Underdown Recreation Area

Estimated 1.5-2 hours to complete. The trail can be ridden either direction but counterclockwise is recommended. Expect rock and roots with frequent elevation changes along with several small but very scenic lakes. The bridges can be very slippery when wet and should be avoided by riding or walking around them. Let the trails drain for 3 hours after a rain before riding them. The Ice Age Trail is a National Scenic trail that runs through Underdown. Hikers are commonly seen on the IAT sections. There are equestrian trail intersections and bikers should yield to any riders.

This route utilizes all the mountain bike trails in Underdown and Prairie Dells trail systems. There are three trailheads, Prairie Dells, Underdown South and Underdown Recreation Area. This route starts at the Prairie Dells Trailhead, but it can start from any of the trailheads. There are restrooms at Prairie Dells and Underdown Recreation Area trailheads. A hand pump is available at the Underdown Recreation Area trailhead (mile 15.6) from May-October. The trail runs both directions but this route uses the 'easier' direction. Plan on a full day of riding (4-7 hours) for this route. The route can be modified and shortened many ways, for example it easy to skip the Homestead and Hollow loops. The wooden features can be extremely slippery when wet and should be ridden around when wet. There are GripStrips on a couple of features allowing the rider to ride them. There are equestrian trails throughout the Underdown area and bikers should yield to horseback riders when crossing their trails. The trails does use the Ice Age National Scenic Trail where riders may encounter hikers. Take time to enjoy a stop at the Dog Lake shelter (mile 18.5) and the dells of the Prairie River (mile 28). Both stops are a great place to refuel and take in the natural beauty of this place.

Estimated 1.5-2 hours to complete. The route is a loop and is best ridden counterclockwise starting at the Heineman Road South Trailhead. Expect rocks and roots with numerous elevation changes. The wooden structures can be slippery when wet and should be avoided by riding or walking around them. GripStrips are applied to some of the structures allowing them to be ridden when wet.