Here Comes the Freeze Thaw Cycle

Image- Nola Larson

I know you know, but you know...

The next week+ of predicted high temps that presage coming spring are definitely going to have a deleterious effect on trails across the Driftlesss region. The freeze-thaw cycle will be kicking in despite the fact that the calendar is clearly saying February. 

I'm sharing our local ORA group's timely Wednesday Facebook post to remind you, followed by notice of road closure for access to Lower Hixon Trails.

Outdoor Recreation Alliance Facebook page

And here are trails to try that are paved/grassy/graveled to help you make alternate choices for your hiking destinations until trails firm up again.

Alternative Hiking Trails During Freeze/Thaw Cycles

• Goose Island Park along the roads near Wigwam Slough and down the slough trail along the Mississippi River south of the campground.
• La Crosse Marsh Trails (access points include Myrick Park near the dog park on N. East St off  La Crosse St or by the Nature Place; or at Riverside International Garden for paved trail.
• Chad Erickson Park, La Crosse
• Riverside Park, La Crosse
• Pettibone Park roads, La Crosse
• Lytle's Landing, Brice Prairie (or other sections of graveled bike trails - be aware that some sections get gooey/muddy)
• Reno Spillway -watch for running water and ice across the spillway and turn back if conditions are dicey. 
• Dresbach MN Hwy 90 Rest Stop - walk behind the building on the plaza and loop down to the river or hike on the shared trail past the MN sign to Dresbach, or walk down to the Lock and Dam along the road, or walk under the Hwy 90 bridge along the road down to the boat launch
• Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center, Brice Prairie - paved and graveled paths
• Maglessen Bluff, Rushford MN - drive to the top and walk along the paved road and grassy area to overlooks
• Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI
• McGilvrey 7 Bridges, New Amsterdam WI
• Halfway Creek Park, Holmen WI
• Holland Sand Prairie, Holland WI
• Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge trails (especially the dike trails), Trempealeau WI
• Lake Park Walk, Winona MN
• Pammel Creek Trail, La Crosse WI - while you can jump on this sidewalk along the creek anywhere, a great spot is at the Shelby Hillview baseball field which has a large parking lot next to the trail.
• Veteran's Park, West Salem, WI - hike and connect up to the La Crosse River State Trail
• Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN
• Perrot State Park - walk the campground; Black Walnut and Riverview trails may be accessible too.

See you on the trails!

You can read my column on seasonal hiking suggestions in the quarterly Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.