Overview
Just like the Greenbush trails, hikers and bikers share this trail system, and cross-country skiiers take over during the winter. This trail system totals 5.5 miles and consists of four color-coded loops that are easy to moderately challenging - depending on your skill level. Beginner and intermediate riders in Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest will enjoy this trail system far more than advanced riders.
There is a fair amount of the typical Kettle Moraine topography here. The overall ride is rollercoaster like. Individual hills of 30 to 40 feet are encountered and some descents are loose and rocky. Most of the climbs can be ascended easily using your speed from the previous downhill.
The trails are very wide, up to 12 feet in areas, because they are used for cross-country skiing in the winter. Most parts of the trail are completely grass covered. Other parts are sandy or compacted dirt. The trails are frequently rocky and full of roots on the downhills. Open areas in the forest will provide some nice views. Many of the rides can be cut short by switching loops and heading in early. This will be easy to do after a few laps because the loops are so easy to remember, you won't even need to refer to the trail signs after a while.
There are plans to add new singletrack to this area next year. The wide trails aren't really great for a fun mountain biking experience, plus people would build up tons of speed on the downhills and suddenly be faced with a sharp corner.
Don't forget that a trail pass is necessary to ride here, you can purchase one at the self-registration station in the parking lot. Also located on-site is a picnic area, restrooms and water.
Trail Description
Individual trail descriptions aren't really necessary because these loops are so short and quick, just follow the map that is linked to below.The New Fane system consists of four color-coded loops:
Yellow - 3.1 mi - most difficult, should take 30 minutes or less, this trail is marked purple on the map but is yellow in reality
Red - 2.4 mi - more difficult
Green - 1.5 mi - more difficult
Brown - 0.7 mi - easiest
Here is a map of the New Fane trail system.
Getting There
From Kewaskum:Take highway 28 east to Kettle Moraine Drive. Turn left (north) onto Kettle Moraine Drive, continue to County Line Road. Turn right (east) onto County Line Road, continue 0.2 miles to the parking area on the north (left) side of the road.
When to Bike
Spring, summer, and fall; usually late April through November. The trails are used for cross-country skiing during the winter months. The State Forest prefers if you not ride while it is raining or within 4 to 6 hours after rain has stopped.Images
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