Listen Live

Podcast

Videos

Daily E-lert

News

Trail popularity rises as weather improves

Seeing people riding, biking and hiking will be more commonplace now that the weather is becoming more spring-like. The Ahnapee State Trail stretches 48 miles south from Sturgeon Bay towards Algoma, Luxemburg, and Kewaunee as it follows an old rail line. April 15th marked the first day horses were able to be on the trail this year, a season that ends on November 15th. Increased usage brings increased chances of a problem occurring, something Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski hopes people can avoid.

Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round, a trail pass is not required to use the Ahnapee State Trail. You can read more from Sheriff Joski below.

 

FROM SHERIFF JOSKI

Life is all about balance, and when it comes to our own individual wellness, we must understand the balance between Physical Health, Mental Health and Spritual Health. As May will be the month for Mental Health awareness, I would like to focus this week on our physical health. One of our greatest local resources for improving and sustaining our physical health is the natural beauty that awaits us just outside our front door. A truly unique recreational resource that is probably the best kept secret in our county is our own Ahnapee trail system. The many miles of improved surface (34 miles of it in Kewaunee County alone) spans the distances between our cities and villages and serves as a great way to enjoy the beauty around us while improving our personal fitness.

         

During the winter months, I have been relegated to running alongside the roads and highways so I am very grateful when the time comes to transition back to “Running the Ahnapee”. Unlike most resources in this day and age, this trail system is free to use courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The trail is maintained by our own Kewaunee County Parks and Recreation Department who remove debris, trim the foliage, and even grade the surface when needed. However to preserve this amazing resource we must all share the role in adhering to some very basic rules and guidelines regarding its use.

          

For those who would bring their dogs along for a healthy walk, please be aware that you must keep your dog on a leash while on the trail. This prevents potential issues when meeting other walkers or pets as well as if your dog gets the idea to chase the many species of wildlife that also share this ecosystem. Also, please make sure you pick up after your pet. It’s just common sense.

        

Due to the fact that the Ahnapee has been preserved for “Silent Sports” another group of users is that of the equestrians. While horseback riding is authorized on the trail, please be aware that this usage is limited and spans from April 15th to November 15th.  Even with that said; please check the condition of the trail to verify that it is in fact dry and stable enough that your horses will not damage the trail surface. Also, just as with the dog owners, you too are responsible to pick up after your pet, even if the piles may be bigger.

        

Just as in any community resource, it takes a group of dedicated volunteers which make it possible. As it pertains to the Ahnapee Trail we are fortunate to have the “Friends of the Ahnapee State Trail” serve as the stewards and advocates for the preservation and promotion of such a wonderful resource. For more information on how you can assist this organization please visit them at www.ahnapeestatetrail.com or contact the Kewaunee County Parks and Recreation Department at: (920)388-0444.

Search Our Site

CANCELLATIONS

Current Weather

STURGEON BAY WEATHER

Poll

Has the increase in gas prices in the past three months impacted your travel plans?
Add a Comment
(Fields are Optional)

Your email address is never published.

Obituaries

Click Here for more Obituaries

Obituary posting fee is $25

Sports Poll

Newsletter

Sign up for our Daily Electronic Newspaper!

Plus, Get the latest updates for Local Sports, Obituaries and more delivered to your inbox!