Grandfather Falls Preview

The Mobile Skills Crew (MSC) continues it’s water theme this year as we head to Lincoln County July 14-17 to work on the Grandfather Falls segment (lets hope he doesn’t break a hip). In June, we had the pleasure of working at Straight Lake and then along the Plover River, but in July we turn our attention to the patriarch of rivers in our state – the Wisconsin River. It is a much smaller and swifter river in the Northwoods then its large, ambling version further south.

The trail follows the river for a few miles and work is needed to upgrade this segment to befit its standing along such a great river. The scenery will be wonderful (even the hydroelectric plant has some interesting views) as will the camping, which will be at Camp New Wood County Park overlooking the Wisconsin River.

There is also a nice local drinking establishment, Pankow’s Bar, just north of the project on Hwy 107 that I recommend. I know I’ll be making a stop. Anyways, back to the work.

There will be a little boardwalk work (I’m betting Rich will take on that project), upgrading the signage and of course, some finely honed tread work. Luke will be bringing up the Summer Saunters kids from Lodi to join in on the work and let them experience how the trail is built as they traipse around the state sauntering through premiere sections of Ice Age Trail. They were up at Straight Lake last year and it was fun having all the kids running around, hauling duff buckets and greatly increasing the energy of the volunteers (the parents may say differently).

Bring your camera and a poetic eye to capture the beauty of not only the area, but of the volunteers who work tirelessly to create a premiere hiking experience. It’s appropriate the Ice Age Trail, the greatest hiking trail in Wisconsin, nestles up next to the Wisconsin River, the biggest and best river in Wisconsin, for a few miles to use each other and improve the experience of both. Sign up early to partake in this great trail building opportunity!