the rest area in Greenleaf by taking Wisconsin State Highway 96 east at the roundabout with Wisconsin State Highways 32-57. Turn left (north) immediately onto Follett Street and drive 350 yards past the grain elevator to the rest area.
Trail ridden and documented in September, 2020.