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The 30.4-mile Chippewa River State Trail runs between Eau Claire and Durand, Wisconsin.
Snowmobiles are permitted between Porterville Road and Durand.
NOTE: A State Trail Pass ($25 annually/$5 daily) is required between Eau Claire and the Pepin County line for bicyclists and in-line skaters ages 16 and older. Snowmobilers must display either a Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile State Trail Pass. For information, go to dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/trailpass.html.
About the Route
The trail kicks off in the north at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers in downtown Eau Claire’s Phoenix Park, where visitors can access a walking labyrinth, amphitheater, farmers market, restrooms, parking, and the southwestern endpoint of the 28-mile Old Abe State Trail, which heads to Cornell. Heading southeast, the trail crosses over a 500-foot-long trestle that used to carry train cars of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad.
The trail hugs the shoreline of the Chippewa River as it winds south to Owen Park, which features the Sarge Boyd Bandshell, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Riding past, trail users may witness an Eau Claire Municipal Band concert, wedding, play, or other lively public events.
Long, straight stretches of trail await trail users as they leave the city and enter farm country; enjoy the fresh air and the fragrant aroma of the many wildflowers that dot the region. Near the trail’s halfway point, the trail reaches the Caryville trailhead, just off WI 85, which provides restrooms, drinking fountains, and ample parking. The route then winds along the banks of the river in a deciduous forest until reaching Meridian, an unincorporated community in the town of Peru.
At about 22 miles, after passing two trestles over the snaking Cranberry Creek, the trail enters the town of Old Tyrone, a ghost town marked by an interpretive plaque. A shelter perched above the trail, just a few steps up the cliffside, offers picturesque views of the nearby river bend.
The trail terminates at the Tarrant Park trailhead in Durand, approximately 6.5 miles past the junction of the Red Cedar State Trail. Here, trail users can find ample parking as well as a registration office for purchasing State Trail Passes. About a mile and a half farther west of Tarrant Park, Lower Chippewa View Park provides beautiful waterside views.
Connections
In Dunnville, the Chippewa River State Trail connects with the Red Cedar State Trail.
At the northern end of the trail, the trail connects with the Old Abe State Trail.
The Chippewa State Trail runs between Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace (Eau Claire), and E. Main St. (Durand).
Parking is available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
We rode this trail in late May 2024 and listened to the reviews, so I can only comment on the western part of this trail, from the Durand trailhead, riding about 6.5 miles to the intersection with the Red Cedar Trail and then we headed north on that trail. Other reviews say past the intersection, the trail needs work, so we followed that advice. The trail out of Durand is great -- paved and beautiful biking with tree canopy and the point where the trail intersects with the Red Cedar is clearly marked. The portion we did was great.
The trail is a scenic one.. Running along the river, mainly canopied with trees. But once you get to Red Cedar the trail is super rough, hence my low rating. For awhile it’s old black top patching even OLDER black top. Then Mother Nature steps in and it’s ok. Getting closer to Eau Claire is a bit better but that’s not saying much.
Wisconsin Bike Trip Report - Cycle Seven Rails to Trails in Five Days: In August 2022, our group of 11 went on a self-guided partially supported bike ride covering seven Rails to Trails in Central Wisconsin near La Crosse, Sparta and Eau Claire. Turned out to be an amazing trip with great weather, except the last day during which it rained. Great variety of environments and trails, including some short bridges and long tunnels, shaded woodlands and bright prairie. Attached is a pdf detailing the logistics and planning we carried out to make the trip happen. TrailLink.com has great description of each individual trail. Over five days of riding we covered:
1. Elroy-Sparta State Trail
2. Great River State Trail
3. La Crosse River State Trail
4. 400 State Trail
5. Red Cedar State Trail
6. Chippewa River State Trail
7. Old Abe Trail
For a 5 page pdf summary document of our trip with maps and logistics, see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mk5DYWU-LirXlXT9_B3R6ZbDn4Iautr_/view?usp=sharing
Only 4 stars due to the surface not being what we expected due to the app saying it is asphalt.
We started from our hotel on Mondovi Road and Short Road heading south. At this point we were 3 miles in from the trails start. At our 8 mile mark (11 miles from the start of the trail) the surface changed from clean asphalt to what is more like a "rail trail", with crushed black stone, only it was over the asphalt. There were low weeds in the center of the trail, with points where there was only a small path to ride along each edge of the trail. It is mostly wooded and relatively low grade. We went as far as the trailhead on 730th street. 31.88 miles round trip.
The next day we started at the 730th street trailhead where there is an outhouse and a picnic table. We went as far as Durand where the trail ended at a trailhead. The last 6.5 miles (as per signage) is maintained by a different county and was in excellent condition with smooth asphalt. 23.31 round trip.
The total one way of this trip is closer to 30.5 miles. Approximately 17 miles is fairly good asphalt, and 13 miles with crushed black stone, more consistent with a rail trail.
Born and raised in Eau Claire, 36 years in Mississippi. I grew up riding the streets of EC. Today was the first time on trails. If you can’t appreciate the trails of Eau Claire, go to north Mississippi and ride only the Tanglefoot for a few years. Then return and you will say, “Fabulous!”
Rode this trail starting at Carryville towards Durand in early May. The services were not yet open. You can park, but the toilets were closed and the water fountains were decommissioned. The path was bumpy and poorly maintained. I was riding on 700x32 tires- passable, but be sure to bring a repair kit as there is a high risk for punctures. It would have been a much more comfortable ride on either a gravel bike or a hardtail.
I had a hard time reconciling the $5 registration fee for this path. I understand that services (toilets, water) cannot operate year round, but this should be made very clear on the WI DNR site- and would be even better if they didn’t charge the fee until the services were in operation. Hailing from MN where many well-serviced and well-maintained paths do not incur a registration fee, it was very disappointing to pay $5 to ride on a cruddy path without open facilities. I had a much more enjoyable ride on the Old Abe trail.
We started in Durand and rode north about 10 miles. We were disappointed that we didn’t see the river at all for 7.5 miles and then we were beside it for a mile at most. So that end of the trail is a ways from the river, FYI, but it’s still very pretty. The trail is very smooth asphalt for the first six miles, right up to the junction with the Red Cedar Trail. After that is was rideable but more bumpy. If you do this section, do yourself a favor and take the ten minutes to ride up the Red Cedar Trail about a quarter mile and check out the great trestle ridge that spans the Chippewa River.
Biked from Eau Claire to Red Cedar Trail. 1st 10 miles could use maintenance. Minimal effort at upkeep. Only rest room is located in Caryville at mile 12. Nice little store in Caryville for essentials. From Caryville to Meridean trail starts to degrade even more . Beautiful ride but gotta watch the trail. Meridean to Red Cedar is in severe disrepair. If you’re gonna bike In the Eau Claire area, head towards Chippewa on the old Abe trail. Runs all the way to Cornell and a much better trail.
I rode this trail from Owen Park in Eau Claire south to the 13 mile marker. The trail starts out with very nice views right along the river. There were some areas at the start where there were intersecting trails that could have better signage showing which trail was the main through trail. After the trail turns away from the river at about the 3 mile marker it travels through some very nice scenic countryside. At this point the asphalt quality starts to decline . There are many cracks that run across the trail. It can be distracting from a peaceful ride to have the clunk-clunk every 50 feet. On a fat tire bike it wouldn’t be as noticeable. I only met one other bike on the trail from the 3 mile mark to the 13 mile marker. It may be due to the trail surface quality. Other than the bumps it is a nice scenic ride.
Traveled 7 miles from Owen Park in Eau Claire south to the Hwy 85 Wayside. Flat and paved well enough to haul our infant in his Burley Bike trailer without too many bumps, not a lot of people once you get outside Eau Claire. A very enjoyable, extremely easy ride. We took our time and completed this 14 mile out and back in about 3 hours. Apart from the beautiful river and woods, highlights for this section include: - Racy’s coffee at Water street is worth stopping at on your way back, around mile marker 1.5 - Mile 3 you’ll cross the river on an old Union Bridge Co bridge and there’s a historical marker at the end about early settlers and trade. - Almost to mile 6 is a historical marker about the town of Porterville. - At mile marker 6 (exactly) you can spot the famous Silver Mine ski jump. Hwy 85 wayside has a historical marker for it but you can’t see it from there.
This is a great trail experience, A paved trail that hugs the Chippewa River for most of the trail. When not hugging the river it travels through a tunnel of tress and some open fields. We found most of the trail was shaded. Many scenic views of the river and the tree covered areas are just as scenic. Wonderful trail and we will return in fall.
First part of the trail is paved then suddenly it is gravel-like but they used crushed river rock held together with what appeared to be an asphalt mix.
An enjoyable ride and very historic. Many bumps (it is early spring) and lots of after rain tree debris. Still, really no issues.
We ended our ride with an evening spent in downtown Eau Claire. The city of bridges.... Stayed at the Eau Claire Best Western Plus, which was right off the interstate and wonderful. 1/2 mile from the trail!
We rode the western half of the trail on a humid and hot weekend but we were pleasantly surprised at the amount of shade and tree coverage. It cut the heat and also the headwinds from the west which made our ride very comfortable. This part of the trial is nicely paved, which makes it fast and flat. There are at least a half-dozen small bridges over farmland creeks and at one point, you come across a large bend in the Chippewa River which is beautiful. It intersects with the Red Cedar Trail, which is a nice detour to Menomonie, or you can continue east towards Eau Claire.
After 7 or so miles, the trail turns to crushed gravel, which is pretty easy to ride over, but they've patched the potholes with asphalt, which makes it bumpy. It's fairly maintained but could use a little more maintenance. We have hybrid bikes and made it just fine, and there were several riders with skinny road bikes and they seemed to be doing okay. It is a slight disappointment after the perfect grooming of the western part of the trail.
The trailhead out of Durand has a lot of parking, rest rooms with running water and a drinking fountain, so you can fill your water bottles. Durand has a few places to eat, there's not much along the trail.
We stopped in Meridean, a historic village with an intriguing history. There's a parking lot and porto-potti, but I didn't see any water fountains. Next time we'll start in Meridean and finish the trail to Eau Claire. It was a great trail for a summer's day - lush surroundings and tons of wildflowers.
We rode this trail as part two of two-ride weekend. We parked at a small, unmarked parking area off of 50th Ave near the junction of the Chippewa and Red Cedar Trails. We actually rode the 7 mile section between the junction and Durand on the first leg of our ride weekend. This section is maintained by Pepin County and is VERY nice. On this day, we headed east towards Meridian. The trail surface is somewhat paved, and most of the potholes looked to have been filled. This trail was very manageable for our mountain & hybrid bikes. However we did see various riders on bikes with skinny street tires and they seemed to manage just fine as well. The trail was more overgrown in places than I expected, and could maybe use a spray to keep the grass and ivy vines along the edge of the trail in check. Moss covering the trail along the bluffs between Meridian and Caryville lend the trail a beautiful and secluded feeling. The views of the Chippewa were breathtaking when you come out of the trees and suddenly there is this graceful winding river. Once we arrived at Caryville, the trail opened up into flat farm ground. At one point we were caught off guard by sounds from a PA system from no where, before we realized there is a drag strip a short distance off the trail east of Caryville. My husband and I rode to about the 7 mile marker on the west edge of Eau Claire, before turning around and riding back to our vehicle, a total of 38 miles round-trip. I will rate this trail a 4, but the trail scenery itself was worth the ride.
We rode this trail as part two of two-ride weekend. We parked at a small, unmarked parking area off of 50th Ave near the junction of the Chippewa and Red Cedar Trails. We actually rode the 7 mile section between the junction and Durand on the first leg of our ride weekend. This section is maintained by Pepin County and is VERY nice. On this day, we headed east towards Meridian. The trail surface is somewhat paved, and most of the potholes looked to have been filled. This trail was very manageable for our mountain & hybrid bikes. However we did see various riders on bikes with skinny street tires and they seemed to manage just fine as well. The trail was more overgrown in places than I expected, and could maybe use a spray to keep the grass and ivy vines along the edge of the trail in check. Moss covering the trail along the bluffs between Meridian and Caryville lend the trail a beautiful and secluded feeling. The views of the Chippewa were breathtaking when you come out of the trees and suddenly there is this graceful winding river. Once we arrived at Caryville, the trail opened up into flat farm ground. At one point we were caught off guard by sounds from a PA system from no where, before we realized there is a drag strip a short distance off the trail east of Caryville. My husband and I rode to about the 7 mile marker on the west edge of Eau Claire, before turning around and riding back to our vehicle, a total of 38 miles round-trip. I will rate this trail a 4, but the trail scenery itself was worth the ride.
We biked the Caryville to Durand part of this trail on September 1, 2017. The trees, rocks, river, animal and plant life is very lovely. The surface from Caryville 12 miles toward Durand is only arguably paved. If you have trail bikes, great. If you have thin-tired road bikes? They would likely sustain damage. Stick to Durand and no more than 7 miles in with a road bike.
I'll throw my 3 cents in and agree with the reviewers from the last couple years that the "chip seal" surface between the Red Cedar trail junction and Caryville is bumpy and potholed. I started at the Highway 85 rest area and got to ride a couple miles of nice smooth asphalt, which I expect continues into Eau Claire. But on my route west, the change to the "sort of paved" surface was sudden and unwelcome. Too bad, because the scenery is not unpleasant, it doesn't track right next to a highway, there are few road crossings of consequence, and no hills to worry about.
There are limited views of the Chippewa River, but those few stretches are particularly lovely. And a short side-trip up the Red Cedar trail brings you to a spectacular bridge over the river. I turned around here and returned for about 33 miles round-trip. The pavement at the junction became very good again and I think continues the last 7 miles to Durand, though it's been several years since I rode that section. The Red Cedar is well-packed stone. I've ridden that one often and would definitely choose that surface over the potholes.
This is probably my last ride on this trail unless it's completely repaved. Next time I'll do a round-trip from Durand to the Red Cedar and turn around at Downsville or so, for a more relaxing ride of 25 or 30 miles. No potholes to dodge.
We biked this trail for the first time on May 22nd 2015. Leaving from Durand headed towards Eau Claire. It was smooth asphalt for 4miles till the split that heads to Menominee. We went another 8 miles and that section was a bit rough but not unbearable. We also saw and captured a photograph of a bear cub.
Rode this trail in early October of 2015 from Eau Claire to Durand and back for about 64 miles. We parked at a municipal lot in Eau Claire near Phoenix Park which is where we caught the trail. This trail is as flat as a trail can get. A variety of scenery including farmland, forest, hills and the river. The Cell Block in Durand was a nice place for a lunch break before turning back.
Our mileage included a short side trip up the Red Cedar trail just to check out the bridge which I would recommend.
My wife and I biked from the Durand trailhead to the small town of Meridean on Tuesday, September 8. The conditions were good between Durand and the intersection of the Chippewa River trail and the Red Cedar trail. However, the 4 miles between the intersection and Meridean was extremely rough, with moss/grass growing in the middle of the pavement and some pretty rough riding. For that reason, i don't recommend riding with anything other than a hybrid or mountain bike tires.
Great trail with lots of changing scenery. We started in downtown Eau Claire and biked just path Caryville and back. The trail is very smooth and even.
This has always been a favorite trail with me - shady and quiet with wooded and marshland scenery. Very even, no hills. On Jun 30th, 2015, we were about 4 miles west of Meridean and about 130 yds ahead of us we spotted a big black bear. Obviously we waited until he lumbered off.
The DNR might consider putting up a notice that there is a slight chance you might see a bear, and what precautions to take. But it is still a wonderful trail and this is the first bear I have seen since the trail opened.
My brother and I rode from Durand to Eau Claire 8/20/13. Although i appears to be 10 or more years old, it is in good repair and a bloom with wild flowers. It will be nice when the trail is completed between Eau Claire and the Old Abe trail in Chippewa Falls.
We rode the Chippewa River Trail from Durand to the junction with the Red Cedar trail and then up the Red Cedar Trail to Downsville. A great ride, with a nice mix of shade and sun exposure. The Chippewa trail is blacktop while the red Cedar trail is hard pack. Not a problem for my 700 x 320 tires. Would be OK for a true road bike as well. Nice view of the Chippewa River as you cross a long RR trestle bridge and then nice looks at the Red Cedar river as well. Take a short side trip up to the old Creamery in Downsville for a relaxing lunch (Sunday Brunch served).
!0-20-2010
I took Timbee's advice and tried the Chippewa River State Park Trail with a background of Fall colors, although I probably missed the peak by a week. The trail is pleasant and varied in scenery. The big thing to be aware of, however, is the severe damage from the summer 2010 storms. One section is technically closed, but you can get past it by carrying your bike through the washout. Repairs are in process.
I enjoyed riding the Chippewa the day before I did the Red Cedar (trails join at southern end of RC); very peaceful & quiet, few others on it during the week. The in-between towns are very small with limited amenities. Both Durand & Eau Claire have many restaurant choices and pleasant parks.
The surface was quite variable; it's paved all the way from Durand to Eau Claire. The two ends are the best with Durand having very nice, smooth asphalt. The middle sections aren't so hot--many rough places even with weeds growing up in the middle of the pavement. The scenery along the Chippewa is very nice & it's not at all hilly. I'm sure a fall ride would have spectacular color.
My husband and I rode from Eau Claire to Caryville in June, 2008, and had a wonderful ride. I don't have a lot to add to Dennis's excellent and thorough review, but here are a few random notes.
This is a good summertime trip because there is quite a bit of shade, plus the cooling effects of the river. Even the section of trail that runs through Eau Claire is shady and pleasant, tracking right along the river near the college. There is an amazing variety of scenery on this trail, ranging from city to wetland to rolling prairie to the occasional soybean field. We were charmed to come upon a pair of enormous Sandhill Cranes spearing frogs in one of the swampy areas. We were also amused by what seemed to be hundreds of baby bunnies scampering frantically back and forth across the trail. And if you like bridges, this is your trail! I looked back at pictures I took on the trip and they seem to be one arty bridge shot after another.
Having read Dennis's description of the rest of the trail, I look forward to seeing more of it next year.
I Rode this trail in early October with my Scorpion Fx recumbent trike. It was a beautiful fall day, and the trees were just beginning to paint the landscape with brilliant colors of red and gold.
You can either begin your ride at Carson Park or Owens Park in Eau Claire. I started at Owens Park which is on the Eastern end of Eau Claire just off of Menomonie Street. The trail takes you across the campus of the University of Eau Claire, down a steep hill, and then along the Chippewa River. After approximately a mile the trail ends on the streets of Eau Claire. You'll need to ride on the street for about two blocks, before the trail reconnects. You'll cross a steel railroad trestle just North of Grand Ave. at which point the trail takes you through some of the older neighborhoods of Eau Claire, and then winds along the wooded banks of the Chippewa River as you leave Eau Claire going West.
At around mile marker 7 you'll reach a rest area with a view of the Chippewa River. It's beyond this point that the trail turns from a smooth asphalt to a course asphalt giving you somewhat of a bumpier ride.
In approximately another 5 miles you'll reach the small village of Carryville. Here you'll find another rest area with picnic tables as well as a grocery store, for stocking up on supplies.
6 miles beyond Carryville you'll reach the quiet little town of Meridean with it's vistas of the Chippewa River.
In approximatley another 7-8 miles you'll reach the Dunnville nature preserve and the 860 foot railroad trestle crossing the Chippewa River, and the start of the Red cedar Trail going North to the town of Menomonie. This is a good place to rest, and just enjoy the Spectacula view of the Chippewa River. At this point you can decide whether you would like to cross the trestle to ride the 14.5 mile Cedar River Trail, or continue on another 6 miles to the village of Durand.
This 24 mile trail has a lot to offer with it's beautifull vistas of the Chippewa River, and numerous wooded areas and praries you'll encounter.
This trail is an easy trail to ride with virtually no hills, or steep grades, and plenty of solitude.
I would highly reccommend this trail to anyone who loves being among the beauty of nature.
"The extension to Durand is completed with a smooth asphalt finish. This adds 6.5 miles or so to this trail.
The two things I didn't care for about this section were the lack of a sign for available services when you get to Durand. Not knowing the town how do you go about finding food, etc.? Not even a near by gas station to ask at.
The other thing about this trail is the 12 stop signs on this section. Only 3 are necessary I feel. The rest you stop for driveways, farm field driveways and even an ATV path. So you won't make any good time on this path, but it'll give you alot of practice unclipping from your pedals. "
"We started our ride in Caryville and rode west to the junction with the Red Cedar Trail, then up to Downsville. The trail often runs adjacent to the River-far from any roads or highway noise. The only sounds are the birds singing in the trees.
The asphalt black top, while not as smooth as some trails, is nowhere near bone- jarring as stated in your ""Mixed Bag"" review in 2002. In fact, it seems to be well maintained, which contributes to making it a great trail to ride."
"This trail is now open all the way to Durand, about 8 more miles than the trail used to be. The trail is paved with smooth asphalt until about mp 10. After that it's rough asphalt until the junction with the Red Cedar state trail. After that the surface for about a half mile is crushed limestone, then it becomes hard packed gravel. About two miles from Durand the surface again is paved.
The packed gravel section isn't for every bike. Even though the surface is packed hard the trail is best ridden with a larger width tire. Hopefully, they'll pave this someday.
Between the rest area on Wis. 85 and Caryville the trail doesn't have much scenery, since it runs though mainly farm fields. There's not much shade either.
West of Caryville the trail stays fairly close to the Chippewa River. Here you get plenty of views of the river and a lot of shade. Also Caryville is the last place to get water until Durand which is about 17 miles. So be sure to fill your bottles up."
"There are a number of scenic spots along this trail, and it certainly takes advantage of the Chippewa River, but after the smooth limestone of the Red Cedar River Trail, the rough asphalt of this trail is a bit bone-jarring. Because of its connections, it's a nice trail for overnighters. "
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