Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The forest offers 160 miles of trails, some hiking, some biking, some both; most of
these are groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. The
National Ice Age Scenic Trail
cuts through the park from the
Pine Woods Campground
to
Rice Lake
—about 30 miles
(usually cut into four segments). The rough but popular
John Muir Trails
boast incredible
blooms of pasque flowers in spring and some of the best biking—diverse, challenging, and
designed specifically for mountain bikes. (Look at the twists and turns of the blue loop's
southernmost point, stretching into a mature hardwood forest, and you'll see the outline of
a squirrel.)
Camping
Primitive camping is allowed at three Adirondack backpacking shelters along the Ice Age
Trail—free, registration necessary. The forest also has four campgrounds, some with walk-
insites.Thereisalsoafullyaccessible campingcabin.Fortranquility,headdirectlytoPine
Woods Campground; not only does it have the most isolated, shaded campsites, but it also
has 32 sites where radios are banned. You can also get to boat-in campsites; check at the
ranger station.
Reservations (888/947-2757,
wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com
, reservation fee
$10, non-residents $14, vehicle admission $10) are a good idea. There is a $5 fee for elec-
tricity.
Food
Impressive is
M
Union House
(S42 W31320 WIS 83, 262/968-4281,
www.theunionhouse.com
,
dinner from 4:30pm Tues.-Sat., $17-32), in Genesee Depot.
There's great heartland fare buttressed by unique entrées such as quail—lots of wild game,
actually.
Supplies and Rentals
La Grange General Store
(N1242 WIS 59, 262/495-8600,
www.backyardbikes.com
)
is a
welcome little gem dispensing a luscious array of deli, café, and natural-food items. You
can also get items such as buffalo burgers, organic chicken from Oconomowoc farms, and
other meats from local producers. It also rents mountain bikes and cross-country skis.
