New trailhead for popular McMiller cross country ski trails open now
Greetings! We are announcing the opening of a new trailhead for cross country skiers at the McMiller Sports Center, near Eagle.
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DATE: |
Dec. 13, 2013 |
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CONTACT:
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Paul Sandgren, Kettle Moraine State Forest, 262-594-6204 Bob Manwell, DNR communications, 608-275-3317 |
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SUBJECT: |
New trailhead for popular McMiller cross country ski trails open now |
FITCHBURG, Wis. – A new dedicated trailhead and parking lot featuring direct access to the McMiller Sports Center’s popular cross country ski trails is now open for use.
The new trailhead for skiers is roughly one-third mile south of the existing trailhead on the same entrance road. It will have a temporary heated warming shelter for the current season with portable toilets. Plans are in the works for building a permanent shelter with fireplace and toilets hopefully in time for the 2014-15 winter season.
McMiller Sports Center is located within the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest on Co. Hwy NN near the Village of Eagle.
“The new trailhead offers several advantages for skiers,” said Paul Sandgren, Kettle Moraine State Forest superintendent, including:
- A heated shelter available seven days a week during daylight hours;
- a dedicated trail shelter facility rather than shared use; and,
- immediate access to trail loops.
Trails consist of five ski-loops ranging from 2.5 km to 10 km in length. Additionally, there is a 2 km loop that serves a biathlon course providing access to the biathlon range firing line at McMiller. All trails at McMiller are groomed for both classical and skate skiers.
“In recent years, winter use of the shooting range facilities at the McMiller has increased and retail sales in its shelter and pro shop have been greatly expanded,” said Sandgren.
“Combined with an increase in use of the ski trails during good snow conditions and for biathlon events, space in the McMiller shelter as well as in the adjoining parking lot has led to crowded conditions. Currently the existing shelter is open on weekends only with hours that do not always coincide with the time frame when skiers are using the trail. The move to separate the parking and the warming shelter facilities should greatly reduce congestion between these two popular outdoor activities.”
The biathlon course is a recent addition. It is one of only two biathlon venues in southern Wisconsin and is used by the Wisconsin Biathlon Association for training and competition and for beginner biathlon instruction offering club-owned rifles for those who are new to the sport.
Trail users are asked to provide input and feedback on the new trailhead location.
Please contact Forest Superintendent Paul Sandgren at 262-594-6204 or paul.sandgren@wi.gov with any comments or suggestions.