Yesterday we drove about 15 miles west of Baraboo to explore the 400 Trail. The 400 is an old train track that had been converted to a bike trail in 1993. The Wisconsin 400 State Trail runs from Reedsburg, WI to Elroy in the north following the course of the Baraboo River. Along the way you pass through a few small towns spaced out just enough to provide a restroom or snack when you need one.  There are also a few picnic benches along the way. The trail is 22 miles long one way and being an old railway bed, is amazingly straight and flat. It’s perfect for folks who rarely bike or for taking younger children. Experienced biker’s can certainly do the round trip in a day with ample time to explore.

Yesterday since we had an 8 year old along we just did the first leg from Reedsburg to La Valle and back which is about 10 miles round trip. That was the perfect distance to keep him happy and interested for the most part, while still causing him to pass out almost instantly when we returned to the car. Along the crushed limestone trail we passed picturesque farmlands with classic red Wisconsin Barns, sandstone outcrops, & cool, wet forests. There were lots of bridges to cross the many hooks and bows of the Baraboo river and lots of wild life to keep us company. The deer were amazingly friendly and the only bears were wooden…

In the next few days I’ll be putting together a more detailed description along with a gallery for  WisDells.net. So keep an eye out for that.  If you plan on going be sure to take bug spray & sunscreen.  Fee: $4 for adults over 16 daily, or $20 for the year.