Lake Country Trail
Running 17 miles through Waukesha County, the Lake Country Trail is a popular and frequently used recreational path. The trail runs east to west. It begins at the Landsberg Center trailhead in Pewaukee, and ends at the Jefferson-Waukesha County border. The trail passes through Delafield, Summit, and Oconomowoc. As the name suggests, the route journeys by several scenic lakes, namely Pewaukee, Nagawicka, and the Upper Nemahbin.
The surface of the Lake Country Trail is paved in aspahalt and in excellent condition. The trail traverses a rolling terrain, including one formidable hill to climb and descend. It also cuts through flat marshland, which makes for easy riding. The landscape is a mix of rural and urban, with farm fields, forests, and suburban neighborhoods. The city of Delafield is a perfect stop, as the route runs directly through downtown at the midpoint of the trail.
The Lake Country Trail is located on the former Milwaukee-Watertown Interurban Railway. In the late 1800’s, it was a popular line for city dwellers taking leisure trips to Oconomowoc lake country. The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company operated the line until the early 1940s. The overhead power lines used by the Wisconsin Electric Power Company remain, and their route follows most of the bike trail.
Trailheads and parks along the Lake Country Trail have ample amenities. The easternmost Landsberg Center trailhead is a full-service facility. Parking and restrooms are available at Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course. In Delafield, facilities are located at the Delafield Fish Hatchery Sports Complex and Visitor Center. Another trailhead with full amenities is found in the village of Summit. In Oconomowoc, Roosevelt Park is well-equipped and serves as a trailhead. Another location, this one with only a parking lot, is located on 2nd Street.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail follows the Lake Country Trail for nearly two miles by Delafield. West of there, trail-goers may extend a ride by going south on the Cushing Park Bike Trail to the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Lapham Peak Unit, and further yet to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. The Watertown-Oconomowoc Interurban Trail continues west for nine miles at the Jefferson-Waukesha County border, where the Lake Country Trail ends.
The Lake Country Trail is well-equipped. Mile markers, benches, and trail rules are placed along the route. Bicyclists are asked to comply with all trail rules. The route follows city streets in some sections, and calls for crossing several high-traffic intersections. It’s recommended that bicyclists wear brightly colored clothing, use headlights and taillights, and follow other safety precautions. There is no fee to use the Lake Country Trail.
Route Descriptions