Old Abe State Trail: Jim Falls to County Highway O
The Old Abe State Trail runs through Jim Falls, which has a few restaurants, taverns, and a gas station/convenience store. A trailhead there has a parking lot, information kiosk, and picnic table. It is on County Highway S in Jim Falls. To reach the trailhead by car, take Wisconsin State Highway 178 to Jim Falls. Turn east on County Highway Y and cross the Chippewa River. Continue south on County Highway S to the trailhead. It is 0.4 miles from the intersection of County Highways Y and S to the trailhead parking lot.
Jim Falls is named after James Ermatinger, who in 1840 established a trading post at what was previously called Vermillion Falls. He then held public office in the village, but became a member of the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors in 1854. In 1855, he was appointed Justice of the Peace for the county. Jim Falls is also known as the place where the famous eagle “Old Abe” was sold to a local resident. The bald eagle was then sold to soldiers of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The bald eagle served as their regimental mascot throughout the Civil War, and a statue of Old Abe is located in Jim Falls by the dam.
Traveling south from Jim Falls for slightly over a mile, the trail passes by Anson Township Park. While forests and woodlands are found along the route, agricultural land becomes more prevalent. Small meadows of blooming wildflowers are scattered among farm fields.
Bicyclists should demonstrate caution when stepping off the trail, as patches of poison ivy grow along sections of the route. Additionally, keeping an eye on the paved trail will prevent hitting cracks, holes, depressions, and pavement upheavals. Some depressions are marked with brightly colored spray paint, but many others are not.
The 5.7 mile section of the Old Abe State Trail from Jim Falls to County Highway O follows the route of a high voltage power line. A horse trail also parallels the bicycle trail in this section. As the trail approaches County Highway O, housing developments begin to appear.
The trailhead at County Highway O is nicely furnished for bicyclists. There is a parking lot, self-registration station, covered picnic shelter, restrooms, bike racks, and information kiosk. Lake Wissota State Park is 2 miles west on County Highway O. To reach the trailhead by car from Wisconsin State Highway 178, take County Highway S east for 2 miles. The trailhead is located at the intersection of County Highways S and O.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Some literature indicates the Old Abe State Trail goes directly to Lake Wissota State Park. However, there doesn’t appear to be a trail from the trailhead at County Highway O to Lake Wissota State Park. Cyclists may travel the 2 miles on the county highway to reach the state park. Perhaps a spur trail to the park is planned in a future expansion.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2020.
