The Pedal to the Kettle
Bong Recreation Area Trails
Welcome to your peace dividend... 40 years later. Actually, the 4,515-acre parcel of blooming prairie land is a cold war dividend. Slated in the 1950s to be a supersonic bomber base, the land was spared just before the concrete runways were poured. Sputnik and the ICBM race had nixed the United States' emphasis on planes. Now you can easily cruise the 8.3-mile red (longest) trail around the outer boundary with time left over for a visit to the excellent Molinaro Visitor Center to learn about the native prairie habitat and abundant bird life.
Bong Recreation Area
While Chicago and Milwaukee are just around the corner, Bong is far from being overused. In fact, more riders beating down a hardpack track would be nice. The flat terrain, easy ride, well-maintained and clear trails, and sanitary facilities at the visitor center make this an accessible and excellent option for everyone.
The only two minor trail incoveniences are right at the start. First, the busy route 142 must be crossed shortly after leaving the trail head. It has deep ditches on each side, although, for novice riders, there are stairs. Second, after crossing route 142, you might mistake an unsigned trail running off to the right for the correct trail. If you find yourself on a very rough surface right next to a golf course you have taken the wrong trail. There is, in general, little special signing for mountain biking; a small brown bike silhouette at the trail head is about it. That said, trails are well-signed for travel in a counterclockwise direction with blue cross-country ski trail signs, color-coded posts, and periodic"you are here" map signs. A park map and information flyer are available at the park entrance station.
Wisconsin State Recreation Area fees can be paid at the park entrance station. Camping is available and there are showers.
Length: The 8.3-mile red trail is a loop with a short out-and-back handle at the start/finish. There are shorter trails as well: the gray trail is 1.7 miles; the yellow trail is 4.4 miles; and the orange trail is 6.4 miles. All mileage is computed from the trail head.
Difficulty: Easy. This is a good area for novice riders and kids who are old enough to pedal without training wheels.
Terrain: Other than a few steep embankments and lazy 10' changes in elevation, nothing will challenge your skills. Bong is flat, flat, flat.
Surface: Mostly grassy and fairly rough.
Scenery: Resurgent Midwestern prairie land with some forested spots.
Recommended season: April through November.
Trail head: Turn south off route 142, pass the entrance station, and turn left into the parking lot for the Molinaro Visitor Center. The trail head is on the north side of the most easterly parking area.
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