Fox River State Trail: Ott Road to Greenleaf
When biking north on the Fox River State Trail, a logical place to start is the trailhead in Calumet County off Ott Road. The trailhead is accessed by turning east off Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 onto Ott Road. The intersection is 2 miles north of Hilbert and 3 miles south of Forest Junction. Once on Ott Road, drive 350 yards to the trail’s start.
Unfortunately, there is no parking area at the trail’s junction with Ott Road. Roadside parking is not permitted, with “no parking” signs posted on both sides of the road. A small drive-in spot is situated across the road from the start of the trail. This may be used as a quick drop-off location. But as a parking spot, it is not allowed.
Given the popularity of the Fox River Trail, it is disappointing there are no parking or trail facilities at the southern terminus of the trail. Trail-goers may park on a street in Forest Junction, or at a trailhead 3.7 miles north of the trail’s start. This trailhead has no facilities other than a parking lot. To access it by car, turn east on County Road K from Wisconsin State Highways 32-57. The intersection is 1.5 miles north of Forest Junction. County Road 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.
Starting from Ott Road, the trail traverses marshy lowlands and crosses the north branch of the Manitowoc River. Land on the west side of the trail is leased by the Brillion Conservation Club, with “no trespassing” signs posted. Land on the east side of the trail is part of the Brillion State Wildlife Area. Waterfowl are often seen in the wildlife area’s ponds and rivers.
There are few benches along the trail. The path’s surface is crushed limestone. During wet weather, it may become soft. The wide trail is also open to horseback riders from Ott Road to Greenleaf. Horse droppings are occasionally found on the trail. Tall bushes line the path, and the trail occasionally passes through small clusters of trees.
At Forest Junction, the Fox River State trail intersects the Friendship State Trail. The 4.1-mile Friendship State Trail travels east to Brillion. Continuing north on the Fox River State Trail, exercise caution at the crossing with busy U.S. Highway 10. There are no flashing crossing lights at this intersection. A convenience store is location in Forest Junction at the intersection of U.S. Highway 10 and State Highways 32-57. 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, a spur trail to the Forest Junction trailhead comes into view on the right(east). The Fox River State Trail continues north, adjacent to Wisconsin State Highways 32-57 for 7 miles to Greenleaf. The trail’s entrance into Brown County at Mann-Cal Road is marked by an information kiosk and trail sign.
As the trail moves north, wetlands transition to agricultural land. Family farms are commonly seen across fields from the trail. In addition, several mega-farms are seen (and smelled) towards the west across Wisconsin State Highways 32-57.
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.