Four new Rustic Roads announced in time for fall color display

October 11, 2007

Governor Jim Doyle has announced the addition of four new Rustic Roads in Wisconsin that traverse parts of Marquette, Columbia, Price, Dodge and Dunn counties. This brings the number of Rustic Roads in Wisconsin to 107, and the number of miles included to over 600, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to see some of Wisconsin’s finest scenery.

The Rustic Road system in Wisconsin was created by the 1973 state legislature to preserve Wisconsin’s scenic, lightly traveled country roads for leisurely enjoyment of bikers, hikers and motorists. Rustic Roads range from under two miles to 37 miles in length, have speed limits of no more than 45 miles per hour, and remain under local government jurisdiction. 

For complete information on the Rustic Roads network, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Web site at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/scenic/rusticroads.htm.  

The four new Rustic Roads include:

• R –104 Marquette and Columbia counties. This road passes over hills and valleys closely bordered by mixed hardwood forests and large cottonwood trees. Picturesque, century-old farms can be seen from several locations. The French Creek Wildlife Area is nearby. (14 ^th Road, Town of Buffalo, Marquette County and Barry Road, Town of Marcellon, Columbia County between County Highway O in Marquette and County CM on Marquette and Columbia County line. 4.4 miles. First Road in Marquette County.) 

• R –105   Price County. This 13-mile loop off State Hwy 70 winds through the scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Wildlife viewing, forests, scenic farmland and views of the rambling South Fork of the Flambeau River enhance the drive. On Forest Road 148, the traveler will pass through the beautiful Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, which spans the river, and pass by the adjacent equestrian campground and trails. The traveler will also encounter the restored historic 1876 logging dam on Forest Road 535. (Forest Road 148 [Smith Rapids Road], Forest Road 144 [Shady Knoll Road] and Forest Road 535 [Logging Dam Road], Towns of Fifield and Eisenstein, Price County.)

• R –106   Dodge County. This route has rolling hills and wonderful farm vistas. Parts are adjacent to the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. The Bud Cook Hiking Trail is accessible from West Point Road and has viewing scopes to see wildlife in the marsh. The southern end of West Point Road also provides access to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Educational Barn, where visitors can learn more about the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. (Ledge, North Point, South Point and West Point roads for 7.6 miles, south of STH 49 and County Z intersection, Town of LeRoy, Dodge County. First Road in Dodge County.) 

• R –107   Dunn County. This 6.7-mile route follows the Chippewa River. The traveler will find wooded areas with canopies over the road that open up to meadows and picturesque views. There are numerous water resources, with wetland habitat throughout. The Red Cedar Bike Trail crosses the route at two locations and connects to the Chippewa River Trail providing trail access to the entire area. (160 ^th Ave, 650th Street and 50th Ave from County 0 to County M, Town of Peru, Dunn County.)

For more information, contact:
Jane Carrola, WisDOT Rustic Roads Coordinator
(608) 266-0649,  jane.carrola@dot.state.wi.us