The second phase of the Boulder Junction Bike Trail System was this more aggressive project, built to connect North Trout Lake campground and picnic area with South Trout Lake Campground, as well as Firefly Campground and Crystal / Muskie Campground and Picnic / Beach areas.
This trail is about two to three feet wider than the first section, and glides through forested areas of upland hardwoods, red and white pine, and offers amazing vistas of Trout Lake from various locations.
The original trail used the existing DNR roadway system through the Trout Lake Headquarters, but bike volume proved to be a safety issue at the HQ, and the WI DNR built a bypass trail just a few years ago. It turned out fantastic! The trail also used to wind through the South Trout campground, but a newer bypass was built which included a wooden bridge than spans Allequash Creek.
Another highlight of this section is the beautiful ride along Ben Bendrick road - formerly Lakeshore Drive, and, many years back, the railroad grade and roadway that brought the first settlers and tourists to Boulder Junction! It's fun to imagine the train riding the same route ...
South Trout campground has a history that includes a hotel and tavern, going back to the logging era and the very first days of tourism. Both are gone now.
The trail includes some sharp curves and challenging hills; use caution when riding this section for the first time.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Sonja Margitan at Trout Lake Headquarters of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. Geocache information and forms at: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/OutdoorRecreation/activities/geocache.html