Bugline Trail: North Lake to Sussex

The 8.3 miles of the Bugline Trail from North Lake to Sussex offer beautiful views on a paved trail. Along the way, the path travels through lovely hardwood forests, farm fields, and suburban neighborhoods. This segment of the trail crosses 2 rivers and passes 4 community parks. One tunnel cuts under a state highway, and there are 8 other roads to cross.

The 10-foot wide trail is paved with asphalt, and in excellent condition. The route from North Lake to Sussex is fairly level, with a slight descent. The path is well marked, with trail signs naming roads at each intersection. Trail rules are also posted at each road crossing. Mileage markers indicate distance, and park benches are generously placed along the way.

There is no trailhead at the path’s start near North Lake. On Hartman Court, a sign points to the trail’s start down a dirt road to the south. The road leads to the trail, then enters private property. “No trespassing” signs inform vehicles not to proceed into the property. As a result, this road serves only as a quick drop-off location, with no parking.

Parking is available nearby, permitted on the shoulder of Harman Court. Some trail-goers park on Hartman Court near the trail sign and dirt road entrance. Others park 350 yards east, where a driveway leads to a storage garage and provides trail access.

To reach the trailhead by vehicle, from Wisconsin State Highway 83 in North Lake, turn northeast on Kilbourne Road. Drive 0.3 mile and turn right (south) onto Hartman Court. The dirt road is 300 feet ahead. The second parking spot is another 350 yards down the road.

The Bugline Trail begins its eastward journey near North Lake. Located in northwestern Waukesha County, this area was once a crossroads of two Native American trails. This land was originally home to members of the Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi tribes, who lived on the shores of different local lakes.

The first white Americans arrived in 1837. The first home was built in 1853, with mills appearing soon after. The lakes attracted visitors, and resorts were built for urbanites traveling here for leisure and recreation. As the population increased other businesses were constructed, including a general store, brewery, hotel, stockyards, and lumber company. Today, North Lake still caters to tourists.

From its beginning, the Bugline Trail advances east through a hardwood forest. After a half mile, it bridges the small Oconomowoc River. On the river’s eastern bank, a hiking trail emerges from the north, winding down the hill and onto the path. This is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which shares the route for 1.5 miles. In some sections the Ice Age Trail has a separate grassy path, adjacent to the paved Bugline Trail.

After 0.75 mile the trail crosses its first road, County Highway E. Less than a half mile later it crosses County Highway VV. The trail intersects this county road several times along the way. On the south side of road is the expansive Milwaukee Ultimate Fields. The land previously housed the Milwaukee Polo Club, but now is claimed by Ultimate Frisbee Group.

From the county highway, the trail continues east through farm fields and neighborhoods. It crosses two streets, including Dorn Road. There, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail departs from the path to follow the road south.

Just over a mile from County Highway VV, the trail turns sharply south. It is easy to assume the route continues straight east, but this is a spur trail leading to a nearby street. The main trail turns south and heads down a short, steep hill through a neighborhood.

After crossing Bark River Drive, the trail enters a forest and turns east. This forest surrounds the picturesque Bark River. For well over a mile, the trail runs between the babbling river and two parks in Merton. Park benches beneath butternut trees overlook the attractive river, and it is worth taking a moment to enjoy the scenery.

Pollworth Park is the first park along the trail. It has a parking lot, ball diamonds, and restrooms open only on game days. Fireman’s Park comes next, with restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, and ball diamonds. A trailhead with parking lot is located aside the park. There are also park benches and a self-serve bicycle repair station. The trailhead and park is accessed by car from County Highway VV (Main Street) in Merton.

On Main Street, a historical marker by the trail tells the story of Merton. A Potawatomi village once sat on the Bark River nearby, along a Native American trail. A large ancient Indian mound was also located there. White Americans and immigrants began arriving in the 1840s. The community was named “Warren,” but changed to honor the English town of Merton. In 1922, the village was incorporated.

Nineteenth century life in Merton weas centered downtown. With many of its original nineteenth century buildings still standing today, Merton’s Main Street imitates a typical New England village. A few of these historic structures house taverns and other places offering meals. A local favorite for lunch is Merton Sub Company.

Back on the Bugline Trail, the path crosses the east side of Main Street and then turns left. It travels one block north on Main Street. After crossing Paul Avenue, the route turns right (east) and returns to the paved path.

Heading northeast, the trail proceeds 0.8 mile to Lake Five Road. Along the way, it passes Merton Millpond 26. It’s tough to see the pond to the right (south), due to the thick forest surrounding the path. The trail crosses Bark River, which is surrounded by reeds and cattails, before arriving at Lake Five Road.

After crossing the road, the Bugline Trail passes another park. A spur trail on the right (south) leads to Lisbon Community Park. This park serves as a trailhead or rest top, with many amenities. It features restrooms, picnic tables and grills, covered shelters, hiking trails, canoe access to the Bark River, fishing, and a volleyball court. The park’s archery range is a bit further down the trail.

Lisbon Community Park is reached by car from Wisconsin State Highway 164 in Sussex. From the state highway, turn west on Silver Spring Drive and drive 2.6 miles to Lake Five Road. Then turn right (north) and go one mile. Turn right (east) on Oakwood Road, and left (north) into the park on Bartlett Parkway.

The Bugline Trail skirts Lisbon Community Park, bending for a mile around its northern boundary. Then the trail journeys southeast for 3 miles. Initially it runs through open marshland, dotted by small stands of trees. Vegetation still lines the trail in this section, where empty railroad cars line the tracks adjacent to the trail.

As the trail approaches Sussex, marshlands give way to urbanization. A tunnel brings trail-goers under the four lanes of Wisconsin State Highway 164 and into the village. Continuing southeast, the path crosses Pewaukee Road. It next arrives at busy County Highway VV (Main Street), where flashing crosswalk lights may be deployed when crossing. On its south side, the trail passes Sussex Village Hall.

The main path heads down a hill, but trail-goers may take a spur trail to the right (south) up a small incline. This leads to Sussex Village Park, another trailhead. It is 0.3 mile to the parking lot. This substantial park features restrooms, picnic shelters, a playground, splashpad, multi-sport courts, athletic fields and ball diamond, and a disc golf course.

By car, the park is reached from County Highway VV (Main Street) in Sussex. Turn south onto Weaver Drive. After 0.3 mile, the entrance appears on the left (east) side of the road.

The village of Sussex was founded in 1843 by two Englishmen. George Elliott was a bricklayer from Beckley, East Sussex, and Richard Cooling was a blacksmith from Dorset. The settlement grew slowly. In the late 1800s, the advent of the railroad and quarrying of Lannon stone hastened development. Sussex was incorporated as a village in 1924.

Today, this charming Waukesha County village is a bedroom community for Milwaukee. Sussex has restaurants, coffeehouses, taverns, and cafés to serve its residents and visitors. Many of these establishments are on Main Street, near the bike path.

Just off the path, Loca Latte welcomes trail-goers. It specializes in gourmet coffee, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and desserts. A main attraction is their large outdoor patio with central fire pit. Belfast Station Irish Pub & Grill is also located near the trail in Sussex, offering American and Irish pub fare. Both the fish and chips or Reuben sandwiches are highly recommended (a pint of Guinness is optional).

^{Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.}

Parents looking for a family-friendly route may consider a ride on the Bugline Trail that links any of the three parks. Of note, the 1-mile section from Fireman’s Park in Merton to Lisbon Community Park has two roads to cross. The 4-mile section from Lisbon Community Park to Sussex Village Park has two road crossings.

As the Bugline Trail advances east from North Lake to Sussex, the landscape gradually changes from rural forests and farms to a more suburban environment. Nonetheless the scenery is pleasing, the incline slight, and the overall journey agreeable.

Trail last ridden and documented in September, 2023.