Recreation
Old Abe State Trail
The Old Abe State Trail is part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System. When completed, the trail system will feature an 80-mile network of trail stretching from Cornell, through Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire to Durand and Menomonie. Other trails in the system include the Chippewa River and Red Cedar state trails.
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Horseback riding
The southern portion of the trail (from Jim Falls south to County Highway O), has a parallel trail next to the asphalt trail which is developed for horseback riding. Riders must keep off the asphalt trail. Each rider age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.
Hunting
The Old Abe State Trail corridor is open to hunting from County Highway S in Jim Falls north, approximately 10 miles, to the Cornell city limits during the Wisconsin state parks hunting time frame. For more information, please see:
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The Ice Age Trail crosses the Old Abe State Trail near Brunet Island State Park in Cornell.
Walking, bicycling and in-line skating
The level grade and paved surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers, joggers and in-line skaters. Each bicyclist and skater age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin state trail pass while using the trail.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Winter activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails are done on a county-wide basis, however, localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.
The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile webpages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.