MOUNTAIN BAY BIKE TRAIL

With a name like Mountain Bay, one would expect to find a wide range of recreational possibilities en route. Sure enough, I found one six mile stretch that had hiking trails, a swimming beach, a wetland boardwalk, and a river crossing, all within a nine mile section.

Named because it starts from Wausau's Rib Mountain (just about the closest thing Wisconsin has to a real mountain), and ends at Green Bay, this trail features gentle terrain and beautiful scenery. I chose to ride a section starting at Eland, near Wittenberg.

East of Eland

After a short ride to the east of Eland through farmland, I found myself on a raised rail bed traversing a large tamarack bog. This section affords an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife. I spooked a large tom turkey from beside the track and saw plenty of birds flitting over the wetlands. A few miles further, after crossing Highway 45, I crossed the Embarass river on a recently constructed bridge. This trail is so new that the milage signs haven't had the correct milages painted on yet. Judging by the few people I encountered on Memorial Day weekend, this wonderful resource hasn't been discovered by too many people.

1/4 Mile Bridge near Hatley

Returning to Eland after a five mile round trip, I headed west to Hatley. This section is mostly wetland. Near Hatley is a 1/4 mile long wooden bridge over tamarack bog. Side hiking trails branch off at several locations. I would be sure that the woods are fairly dry before hiking very far, though.

Norrie Lake

About halfway between Eland and Hatley you will find Norrie Lake, a pleasant pond with a swimming beach. You might want to do a mini-ironman by taking a dip and jogging a nearby hiking trail. You could even fish in the lake or in one of the trout streams that cross the trail. There are plenty of possiblities when you ride the Mountain Bay trail.