Winter Trails

While snow has yet to stay on the ground here in SW Wisconsin, those of us who love winter are getting ready. Skis are being waxed, snowshoes are getting dusted off, and the layers of fleece and wool are coming out to stay.

Although long-term forecasts can be dubious, I'm holding out that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Farmers' Almanac will be correct in their predictions for above average snowfall in Wisconsin this year.

Winter is an exceptional time to get outside. There is nothing quite like a bright and sunny 10 degree winter day in Wisconsin. The ice crystals glint off every surface, the snow squeaks beneath your boots or skis and all the world is still.  Perhaps a hawk cuts an arch above you in the blue sky or you notice the tiniest trail of a busy seed-collecting rodent, but it is evident that this is a time of rest for nature.  A deep inbreath for us all.

As soon as there is enough snow on the ground, our crew will be out grooming those trails for cross country skiing.  The Kickapoo Valley Reserve maintains approximately 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing. The five miles of the Old Highway 131 Trail provide an excellent opportunity to experience the solitude and beauty of the Reserve. Other groomed trails include the Dam Trail, Old Harris Road Trail and Star Valley Road.  Additional trails may be groomed as time permits. The more adventurous are welcomed to make their own tracks into the wild.  Please note: Skiers may not ski on the snowmobile trail.

Even if you aren't a skier, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy the beauty of winter.  Check out the KVR Winter Trail Map here.  On it you'll find trails marked for cross-country skiing, for fat-tire bikes, and snowshoeing.  Before you come, visit our website and Facebook page for current winter trail conditions.

Most years spectacular ice formations can be found in the deep valleys that are home to sandstone rock shelters. This map marks they way to two of our favorite ice formation locations.  Please always remember that ice and rock are fragile--never climb on the ice formations.  Please take only pictures and leave only footprints.

There are copies of the Winter Guide Map available at the public bathrooms in the KVR Visitor Center Parking lot. Snowshoes (adult and child sizes) can be rented, by the day, for use on the KVR. They are $5/day for adults and free for children. Visitors will still need a day pass or annual pass to use the trails. There are not designated nor groomed snowshoe trails, although the summer trail system is easy to follow in the winter. Please always snowshoe along side the groomed ski tracks rather than on them, snowshoeing on the groomed ski track makes them difficult for skiers to use.

Bluedog Cycles in Viroqua is a another great place to rent cross country skis and fat tire bikes, by the day or the week. Winter fat tire biking (FTB) is a popular activity at the KVR. Bikes must be non-motorized pedal bikes, tires 3.7-5 inches, and 10 psi or lower. There are approximately 8 miles of  FTB trails on the Reserve.  Located on the eastern side of the property, FTP trails are winter trails (Jan 1 - March 15) and are subject to closure during the season. The following criteria must be in place for the FTB trails to remain open: 1)The ground must be frozen.  2) The temperature must be 25 degrees F or below. Closures will be posted at FTB trail heads, our website, KVR Facebook page, and at the Visitor Center. A current year annual permit or KVR day pass is required to use the trails. Users must stay on designated trails or adjacent roads. The FTB trails on the Reserve are not groomed. They are considered backcountry trails, are narrow and winding, and are shared with snowshoers and hikers. Please be courteous and practice friendly trail etiquette when encountering other trail users.

Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in our region, and a segment of Wisconsin's self-funded snowmobile trail system winds its way through the Reserve. A local snowmobile club grooms and maintains the trail from December 15 through March 31, snow cover permitting.  Enjoy the Reserve's scenic ridges and valleys by snowmobile, the only motorized vehicle allowed to operate on Reserve lands. Snowmobile enthusiasts are required to stay on the designated snowmobile trail.

Star gazing is an excellent activity for clear winter nights. Visit the Driftless Stargazing Facebook page for frequent updates on what's visible in our local night skies, then bundle up and get out with a thermos of hot cocoa. 

Whether your goal is to get some exercise, find solitude, take photos or just notice the stark beauty that a fresh coat of snow brings to our landscape, you'll find fulfillment and rejuvenation along the winter trails of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.  We hope to see you out there!