Castle Rock Trails Profile
Castle Rock Horse
The Castle Rock Horse Trails are maintained by the Castle Rock Trails Club; a small group of committed people who give their time, energy, resources, and finances to make it possible for so many people to enjoy the natural beauty of this little piece of heaven.
CR Trails Club
The CR Trails Club depends on the donations of those who enjoy riding the trails. Because the CR Trails are not state-owned, there are no state trail fees. This also means that there are no state monies coming in to maintain the trails.
All donations are greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the donation/map/kiosk center at the trailhead (located on 22nd Ave., just south of Hwy 21) or they can be dropped off in the donation box just outside the Ukarydee Campground Office. Donations can also be mailed to the CR Trails Club PO address: Castle Rock Trails Club PO Box 0782 Friendship, WI 53934-0782.
WRPCO
WRPCO, who owns the land that the CR Trails are located on, has taken an active role in the development of this trail system. In the past, the CR Trails Club has been the recipient of grant monies from the Wisconsin State Horse Council.
Equine Foundation
Also, in January 2006, the Equine Foundation of the Wisconsin State Horse Council donated $1,500.00 to the CR Trails Club toward the purchase of a brush hog that could be pulled by an ATV. In the past year and a half, the club has been working hard to make all the trails wide enough to accommodate this equipment. We want to thank all these organizations for
their support!
Wisconsin River
The Castle Rock Trails provides hours of enjoyable riding. The trails are sandy and are easy to ride. Many of the trails allow beautiful views of the Wisconsin River, Castle Rock Lake, The Roche a Cri, Waller’s pond, and other smaller ponds along the way. The trails provide a variety of riding grounds, including pine plantations, prairies, and oak forests.
Horse and Cart
Some of the trails are wide enough for a horse and cart and some of them are bridle paths. Along the trails, you will see a variety of wildlife. It is normal to see deer, turkeys, sandhill cranes, ducks, badgers, eagles, ospreys, and even a bear has been spotted in the past.
Easy To Navigate
The CR Trails are very well-marked and easy to navigate. There are six loops that are color-coded. There are short trails within some of the main loops that are always marked with a brown sign. Most of the loops interconnect with one another so that you can tailor your ride to fit the needs of your group.
All of the trails are designed around 21stAve. and Cumberland Ave. (which becomes 22nd Ave. at the corner). At each intersection, there is a number on the sign that corresponds to the same number on the trail map. This makes it easy to know where you are, where you were, and where you are going! (Now, if only life could be this easy!)
Carts and Buggies
The CR Trails Club has an annual spring trail clean-up weekend in early April. They appreciate all the people who have volunteered to help in the past and would appreciate your help in the future. In July, a dedicated group of volunteers worked diligently to create a new trail that is wide enough for carts and buggies. One point along that trail presents the trail rider with a gorgeous view of The Castle Rock Lake.
If you could volunteer your services and would like more information about our upcoming trail clean-up dates in April, July, and September, please contact President Larry Clapper at 608-564-2129 or Vice President Mary Harris at 608-564-2233.
Gun Hunting Season
This piece of property that is owned by WRPCO is open for public use. For non-motorized activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, mushroom picking, skiing, dog sledding, etc., be aware that during November is gun hunting season; there will be hunters on this property. There is also bow hunting and duck hunting that occurs around Waller’s pond. At times, T-Zone hunting and youth hunting (which is very minimal) are allowed. Be informed and use your own discretion as to when you want to ride the
CR Trails.