Mathy Quarry Snakeroot Trail Amble (WI)

Hardwood forest
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Ambles are what we in the Driftless Drifters* call hikes that are up to 2.5 miles long on flatter trails. They are perfect for people who like a slower pace, are recovering from illness or injury or just like to spend time enjoying nature. 

This Mississippi Valley Conservancy property is located in an old quarry area adjacent to the network of trails in the Hixon Forest. The city of La Crosse and the MVC share land conservation responsibilities on this trail system. Known for its spectacular views of city and bluffs, the trails here can be accessed by hikers of various levels.

For the "Amblers" (a subset of our La Crescent -Hokah Community Education Driftless Drifters Hiking Club*),  there is a small loop trail that provides a little of everything on a short 1.4 walk. Ambles are hikes the Drifters developed that are usually under 1.5 hours in length and cover under two miles. The pace is slow and we take time to listen, watch, identify and learn from each other on these flatter trails. These hikes are great for people who are recovering from illness or injury or just prefer a less challenging pace.

Pine stand
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The aptly-named Snakeroot loop is probably our hilliest and curviest Amble. The trail from the parking lot starts at Quarry trail and heads east. It immediately dips down and goes to the left on a hike-only section  called the Snakeroot Trail through lush hardwoods. Abundant wildflowers and birdsong (ovenbird, indigo bunting, red-eyed vireo, yellow warbler) accompanies hikers through these narrow hardwood forest trails. 

The trail continues through a lovely stand of pine, then back to the hardwood forest right below the rim of the prairie. The trail winds up and down a few more times until one climbs into a stunning stand of paper birch.

Birch stand
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After the birches, the trail climbs up again into a restored prairie alive with wildflowers, pollinators and a whole different set of birds and birdsong (common yellowthroat, Henslow's sparrow, clay-colored sparrow,  tufted titmouse, flycatcher, field sparrow). The remainder of the hike stays near the rim and in the prairie as we complete the loop by heading left back up to another trailhead connected to the parking lot.

As we were ending our Amble, those who had been on the trail this winter remarked that we didn't remember the trail as being quite so hilly and rolling. I chalk that up to low temperatures freezing our brains and memories!

THE HIKE

Mathy Quarry Snakeroot Trail, La Crosse WI

There are a some great trails in this old quarry - some along the floor of the quarry, some around the rim with expansive views of the bluffs and a few smaller trails. The Snakeroot hugs a forested area under the rim to the southeast of the mail trail system. It's short length and varied forest types ending in prairie give hikers a taste of everything. Great in any season and a wonderful hike for kids and families.

Location:

At Main St and Losey Blvd in La Crosse, head east on Main . The road veers left and becomes Bliss Road which winds up the bluff.  At the Alpine in, turn left and follow the road .5 miles to Cty FA. Turn left and follow this road to the end which is the parking lot for Mathy Quarry.

Prairie
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* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.