Old Abe State Trail
Old Abe State Trail follows a former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad line and parallels the Chippewa River for much of its route. The paved trail begins at Brunet Island State Park near Cornell, and travels 37 miles to south through Jim Falls, Chippewa Falls, Lake Hallie, before ending in Eau Claire at Phoenix Park.
At Phoenix Park, Old Abe State Trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail. Along with other connecting trails, the expansive Chippewa Valley Trail System stretches nearly 80 miles across Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn, and Pepin Counties. Bicyclists may journey all the way from Cornell to Durand or Menomonie on this system of trails.
From Brunet Island State Park to Chippewa Falls, Old Abe State Trail winds through forests and agricultural land along the bank of the Chippewa River. Bicyclists are enclosed by forests and there’s always the chance to view wildlife along this northern section of the trail. Plenty of historical sites and interpretative markers are found along the route too. The trail travels through a more urban environment from Chippewa Falls to Eau Claire.
The paved trail makes for easy pedaling, and heading south from Brunet Island State Park or Cornell provides a low downward grade. Basic facilities to serve the needs of bicyclists are found along the trail in small towns and wayside stops.
The trail’s name commemorates “Old Abe,” a bald eagle captured in 1861 by a member of the Lac du Flambeau band of the Ojibwa Nation. At Jim Falls, a small town on the Chippewa River and the bicycle trail, the eagle was sold to a local tavern keeper. He then sold the bird to soldiers of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Named after President Abraham Lincoln, the bald eagle became the regiment’s mascot and accompanied them into many battles of the Civil War. The reservoir behind the hydroelectric dam in Jim Falls is named “Old Abe Lake” to honor the patriotic eagle. A half mile north of Jim Falls on Wisconsin State Highway 178 is a historical marker telling the bald eagle’s story.
Use of Old Abe State Trail is $5 daily per person or $25 for an annual pass. Passes may be purchased at a DNR office, self-registration stations along the trail, and certain local businesses. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail, but a horse trail follows alongside the bike path from Jim Falls south to County Highway O. Obey all posted signs. Bicycling on the Old Abe State Trail is a delightful way to experience the beauty and peace of Wisconsin’s north woods.
Route Descriptions