Getting There
About
15 miles off I-94, southwest of Neillsville,
Wisconsin.
From
I-94 North, Black River Falls , exit on highway 12/27,
travel north 10 miles to Merrillian, turn right on
highway 95, go east seven miles. Levis-Mound trailhead
will be on the left.
From
I-94 South, take exit 121, which eventually comes to a
stop. Take a left ad head east on highway 95,
travel east through Alma Center to Merrillain. Continue on highway 95, east seven miles.
Levis Mound trailhead will be on the left. The
campground trailhead is just past the first
trailhead - take a left on Fisher Ave. and it will
be about 1/2 mile on the left.
The
Details
Travel to the heart of
Wisconsin and experience some of the best riding the
Midwest has to offer. The trail network at Levis-Trow
appeals to all levels of riders, with gentle, rolling
climbs on wider sections of trail for beginners and
plenty of tight, slaloming singletrack to challenge
even the most experienced riders. Sandstone bluffs
offer a chance to take in views of the surrounding
area.
What
else can be said about Levis-Trow - it is hands down
one of the very best trails in the midwest. This
is a true epic ride! A few hours away from the
cities, but well worth the trip. There are so
many great trails to choose from that you will kick
yourself if you don't allow a full day of riding.. yet
you still won't be able to ride them all.
Livis/Trow
Mounds is a confusing name to many. Some
background information might be helpful. In
this area they call the hills mounds. The
trail was originally only on the Levis mound but
soon trails were added to Trow mound... thus, Levis/Trow
Mounds. (Levis is pronounced le vis, not lee
vis)
Toad
Road has to be one of the most unique trails anywhere.
Riding along bluffs up to some of the best scenery
around. You will not believe you are in the
midwest when you ride at Levis. Take "Warm Up"
to "Select Cut" and then "Toad Road" while your legs
are still fresh. Then onto "Pile Driver" - a
very long and steep decent back down, then ride
"Switchback" right back up again. Whew!
You have just done some demanding, yet un-describable
riding, and you haven't even seen half of what's out
there! Head back to the parking lot to re-fuel
and head right back out again.
A great
second ride would be to take "Select Cut" to "Dead
Turkey" then a brief double-track ride up "Trow Trail"
to "Lower Hermosa". From here you can progress
on up to "Hermosa" then "Upper Hermosa" for some more
lung busting climbs and fast descents. On the
north side of the park you will find many new trails
that are not shown on the map below. Yes,
believe it or not there are more miles of trail to be
explored - some so new it hasn't even been written
down! Take the "Hermosa's" or "Yellow Jacket"
back and hit "Toad Road" again if you are still
feeling up to the challenge.. but I bet by now even
the hartiest of riders will want to call it a day.
Even
as you pack up in the parking lot and prepare for that
drive back home you will find yourself already
planning your next trip to Levis.
This
trail has more than just something for everyone.
It is the complete package, and just over 2 hours away
from the twin cities metro. If you have not been
to Levis, change all your plans and prepare for the
best ride in the midwest. Be sure to post in the
forums if you are planning a trip, as you will find
many would be more than willing to take the trek out
there. Just be ready to feel spoiled when you
come back - even our great metro trails may seem just
a little less special once you have been out to Levis-Trow.
More Information
Epic
Ride Length: Approximately 30 miles
Climbing: 3,000 feet
Elevation Range: 900-1,200 feet
Terrain: Classic Midwest singletrack, tight and
twisting through the trees, with short, steep hills .
Season: End of March/early April through November
15th. The trails are closed during Wisconsin Gun Deer
Season.
Details: Contact the Clark County Forestry and
Park Department, 715-743-5140. Free maps available at
the trailhead and also online at
http://www.worba.org/nasti/map.html
IMBA
Club: Neillsville Area Trails Association (NASTI),
http://www.worba.org/nasti. Wisconsin Off-Road
Bicycling Association (WORBA), http://www.worba.org
Shop: Langreck Custom Bicycles, about three miles
south of Levis-Trown Mounds on Highway J. Reach the
ship at 715-333-2059 or
pwlang@discover-net.net
Camping: Russell County Park, about three miles
south of Levis-Trow on Highway J. 715-333-7948,
http://www.clark-cty-wi.org/russellpark
Lodging: Several hotel options in and around
Neillsville.
Travel & Tourism Association: Clark County,
Wisconsin,
http://www.clark-cty-wi.org/recreation.html
