Old Abe State Trail: Jim Falls to County Highway O
The Old Abe State Trail runs 5.7 miles from Jim Falls to a trailhead on County Highway O. The landscape along the way gradually changes from forests to agricultural fields. The paved path is in excellent condition and provides a smooth and relaxing ride. This section of the trail sees slightly more traffic than from Cornell to Jim Falls.
There is a primitive trailhead in Jim Falls with a parking lot, information kiosk, bike rake, and picnic table. To reach the trailhead by car, take Wisconsin State Highway 178 toward Jim Falls. Turn east on County Highway Y, cross the Chippewa River, and go right (south) 0.4 mile on County Highway S to the trailhead partrking lot.
Jim Falls has a few restaurants, taverns, and a gas station/convenience store. The community 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.
From the trailhead, traveling south takes bicyclists past the local elementary school and baseball diamond. It is one mile from Jim Falls to the Lions Clubbuilding and nearby Anson Township Park. The trail the crosses County Highway S and continues south. 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.
Old Abe State Trail next crosses Ewings Road. About a half mile further down the path, it crosses 115th Avenue. The landscape is is predominately agricultural. The trail then makes a broad bend to the southwest. It crosses McIlquham and Cameron Roads before arriving next to County Highway S. The path slowly resumes its southern direction, and meets the trailhead at the junction of County Highway O.
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. Bicyclists should slow down or stop when approaching horseback riders. 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 two miles west on County Highway O. To reach the trailhead by car from Wisconsin State Highway 178, take County Highway S east for two 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 two miles on the county highway to reach the state park. Perhaps a spur trail to the park is planned in a future expansion.
It is 5.7 miles from Jim Falls to the well-equipped trailhead on County Highway O. The route is scenic and an excursion promises to be delightful and tranquil. The accommodations at the trailhead on County Highway O make up for the primitive amenities at Jim Falls. Nonetheless, this section of the trail offers an enjoyable ride over a short distance.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2020.
