Frolic

The Chippewa River and Red Cedar Trails are available year round for outdoor activities. During Spring, Summer and Fall, you may enjoy walking, biking and in-line skating on the trail. In Winter, the Chippewa River Trail is used for snowmobiling while the Red Cedar Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing. Trail passes for biking, cross-country skiing and in-line skating are required for everyone 16 years and older on the state portion of the Chippewa River Trail and all of the Red Cedar State Trail. The cost is $15 for an annual pass and $4 for a daily pass. Passes may be purchased along the trail. Maps and brochures are available.

A number of the city parks provide convenient locations to park a vehicle and access the bike trails. Along the trails, picnic areas, historical markers, and scenic views can be enjoyed throughout the City of Eau Claire.

Lowes Creek County Park, located in the Town of Washington on S. Lowes Creek Road has recently been expanded in order to welcome mountain bikers to the area. At Lowes Creek you will find a variety of trails for every level of rider, from beginner to advanced. The trails include approximately 5 miles of the double-track cross country ski system and 8 miles of technical singletrack. The newly developed singletrack trails take the rider to all four corners of the park by winding through pine tree forests, crossing creekbeds, and cruising along ridgelines.</p> <p>All of the trails at Lowes Creek are multi-use so they appeal to trail runners, walkers, and mountain bikers. Helmets are recommended and a parking pass is required. For more information, visit the Eau Claire County Parks website or the Chippewa Off Road Bike Association website.</p>

The 15.85 mile Old Abe State Trail is a cooperative effort between the State of Wisconsin and Chippewa County. The paved trail, an abandoned railroad grade, has been developed into a trail for bicycling, snowmobiling, hiking, horseback riding and in-line skating. The trail begins North of Chippewa Falls at the junction of Highways S and O or in Cornell at the Mill Yard Park. The trail may also be accessed at various points along the trail. Enjoy an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, with many historical sites along the way. Passes are required for everyone 16 or older for biking, in-line skating or horseback riding. Trail passes are not required for hiking and snowmobiling. Passes may be purchased along the trail. Season pass $15, Daily pass $4. Maps and brochures are available.

Welcome to the Red Cedar Trail and Hoffman Hills, two of Dunn County's premier natural and recreational destinations. Whether bicycling, skiing, hiking, walking or jogging - you will discover miles of spectacular natural beauty. The Red Cedar Trail has a compacted limestone surface and meanders past towering sandstone bluffs and pastoral farmland, through deep, deciduous forests, sunny meadows, and expansive river bottoms. Sweeping vistas of the Red Cedar River are found along much of the 14.5 miles of trail. Be certain to slow your pace and enjoy the amazing diversity of animals and plants found here. This gently sloping, four-season trail rests upon the bed of a historic railway. The north trailhead is at the old Depot and contains historical and natural exhibits, sells trail passes, and is a visitor center for the City of Menomonie and surrounding area.</p> <p>Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area offers 707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands, and prairie traversed with hiking and cross-country ski trails. It's an excellent bird watching area. A 60-foot-high observation tower crowns one of the highest points in Dunn County, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, especially in autumn.</p>

The Stage Coach Bicycle Route is a scenic route that follows along a lightly traveled road and is perfect for a family bicycle outing. The paved route is bordered by beautiful woodland and farmland. The route is available year round and no pass is required for route use. The route travels between Fairchild and Augusta, Wisconsin. It winds through Amish country with many visible Amish school-houses and sawmills along the way.</p> <p>Distance: Approximately 21 miles round trip with alternate loops.</p> <p>Fees: None</p> <p>Route Location: The route is located between Fairchild and Augusta, Wisconsin. Both are located just off Highway 12/27.</p> <p>Directions to Trailhead: To begin the trail, go to the Buffalo River State Trail parking lot and picnic area. Take Highway 12/27 to Townline Road. The trailhead is located at the corner of Townline and Front Street in Fairchild. In Augusta, take Highway 12/27 to Stone Street. Parking is located behind The Woodshed at the corner of Stone and Buckman Streets.</p> <p>Points of Interest: Rolling farmland scenery; Amish farms, school houses and sawmills; and Amish crafts, baked goods and furniture available for sale.</p> <p>Difficulty: Mostly easy with a few moderate hills.</p> <p>Caution: Route is moderately used by horse and buggy. Entire route is on public roadways open to shared bicycle/motor vehicle use.</p> <p>Signage: The route is designed for travel in both directions with "You are here" maps at trailhead locations.</p>