Levis-Trow First Timer

[Guy Incognito]

I am planning a long weekend trip starting Oct 5 and going into Oct 7 with some of my family from back home coming to MN to do a marathon ride. I got day 1 (Oct 5) figured out with the multiple tails in this area (Leb, Murph, Mammoth, Theo) Day 2 I plan on trecking to Levis. I hear it is the trail to take to WI and I am interested in seeing what an epic trail is all about. Day 3 I am thinking about red wing and the memorial trail with many good reveiws read about that trail.

My questions are many so i will sum it up with a broad one. What can expect from Levis that time year? Clothes, tires, loop times, best way to take the trails, what kind of scenery will I expect to see (fall colors)...anything and everything that can be explained so I can prepare and be informed before i back the bags at the end of the month.

Also, besides Levi, what would be another trail that would be worth hitting while in the area traveling from the TC to Levis and then from Levis to Memorial. I need some good fillers to ride on Day 2 and Day 3 without travel too far away from the main trails I want to ride (Levis and Memorial).

Thanks in advanced for any and all help.

[qa_bugfinder]

Given it could be 80 degrees or 30 degrees plan on a wide range of clothes.

For tires, much of the trails are hard packed, but there is some loose sand and in some places roots, so I'd go with any decent knobby tread. That thime of year the trails will have heay leaf cover which makes a little more slip too.

Best way to take the trails is with the rubber side down. As for lap times there are too many variables and trail options so I don't think you'll find much here.
Some of he trails will be rather steep to one side. In other words, if you need to put a foot down, better choose wisely.

In august they had a 25/50/100 race. It had a 25mile loop and you never hit the same trail twice. I think it covered about 80% of the trails. Still think you need filler? There is Lowes Creek near Eau Claire WI but it has only 5 to 6 miles of trail.

Scenery is fairly good. There are some bluff areas that have good views of the area. The fall colors aren't real spectaular down there due to so many oak trees. Mostly copper brown, with some green pines and some yellow from popple trees. Keep in mind they are logging the area, but only one small place was clear cut. Most of it is selective harvest so other than a few ruts from skidders its hardly noticable.

Its about a 2.5 hour drive from the TC.

I'm not sure Levis is "The trail to take" in WI. Hayward area has over 200 miles of marked trails from fire road and double track to awesome single track. Too bad they weren't closer to each other.

[Guy Incognito]

Thanks for the help and input...much appreciated.

I keep reading that Levis is 15 miles single track and a lot more miles of ski hills???. I am really only interested in single track there. Are the single track trails easy to follow or is getting turned around a possibility. Are the trails directional? We usually will bust out 35-40 miles each of the first two days of our ride and then a clean up day or around 20 on the third. Any filler trail that is fun would be much appreciated. The goal is to hit as many new trais as possible during the weekend and ride dawn to dusk every day.

How far is Hayward?? away? Would it be better trail to hit then Levis? I could reroute the plan if it is an acheivable driving distance from the TC...3 hrs or less would be acheivable.

Thanks again for the info

[jeffgude]

Anything that mentions ski hills as part of the real trail at Levis is really outdated. There are XC ski trails there, but numerous complete signgletrack loops are available. The trails are marked pretty well and there are maps along the way. It is somewhat easy to get turned around out there, just because of the number of trails and the many intersections.

I assume you have seen the map:
http://www.worba.org/nasti/map.html (red is singletrack)

[buzzman]

Joe-
Here is some more info for Levis-
Actually-the colors can be very good in October-yep, we have a lot of oak, but also Aspen (the valley climbing Northface is spectacular) and maple-so you'll love the view.
Speaking of views, I'd have to say I think the vistas from on top of Levis Mound are great- explore the trails that extend out all 5 points, and also the Trow Mound views (Upper Hermosa and Goat Dance)....at least I think they are great in the fall.
The singletrack is around 22 miles now and an additional 15 miles of XC ski trail-as you mentioned, singletrack is the only way to go, and we rarely ride ski trail. Some of the s.t. is easy and rolling, others are getting more technical (Toad Road, Upper Hermosa and Cliffhanger). I also agree on tires-good knobbies are highly recommended.
All trails are 2 way, except Sidewinder (THE best trail in IMO) but we have little traffic, so that's not an issue.
There is logging going on, but it's expected to be done by October and all trails are remaining open-we're trying to fill in ruts as they work, but 2 of the trails may be a bit bumpy for now. I think you'll like the trails a lot.

Nearby trails? Just 2 I can think of-Lowes Creek in Eau Claire (45 minuteds away off I-94 shorter, but nice) and the trails at Black River State forest east of Millston-(about 25 minutes away south and off I-94) mostly XC trails, but some really big climbs. It's not singletrack there, but it can be good for a couple hour roll.
email me if you'd like additional info (I take care of the trails at Levis and maybe can catch a ride too or show you around)
-Steve

[Guy Incognito]

Thanks laods Jeff and Steve.
I am coming out of Nebraska for this ride so ANY color would be good:)
The map I have been looking at is the same one you posted Jeff, but it registers 16.8 miles of single track not 22. Are there more trails there then what is on the map? I now this is a big request but If you where to ride this trail and strated at the trail head that shows on the map and wanted to ride all the trails in a way that is the most beneficial what would be the trails, by name and order, you would take. I can seriously see us go there and get very turned around and end riding 30 miles just trying to hit everything...which to come to think about, probably isn't that bad of an idea.

Thanks tons for the info

[buzzman]

That map is missing some trails that we added (like Sidewinder which was built last summer)-
Okay...color will be pretty good then yet (unless we get a rain storm and high winds).

well a good route is this (if you can follow my description)
Start at the trailhead on Fisher Ave-
Take Lower Glen north, connect to Swamp cut.
Then Yellow Jacket , which will go north west about 2.5 miles.
At the end of YJ, take Buck Hill downhill and connect with Goat Dance. Goat Dance is 3 miles and will come back on the same short connector trail. When you're back on Buck Hill, go up to the new Sidewinder (counter clockwise only-one way)
That will finish on Upper Hermosa-take that...some good climbs in there and switchbacks.
Upper Hermosa will run into Hermosa and lower Hermosa-stay on those.
At the end, you'll be on 100 yrds of XC trail, then hop on Dead Turkey>Select Cut>Snodgrass. At the end of snodgrass you'll be close to the chalet ,again, but instead, take a left and head uphill to NorthFace (a good climb). At the top you'll be on Levis Mound and explore all the points and views. From there I'd take Toad Road down-there is a cool ramp/bridge there.
Hop on Switchback and go east (left) it's pretty long, but fun.
Take a left onto CliffHanger and climb it (it's more fun to come down, but this would make a loop for you). Again, you'll be on top of Levis Mound, go down Northface, shoot across the XC trail and hit Porky Point-short byt fun, then >Upper Glen....to Lower Glen and then right back to the chalet.
Whew...I'm tired already.

Steve

[qa_bugfinder]

I think Steve hit the trails well. I know I'm tired reading them. The weekend before a group from here are going (see group rides). I'm not the greatest or fastest rider of technical trails. Yellowjacket, goat dance, and the three hermosa trails are my favorites. Some of the ski trails have some really good climbs.

Is Hayward better? I'll guess Steve will say no. :) ;) :p
I guess I prefer Hayward, but like I said I'm not a great technical rider. I just like spending the time outdoors riding. I ride Levis once or twice each year.

Hayward, WI is just under 3 hours from the twin cities. However its north east and Levis is south east. Its not real easy to do both in one weekend, since they are probably 5 hours apart.

more info: http://www.cambatrails.org/ There are some online maps if you click on the Camba trails - Trail Details. Each trail/cluster has a little map on line. These trails have a lot of single track but some areas are heavy double track and fire road. Rock Lake trail in the Namakogon Cluster is a favorite of many. http://www.cambatrails.org/pdfmaps/namakagon.pdf

I've done Hayward for day trips, but most spend a weekend. Color might be past prime up there by then, but it would still be pretty.

[Guy Incognito]

That map is missing some trails that we added (like Sidewinder which was built last summer)-
Okay...color will be pretty good then yet (unless we get a rain storm and high winds).

well a good route is this (if you can follow my description)
Start at the trailhead on Fisher Ave-
Take Lower Glen north, connect to Swamp cut.
Then Yellow Jacket , which will go north west about 2.5 miles.
At the end of YJ, take Buck Hill downhill and connect with Goat Dance. Goat Dance is 3 miles and will come back on the same short connector trail. When you're back on Buck Hill, go up to the new Sidewinder (counter clockwise only-one way)
That will finish on Upper Hermosa-take that...some good climbs in there and switchbacks.
Upper Hermosa will run into Hermosa and lower Hermosa-stay on those.
At the end, you'll be on 100 yrds of XC trail, then hop on Dead Turkey>Select Cut>Snodgrass. At the end of snodgrass you'll be close to the chalet ,again, but instead, take a left and head uphill to NorthFace (a good climb). At the top you'll be on Levis Mound and explore all the points and views. From there I'd take Toad Road down-there is a cool ramp/bridge there.
Hop on Switchback and go east (left) it's pretty long, but fun.
Take a left onto CliffHanger and climb it (it's more fun to come down, but this would make a loop for you). Again, you'll be on top of Levis Mound, go down Northface, shoot across the XC trail and hit Porky Point-short byt fun, then >Upper Glen....to Lower Glen and then right back to the chalet.
Whew...I'm tired already.

Steve


Steve you are a freaking stud, thanks a million. You absolutley rock:jumpy:

[Guy Incognito]

I think Steve hit the trails well. I know I'm tired reading them. The weekend before a group from here are going (see group rides). I'm not the greatest or fastest rider of technical trails. Yellowjacket, goat dance, and the three hermosa trails are my favorites. Some of the ski trails have some really good climbs.

Is Hayward better? I'll guess Steve will say no. :) ;) :p
I guess I prefer Hayward, but like I said I'm not a great technical rider. I just like spending the time outdoors riding. I ride Levis once or twice each year.

Hayward, WI is just under 3 hours from the twin cities. However its north east and Levis is south east. Its not real easy to do both in one weekend, since they are probably 5 hours apart.

more info: http://www.cambatrails.org/ There are some online maps if you click on the Camba trails - Trail Details. Each trail/cluster has a little map on line. These trails have a lot of single track but some areas are heavy double track and fire road. Rock Lake trail in the Namakogon Cluster is a favorite of many. http://www.cambatrails.org/pdfmaps/namakagon.pdf

I've done Hayward for day trips, but most spend a weekend. Color might be past prime up there by then, but it would still be pretty.

Thanks a ton for the info Jay, I have researched Hayward and saw a lot of good reveiws. I really want to make it to Red Wing by Sunday so I think Levis will be the selection for this years ride. I am already planning a summer marathon ride and I got Hayward on the top of my list along with somthing around Dulth which I hear has some great trails. Y'all got it sooo good up here, so many trails, so many options. It is hard to make a choice to ride a trail when you have to not ride another. Back where I'm from there is one trail within 2 hrs of my house that was more meant for horses then bikes. We always had to take the 9/11 hr trip to the Black Hills and/or Colorado to hit good trails. Never realized MN and Wi had so many quality trails. .....Now if we can just work on the siquitos, ticks and early september frost...what is with that.

Thanks again to everyone for the help

[buzzman]

Jay- WOuld steve say Hayard/Cable is better? Of course! Ha....well I have to ;) Actually, they are different-I grew up in Wausau, so the 9 mile trails are my "home trails" when I was young-I consisder them kinda a playground-fast, curvy, gravelly....just really fun trails, but very different from ours. I've tried to take advantage of the bluffs and cliff sides and riding under the rocks where ever I can (too many trips riding in CO-they give me IDEAS!) because we happen to have that kind of terrain. Some trails, like Yellowjack are "Hayward-like," except they have all thes knolls to build trails on and babyheads :)
We have a lot of work to go and I wish I had more time to go in and re-do some of the trails-we're kinda in need of some rehab-all our time was spent building Sidewinder of late (but damn-worth it!) So for next year, we'll probably add a new trail and do some nice re-routes and I have three places for ramps/bridges (Toad Rd, Porky Point, Cliffhanger)...so the forestry department better be prepared to save some wood for me!

Anyway-enjoy the riding!
-steve

[buzzman]

Oh, and Joe-as of right now, the ticks are done, no 'mos'squitos and the air is cool! (but, you know Wisconsin-it could be 70 in October or 40) Bring a camera. And since you're travelling a long way and can keep a secret-I'll PM directions to a full stone arch there-great photo op that most hikers and bikers ride right by-sheeeet, I worked here 10 years before I stumbled onto it!

[GearDaddy]

I've done a weekend trip where I spent one day riding at Levis-Trow and then went down to the Winona area (it's only a hour or so away) to ride Holzinger, and then back home to the cities. You could easily do this and still hit Memorial in Red Wing as your last stop.

As far as Hayward/Cable and CAMBA, they are only about 2 1/2 hours apart (go straight up Hwy 27). CAMBA and Levis-Trow are apples 'n oranges in comparison. Different terrain, different soils, different topography, and not even comparable in size.

I rode everything in Levis-Trow backwards and forwards in a single afternoon, but it's all fun singletrack. The only knock that I can think of is that Levis has sandy soil, and some erosion problems. For instance, it used to be that I could ride the rocky section near the top of Toad Road cleanly, but erosion on the trail has made this much more difficult. The last few times I was there I actually skipped riding on Switchback because it was is in such bad shape. It looks like Steve and company have fixed that one though. Nice job in general in maintaining these trails in challenging conditions!

CAMBA has much more trail and a bit more variety. There's been lots of new singletrack additions just in the last couple years. Rock Lake is completely different than it's old ski trail self (sniff sniff - I still kind of miss the old roller coaster speed of the old trail though). Ojibwe trail is simply a classic. Yes, there is double track, fire road, snowmobile trails, etc. But you can go ride those trails on a rainy day (and I have many times!) But the best thing about CAMBA is simply lots of trails. 4+ hour rides if you want.

[Guy Incognito]

Oh, and Joe-as of right now, the ticks are done, no 'mos'squitos and the air is cool! (but, you know Wisconsin-it could be 70 in October or 40) Bring a camera. And since you're travelling a long way and can keep a secret-I'll PM directions to a full stone arch there-great photo op that most hikers and bikers ride right by-sheeeet, I worked here 10 years before I stumbled onto it!


I don't know WI but glad to hear of the dimise of all those nasty little buggers. The secret is safe with me I would outstanding to get a picture of this. Thanks again for the overwhelming help

[Guy Incognito]

I've done a weekend trip where I spent one day riding at Levis-Trow and then went down to the Winona area (it's only a hour or so away) to ride Holzinger, and then back home to the cities. You could easily do this and still hit Memorial in Red Wing as your last stop.


Did not know of that trail in Winona. How is it like? Sounds like an interesting proposition

[soupboy]

Levis is fun and I'll hit it tomorrow on my way back from Milwokay but the Cable area is superior to LT in every respect - mileage, terrain, options, etc.