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The local biking community is excited to invite riders to check out Baraboo’s new Chief Nąąga Keramąnį trails now being built by Baraboo Parks & Recreation along with area volunteers. Eventually, there will be 2-3 miles of single-track bike trails, but even today there is enough trail in place to get in a good ride.
About
Chief Nąąga Keramąnį was a “principal chief” of the Ho-Chunk Nation in the late 1700s into the 1830s. At that time, a Ho-Chunk village of around 300 people thrived near the Baraboo River just southwest of where the new 52-acre conservancy is being developed. With the approval of his family, this public space has been named in his honor. Eventually, the conservancy will include playground equipment, a picnic shelter, walking trails, and interpretive panels to inform visitors about the Ho-Chunk history of the area.
What is Single-Track?
Single-Track is basically mountain biking on a narrow, often challenging one-way trail that is rarely much wider than the bike itself. These trails often feature challenges such as jumps, rock gardens, and other obstacles which often require quick thinking and skill to navigate.
Single-Track In Sauk County
I’m told that currently there are only about 3 miles of single-trail bike trail available to the public in Sauk County, all of it is located along the Wisconsin River in Sauk Prairie. So the addition of another 2-3 miles here in Baraboo is pretty exciting!
How To Get There
The new trails are located behind Greenfield Estates, a new housing development being built on Hwy 33 on the east side of Baraboo. (The location and the streets are not yet on Google maps.) For now, visitors will have to navigate rough roads and construction vehicles, especially during the week. Eventually, there will be safer access making it possible for cyclists to ride to the trails from anywhere in the community.
Once you turn into the estates, just head south toward the tall cell tower. You can park along one of the nearby roads. The trailhead is directly behind (south of) the cell tower. By the summer of 2023, there should be parking and a restroom at this location.
Photo Gallery
Here are some photos of the trail taken in July of this year.
What To Know
As we mentioned above, Greenfield Estates is a new construction zone, so you really need to watch for heavy equipment on the roads and entering and leaving on Hwy 33. The turn into the new residential area is not marked yet, so it’s easy to miss. As you can imagine, folks are not used to cars slowing down, stopping, turning, or entering traffic here either, so be extra cautious and use your blinkers!
When you get back to the trails watch the signs. Trails again are one-way and still under construction. It’s a good idea to walk ahead and examine the features and the trail conditions before you ride. There is a basic first aid kit near the trailhead.
Can I walk it?
Hikers are welcome, but walkers should give right-of-way to bikes on the trail.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about this trail or biking in Sauk County in general we’d suggest visiting or calling the folks at Wildside Action Sports here in Baraboo. They are located at 880 State Road 136, #1 which is right by Wal-Mart, or call them at (608) 356-9218.
More Reading:
Baraboo Proposes Naming New Park after Past Ho-Chunk Chief – Baraboo News Republic
Sacred Sites – Sauk County Historical Society
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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