Saturday, May 26, 2012

Biking Wisconsin's Muskego-Franklin Trail

This 7 mile gravel trail is a cooperative venture between two towns, Muskego and Franklin, two counties, Waukesha and Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin Electric Power Company, under whose power lines the trail runs. The trail traces the route of the 1904 Milwaukee Light, Heat, and Traction Electric Railway interurban rail line.



I parked at Ken Windl Park at the intersection of Rawson Avenue and North Cape Road (County J) at the City of Franklin Bike and Hiking Trail's starting point.  After about 1 mile, the trail crosses North Cape Road and there is space there to park, too.  It then continues another half mile, paralleling Forest Home Avenue which it then crosses (parking available) and then continues on to meet the Muskego Recreational Trail which runs another 5 miles.  

The scenery is a mix of residences, foliage, farm fields, road crossings, and lots of power poles...




...and also several lovely wetlands...





At the Muskego (western) terminus at Janesville Road and Woods Road, the trail actually continues as a single-track trail that is open to horse, bike, and foot traffic.  The Muskego Park entrance is also here so parking is available, though there is an entrance fee to the park which also offers a beach, camping, and picnic areas.




Additional parking areas are at the trail crossing at Racine Road, and also at Horn Park Baseball field off Pioneer Road right where the trail crosses.


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