Pine River Trail
The Pine River Trail is a lesser-known bicycle path managed by the Richland County Parks Commission. The 16.1-mile route begins at Krouskop Park in Richland Center and terminates at Lone Rock. Along the way, it passes through the communities of Twin Bluffs and Gotham. The trail travels next to the forested hills of the Driftless Area and the sandy bottom lands of the lower Wisconsin River valley. The area is known for an abundance of natural resources, as well as its rare communities of plant and animal species.
The trail follows a former line of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. “The Milwaukee Road,” as it was also called, ran a main line from Milwaukee to Prairie du Chien and further west. The route passed through Madison and traveled next to the Wisconsin River. In 1876, a branch line was built from the main line at Lone Rock. It journeyed north to Richland Center. The route operated for decades, but attendance on theline eventualy wanted. In the 1920s, passenger service the branch line was finally closed.
Today, a recreational trail follows the old branch line’s route. The surface of the path is paved only within Richland Center. The remainder of the path is crushed limestone. The grade is level, but slightly descends in elevation from Richland Center to Lone Rock. For the first ten miles, the trail runs along the scenic Pine River. The route offers stunning views of dramatic 250-foot bluffs. For the last six miles, the path crosses the flat, sandy terrain of the Wisconsin River bottoms, often paralleling U.S. Highway 14.
Scenery along the Pine River Trail includes rolling farmlands, rivers and creeks, forests, meadows, and marshes. The trail crosses 15 bridges over the meandering Pine River and its tributaries. Many bridges are quite scenic, including one that is over 240 feet long. The lowlands of the Wisconsin River’s backwaters are home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets, waterfowl, snakes, and turtles.
Krouskop Park in Richland Center works well as a trailhead. It has numerous amenities. Parking for the Pine River Trail is also available in Twin Bluffs, Gotham, and Lone Rock. Restrooms are located near the trail in Richland Center and Twin Bluffs. Park benches and picnic tables are situated along the route Trail-goers are asked to carry out their garbage. No trail fee is required. Bicyclists should obey all posted rules.
Route Descriptions