Posts Tagged ‘drive’

In 1973 Wisconsin established the Rustic Roads program to assist local communities and residents to protect what is left of Wisconsin’s scenic country roads.  Designated Rustic Roads wind their way through areas noted for their special qualities.  They may include wide open agricultural views, untouched forests & natural areas, places where wildlife are known to gather or simply a slice of untouched Wisconsin landscape.

Rustic roads may be dirt, gravel or paved and are certainly not the first roads to be plowed in winter.  While the routes are perfect for a scenic weekend drive you shouldn’t overlook them for cycling or even a relaxing day hike.

Here in Baraboo we have 2 designated rustic roads nearby,  RR 21 & RR 49.  Of course in this area one could argue that any country road from here to the Mississippi could be a rustic road selection. For the moment though, let’s stick to the official ones.

Walking atop the levee on Rustic Road 49. (Levee Rd.)

Rustic Road 49 is located along the Wisconsin River connecting Sauk & Columbia county. We know it as Levee Road.  You can get on Levee Road from an intersection north of Baraboo on County Highway T.  Levee Road follows the path of a levee built up along the banks of the Wisconsin river. Along the way travelers will see forests, prairie lands, marsh and river flood plains.  Levee Road also travels past the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center and through the Pine Island Wildlife Reserve. The route travels about 10 miles before joining Highway 33 near Portage, WI.

Natural Bridge State Park

Road 21 is south-west of Baraboo near the town of Denzer & Natural Bridge State Park.  RR21 includes portions of 4 roads; Slotty Rd, Orchard Dr., Schara Rd. & Ruff Rd. This is a perfect area for cyclists. You will travel through rugged and rolling terrain, passed the remains of an old farm and along a ridge of old forest including oak, maple & hickory trees.

There are Rustic Roads in almost every county in the state that put on display everything rural and natural Wisconsin have to offer. Amazingly more often than not, you’ll have them all to yourselves.  You can learn more about Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads on their Website.  Now’s the time to explore the maps and start marking out those summer drives through beautiful rural Wisconsin.