Glacial Drumlin Trail

Milwaukeeans– let us not forget the beauty of our dear state. It’s time to remember what you love about Wisco and it’s only a short drive to… Waukesha?! Who knew.
If you like to bike, and like to feel safe– this is your trail. 13 miles of paved trail in the gorgeous county of Waukesha. Biking to the end and back is a great workout– and because it’s fairly flat, it doesn’t torture you!
On our way home, we grab a bite at Delafield Brewhouse or somewhere in downtown Waukesha. It’s always a fun trip!

I rode the whole Glacial Drumlin Trail last summer. There’s lots of good info about it online here’s a few things I have to add to that:
Part of the trail (approx first the eastern most third) is paved. This section was pretty heavily used by people from surrounding towns out to get some exercise. Once you get to the non-​paved section there are far less cyclists out there and only a few pedestrians. I rode it over two weekdays and in some of the western most stretches, didn’t encounter anyone for hours on end. The towns around these areas seemed to make no effort to cater to the cyclists so be aware that there may not be opportunities to use the bathroom or fill up your water bottle for long stretches. I don’t remember seeing any drinking fountains along the trail and only a handful of benches. It goes through some very rural areas. When I did it there was a warning sign at the western start point (Cottage Grove) about a bridge closure. I ignored it because I figured there would be detour info up ahead but there was not and all of a sudden I came to a fenced off bridge on the trail without any detour info! I took my chances and got over the fence and walked over the bridge without incident but my advice is to check any signs at the start point or maybe even contact whoever oversees the trail a few days before you ride it, just to make sure that everything is passable.
A few business along the route that are worth checking out:
1. Mama D’s Coffee in Wales. They are SO friendly to cyclists here and have fresh sandwiches and bananas and other stuff you will appreciate after a hot day of cycling.
2. I stayed at Janie’s Pub, Grill and Bed and Breakfast in Sullivan. This was a nice midpoint on the trail although there is very little to do in Sullivan. Still, it was a good place to stop for the night. It’s a B+B with just 2 bedrooms and the manager is not on-​site (next door I think). Very clean and comfortable and steps away from the few food options in Sullivan.
3. Pedal’rs Inn Bed and Breakfast is in Wales near Mama D’s. I didn’t stay there but it was right off the trail in a cool looking Victorian house. Another place to check out if you want to do the trail over 2 days.
Both the eastern and western start points are a little hard to find. Totally possible to do this trail in a day (a long day) if you’re used to distance cycling. If you’re connecting to other cities you may want to split it into two days as I did. A lot of the trail was scenic (marshes, a few big lakes) but some parts were a little monotonous.

I’m never short on words. My dad says that I could talk to a brick wall, but while riding the trail this morning I could only come up with one word to describe the experience: Pleasant. My typical ride on the GDT starts at Fox River Sanctuary in Waukesha to Main Street in Dousman, about 25 miles round trip. That entire section of the trail is paved, but after Dousman the surface is crushed stone. The trail has a slight uphill grade when travelling west, so it makes for a quick return trip. Scenery is a mixed bag between suburban subdivisions and marshland but again, it’s really pleasant.
Tips:
You need a state trail pass. You can get a daily pass, but it’s more cost effective to pay the $ 20 for the annual permit. There is a self pay box at the Wales rest area, where you’ll get a temporary pass. DO NOT be caught without a pass. They have folks checking for passes and the fine is $ 100.
The Coffee Vault is right off of the trail in Dousman and it RULES. Check it out.
There are precious few opportunities to get water on the trail. Once you get west of Waukesha there is nothing for about 10 miles, so prepare yourself. I don’t want to scrape anybody off of the pavement this year.
If you think you’re Lance Armstrong, you need to chill. There are a ton of families with small children out on the weekend. Don’t ruin their ride because you think you’re training for the Tour de France.