Exploring State Trails 2023 -- Ahnapee State Trail

 Most of my state trail excursions occur because I decided to go to baseball and needed a place to walk. Ahnapee State Trail is no different. I opted to go to Algoma with the hubby for Shoreland League Playoff game. Looking at the map, I could either walk to along the beach or walk part of the Ahnapee Trail. Due to fact I didn't have to cross busy streets, I chose the Ahnapee Trail.

The Ahnapee Trail is a 48 mile trail through Kewaunee County that follows the Ahnapee nd Kewaunee Rivers. It can take you to Algoma, Kewaunee, or Luxemburg. When Heather and I were at the World's Tallest Grandfather Clock, we saw the trail head in Kewaunee. 

I picked up the Ahnapee at the trailhead Perry and Mill Street which was about 4 blocks from the ball park. The trail is open year round and does not require a trail pass. Like most state trails it has a gravel base, limestone in this case. It is a pretty flat trail.

I ended up walking more of the trial than I planned on, I probably walked about a mile on the trail before turning around and heading back to the game. The initial part of the trail was not very clear and over grown with grass and weeds. It went past the lumber yard but once it got out of the industrial area, the path became more defined and peaceful.

At one point I could have taken a right and followed the Ice Age trail but kept going straight. This is probably where I should have turned around but I kept going for another 1/4 mile or so. I tend to forget, that everything I walk on the way there must be retraced on the way. 

There was not much to see. I could have used some bug spray even though the bugs weren't horrible. Again I made the mistake of walking in flip flops so I kept having to shake stones out of my feet. One of these times, I'm going to learn my lesson and grab the shoes. 

Overall it was a nice night for a walk. The trail was not busy at all. I did see a few people but not many. If you are ever find yourself near the Ahnapee Trail, take time to walk or bike. 

Exploring State Trails 2023 -- Rockwell Mountain Bay State Trail

 When the hubby said he wasn't doing the regional tournament this year, I canceled most of my PTO except for Friday. I figured I'd hang out at the local tournament he decided to do instead. He was at Nouryon Sports Complex in Howard. 

There didn't seem to be a good walking trail so I ended up just kind of following the road. Then I saw this foot path and decided to follow it. The foot path led me to the Rockwell Mountain Bay State Trail which is one of the longest in the state. It runs from Rib Mountain to Green Bay and covers 83 miles. A trail pass is required if you are biking or roller blading. 

Since the trial is used for biking, horseback riding, and walk it is a mix of gravel and dirt which for me in flip flops was annoying. I kept shaking out pebbles from my sandals. I ended up walking about .75 on the trail before turning around and heading back to the game. 

This part of the trail is wooded. The shade makes it nice but that also means it can be buggy. Bug spray could be essential depending on the year.

I did walk through this culvert. It was a bit slick inside. 

Since many back yards but up against the trial, they have their own footbridges to get to the trail. 

I wish I had more time to explore this trail. It was is quiet and peaceful.. especially on a Friday morning. Brown County and Wisconsin both have wonderful trail systems and I plan on exploring more of them whenever I get the chance. 

Exploring the Newton-Blackmour Trail

I love when I discover a new trail or path. I may have seen signs for the Newton-Blackmour State Trail before but never walked it. The Newton-Blackbmour State Trail connects New London, Shiocton, Black Creek, and Seymour.

The hubby suggested I get all my walking in done sooner rather later in Seymour because of the threat of severe weather. I heeded his advice and set out to explore Seymour. I ended up downtown where I found a sign for the Newton-Blackmour State Trail. Not releasing it ran in both directions, I opted to cross the street and head east under the sign for the trail.

You can walk, bike, or horseback ride on the trail. For these reasons, the trail is gravel which is fine unless you are wearing sandals and have to constantly dig pebbles out of your sandals. Further down the trail, it connects with the Duck Creek Trail and you can walk all the way to Oneida…. 6 miles away. I walked about 1/2 mile or so before turning around.

Honestly the part of the trail I was on was nothing spectacular. There was a sawmill type business on the one side towards the beginning. Then there was a small subdivision further up. No woods or anything that would allow me to commune with nature. I get it was only a trail and most trails are used for biking but it would be nice to be scenic. The next time I will head west see if it any more scenic.

I am glad that there are state trails that we can get out and get some exercise on. I like walking on trails and paths. It beats walking the same route in the complex night after night but I don’t like getting in my car just do so. I use the hubby’s games as an opportunity to explore these different trails and paths. Who knows where the next one will be.