LocationTrail ReviewWhat's a ski resort without good climbs and screaming decents? This place makes a great roadtrip destination if you're looking for a challenging ride around the bluffs. Rocks, roots, logs, twists, stream crossings and mud. If Homer Simpson was a gearhead, he'd be salivating all over himself right now.
There are cross country ski trails too, so you can bring the family out as well if you want a calm outing.
Over ten miles of singletrack trails wind through the steep terrain around this resort. Follow the left ski hill up (green run) and take Deer Run to the top - don't expect to ride the lift up. Try Ghost Rock trail for a very technical workout, if you can find it - trail markings are poor.
A good bet is to look for a singletrack trail about halfway up the left ski hill. It goes to the right across the slopes and into the main woods. Hidden along the left side of this trail is Ghost Rock.
The trails all wind their way down, so you can't get too lost. And riding down the ski runs is a great payoff for the climbs.
Make sure your brakes work flawlessly and you have something clean to wipe the mud off your glasses. High-speed decents and muddy lenses don't mix.
Getting ThereTake I-90/94 west (north) past Madison, Wisconsin. Thirty miles after Madison, take exit 108A (Merrimac). Take Hwy 78 south about 8 miles, then follow the signs to the lodge.
More InfoA $7 trail fee gets you access to the trails, which are only open during the daytime. $20 bike rentals are also available. Both can be had from the lodge's front desk, but just remember that this place is geared for ski and golf. Find out more from their
website. Also, these trails might be slow to dry, so expect wetter conditions than at other nearby areas.
