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John Muir Trails Mountain Bike Trail
La Grange, Wisconsin
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
20 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 5/1/11 by huskydude |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: #623 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 93 | Wishlist: 15 |
| Avg. Speed: 4.89 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 15min |
Directions:
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Description: These are great single track trails located in a state forest. Some technical parts, but most riders will be able to find a track that suites them. They are a series of loops, with a ten-mile track being the longest. There is also a five mile connector trail that connects to another series of trails - the Emma Carlin trails. Considering the area, these are the best trails for single track riding in this area of the state!
added on May 18, 2004 by guest
Description: These are great single track trails located in a state forest. Some technical parts, but most riders will be able to find a track that suites them. They are a series of loops, with a ten-mile track being the longest. There is also a five mile connector trail that connects to another series of trails - the Emma Carlin trails. Considering the area, these are the best trails for single track riding in this area of the state!
added on May 18, 2004 by guest 
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by Roxy&Yeti on September 8, 2011
I moved to California for the biking and left Kettle behind. I miss it bad. This trailset should be on more people's wishlist. The Soquel demo forest ride, that SO MANY people have on their wishlist, is GARBAGE compared to this trailset.
Similar Trail: Levis Trow Mounds
reviewed by djeneration on August 17, 2011
I just returned from my first trip back to Wisco in over a year and this was one of the highlights of our vacation. We rented from LaGrange General Store/Backyard Bikes, which was this sweet little surprise shop that had everything you needed to pull off the ride. At a certain point the goal of tasting their deli-fresh sandwiches and peanut butter balls were all we had to keep us going. We opted for the full ride, but threw on 1.5 miles each way on Hwy H from shop to trailhead and back. We checked out of John Muir and onto the connector, then onto Emma Carlin and back on the other connector to complete the last bit of the Muir trail. We were not all experienced riders, nor were we all beginners. But I will say we severely underestimated this trail, mainly on the rough amount of time we needed to complete it and on the amount of water we would need on a humid hot day just after rain. But it made for a near-epic day. The connectors were a lot longer then we thought, but had some sweet features including a section that had 3 consecutive drops ending with a 2.5-3 foot drop. You are most often winding upon these gorgeous pine forests and you will catch yourself looking up at the majesty of it all. There was also a super sweet hilly switchback section that is not to be missed. Overall the trail consisted of fun, swoopy hardpack dirt singletrack that was broken up frequently by lots of logs to hop, stumps to jump, loads of climbs and many rocky obstacles, making it a well-versatile trail. It kept our small group of 3 on our toes, and we must have logged damn near 30 miles if not more, as the shop guys informed us that parts of the connector were new and added more mileage. All in all, this ride was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it comes highly recommended. As do the peanut butter balls!
* Review edited 8/17/2011
reviewed by stillfat on July 27, 2010
One of the few tablescraps for singletrack-starved Chicagoans. If you do the big loop on the bottom, the Connector and Emma, Kettle will yield something like 25 miles and over 2 hrs of riding. Thought the parking lot may seem packed, you'll not sense crowding once on the trail. It's never great, but frequently fun and a damn good workout. Pick up some New Glarus to smuggle back into Illinois and avoid the throngs of parking lot rats who sit around lusting over each others' bikes.
Similar Trail: Levi's Mound. Actually, not that similar but way cooler if you're in Wisconsin.
reviewed by mvherbst on July 27, 2010
Well groomed and maintained trail throughout. Especially like how the main routes are about as wide as a sidewalk and packed nice for speed. Not real technical however, there are several alternate veers for tricks, bumps, log crossings and a few ramps one can take or just stay on the main path. I rode the Muir, connector and Emma and total trip was 26.5 miles.
reviewed by PaulMiller on July 12, 2010
Great trails. Something for everyone here.Emma Carlin is great too the connecter trail is a must ride.If they had a trailhead campsite at Emma carlin that would make this trail even better. * Review edited 7/12/2010
* Review edited 7/12/2010
reviewed by aaronwhite3000 on April 9, 2010
These trails got me hooked on mountain biking! They may not be the best ever, but I look forward to riding them whenever I can, afterall, I am from the prairie state.
reviewed by Roxy&Yeti on March 26, 2010
First of all, I broke my first rib here, so BOORAH! Kettle is a Wisconsin Classic. Perhaps THE Wisconsin Classic. It's a great day ride for all you weekend warriors out there. Plenty of fun for a two day stretch. We live in Chicago and drive up on weekends for certain fun. Several great things about Kettle: 1) It is DRY. Even after an intense rain, it dries up pretty quickly. 2) The General Store. OMG, my favorite part of this trailset is the anticipation for the delicious, healthy, hearty, mostly organic food they serve up there. If you want a beer, they've got lots! You can rent bikes there, mostly Gary Fisher and Trek, they have hard tail, full suspension and 2-9ers available to rent for reasonable prices, and a fully functional shop with any accessory you could ever need (or forgot at home!) 3) Trail Maintenance. Big ups to the people who maintain that trailset. They're always creating new stuff and taking great care of the old stuff. 4) Variety. You can stay in the "colored trail zone" if you just like to mix and match 2 miles here, 6 miles there, fun variety. But if you want a grueling, EPIC-ish ride, take the connector out to the Emma Carlin Trails and ride that loop. You can suck as many miles out of this baby as you want. A trail for everyone, even the kiddies. I've seen people out on this trail with Wal-Mart bought Huffys, so it's totally democratic. Oh yeah, and John Muir Trails? I'm sorry, no, people, this is KETTLE. Occasionally "Emma Carlin" or "The Connector", but I've never heard of it referred to as "John Muir Trails", people looking for it are probably missing it with that title. I only found it because it's in La Grange.
Similar Trail: Steamboat Springs, CO
reviewed by drdiederich on December 23, 2009
Decent track with some technical work which is nice but if ridden a lot its easily manageable. Great for a day ride. Scenery is good but not fantastic.
reviewed by DJ_GregD on September 7, 2009
Idk what some people are talking about, the blue loop (ten miles) was pretty techy! my friend and i drove from IL, i went sat sept 5, facilities are great. the blue loop is pretty fast with alot of rocky and rooty ares, i was paranoid about getting a flat the whole way(no back up tubes or flat kit) there are a few VERY challanging climbs and some great sections, Overall i think these trails where GREAT! def more techy then people are saying.
reviewed by allenw69 on June 21, 2009
I went there yesterday on Sat. June 20th after bad storm weather were re-open at 12pm I went on blue loop have (five) trees were down and I moved (2) small tree away this trail but two other BIG tree that I had carry my bike over it. That need cut down from Forest Ranger. I got back my truck full blue loop by 2.5 hours and it beat me out of breath were little mud got my tire brake (non-disc brakes) were full up & made me work harder.
Similar Trail: In first half of 5 miles on blue loop is very difficult within wet mud to go up hill. Even down hill made slippery made brake are not hold the tire. Dont ever use front brake to that. And the second half after 5 Miles is easy as fun time with tall pine tree around the picture I took there. Love the last 5 miles before back to parking, Try it to any red, orange or white will be good for beginner but not to start Blue Loop is what I called "HELL of CHALLENGE" ok?
reviewed by kuhl_530 on August 28, 2008
Sadly... the most difficult single track in the area. It's great for beginners, or intermediate riders who just need to keep an edge on their skills on a weekend. This trail will definately test your endurance. HUGE number of different trail options, you can ride quite literally all day and still see new places. If it's too easy for you, just go faster!
reviewed by jbster13 on August 11, 2008
This is a mild track, but has great distance and sloping hills. Not a great technical challenge. Sand was annoying but minimal. It can close without notice after rain. Beautiful surroundings.
reviewed by gcarlson on June 17, 2008
Over all these trails are a great network with very little in the way of truly painful climbs etc. But do watch out for the sand pits. They can reach out and grab ya if you aren't paying attention.
reviewed by m311ton on April 30, 2008
Took a ride on April 30, late afternoon. Beautiful park, with very nice facilities. This was my first ever ride here, as I am from Virginia and am just visiting the area. I only had time for the Green Loop. For starters, the park is beautiful (for being in Wisconsin). Good diversity of foilage, including a pretty section through some pines. This is a ride that you should slow down a little and look around at the surrounding environment your first few times through. As for mountain biking, I found the trail to be somewhat easy. It is not very intense; rather, it is more of an endurance challenge. There are some punishing hills, however there is plenty of time to recover which makes the ride seem easier than it really is. Also, I did not find the ride to be very technical, except in a few spots. There are just too many stretches with very few rocks and roots, and the trail is generally pretty wide. Despite lacking a technical challenge, this trail is a lot of fun. Riders seem to get the most out of their trail, and I was impressed. Some trails just plain kill you, and others are just plain fun. I would put this one in the fun category. It may be good for some beginners who have good endurance and want to improve their skills on the trail. My biggest beef, however, with this park is it is way too pricey. You have to pay (a lot of money) to park and then to have a trail pass as well. This is a major drawback, and in my opinion hurts the park's ratings. Furthermore, it is not a very convenient location (although I may be spoiled by the numerous parks near my home in VA). If you are going to this park, I suggest giving yourself a lot of time so you can ride multiple trails. Overall, I had a lot of fun with this trail and consider it more of a tiring joy ride than anything. Wisconsin should be very proud of this park, despite its high prices and high traffic. I hope to go back for a second opinion sometime soon!
* Review edited 4/30/2008
reviewed by NoTrace on April 19, 2008
Flowing Midwest singletrack with some medium climbs and some nice twisties. Take the connector trail and do the outer loops for about 30 miles. Can be busy on summer weekends.
Similar Trail: Blue Mound State Park for something more technical
reviewed by jonascool on May 7, 2007
I love Kettle Moraine. Granted, it's not British Columbia or Colorado - but it's the best place I've found close to Chicago. (I don't like Palos!). I'm not too thrilled that they've done some clear cutting and leveled out the hills. Still, the trail maintenance is stellar. It's more of an endurance ride than super technical. (No jumps except for a small one on the blue/green trail, no logs). You can go super fast on the trail too. My favorite is to take the connector to the Emma Carlin trails which are more technical, and there are less people. So, I recommend Kettle Moraine for a scenic, fun workout.
reviewed by Kruegerbiker on April 28, 2007
I have been riding these trails since I was 7 years old, and I am still in love with them. They are beautiful, and exilherating. I love some of the technical stuff, and the there are a few steep hills that will challenge riders. Get out and ride in the Kettle Moraine!!
reviewed by k2pooh on January 15, 2007
Nice single track, not really burly, but a nice ride. It is rolling, so there aren't any killer climbs or descents, but a nice mixture of rolling terrain. Since moving here from Cali, it's the nicest trail in my limited riding in Wisconsin. You do get to pick from a fe different loops so you can find anything for the beginner to the advanced rider. Gets a little sandy in spots, and they will close it if gets too wet.
reviewed by lipor on June 6, 2006
Without a doubt the best trails I've ridden, but I've never been out of Wisconsin...
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