Bike the Badger and become a Trail Explorer

What is a Trail Explorer?

A Trail Explorer is a person who has explored recreational trails in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois on a bicycle. The trails that are currently part of the Explorers program are the Badger Trail and connecting trails, Sugar River and Jane Addams, a total of 73 miles. Equal recognition is given to those bicycling the entire trail in one day and those who do it on multiple days within a year's time. This page helps you learn more about the Trail Explorers program and the challenge to bicyclists of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors at the human speed of a bicycle. It celebrates those who have achieved Trail Explorer status and tells their stories.

The Trails follow abandoned railroad beds in south central Wisconsin and northern Illinois and have only a 3-5% grade. The trails are packed with limestone screenings providing a hard, smooth surface for comfortable travel. Trestle bridges have planked floors and safety railings. Camping along the trails is illegal.

Trail Explorer Program News

	Scavenger Hunt Questions for 2011 are now available here. Make your plans to explore the trails in 2011. Tell us about your adventure here
	As part of a grant from REI awarded to the Trail Explorer's program all new Trail Explorers in 2011 will receive a fabulous REI wide-mouth, loop-top Nalgen water bottle. REI joined Trek Bikes, Green County Tourism, Dane County Bicycle Association, and Wisconsin Department of Tourism in supporting the startup of the Trail Explorers program.	This 32 oz Nalgene BPA-free bottle donated by REI will be awarded to each new Trail Explorer in 2011
	In 2008, the first year of the Trail Explorers program, 18 people earned Trail Explorer status. Trail Explorers ranged in age from 6 to 77 years old and obtained the answers to the nine scavenger hunt questions in one to eight trips. Each Trail Explorer received a patch with the current year, a Nalgene water bottle, and certificate. Four Trail Explorers were present and recognized at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Badger Trail in November. Read about the experiences of all the first and second year explorers and become inspired to join them.