Reviewed by: scot ,  Cross Country Rider , from rhinelander,wis.

Summary:
THIS TRAIL IS BEING CLOSED TO BIKES BY THE D.N.R.!!!!! Ya gotta go to the meetings people.

Reviewed by: Slick , from Two Rivers, WI

Summary:
Great hardpack trail with big up/down hills. The speed one can carry simply adds to the excitement. It is a beautiful trail surrounding 3 lakes. A variety of terrain is present and each section has its own character. Leaving the Escanaba parking lot out past Pallete Lake is simply awesome. Fast, faster, and fastest. If you're not confident in your abilities, just take your time. It is usually the trail we take the kids on for their first true Mtn bike ride. All ability levels are welcome. Not to mention, you probably won't see any other bikers!

Recommended Route:
Park in the Lumberjack Trail parking lot off of Hwy. K. It is just past White Sand Lake towards Sayner. Cross the road and follow the signs to the back side of the Escanaba Trail. Take the entire outside loop. Roughly 11-12 miles.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Razorback Ridge, Lumberjack, Winter Park (Bail Out Race)

Reviewed by: rktech2 , from Springfield IL

Summary:
...ridden June 6th, 2003.
I rode this trail with my future son-in-law. Now, keep in mind, this was his absolute "first" mtb-style bike ride. So, he's on an unfamiliar bike, on an unfamiliar trail...hmmmm...no wonder he kept muttering something about my trying to kill him...hehehe...he did manage to pass the first son-in-law test... Honestly, this trail system is truly nice. Well marked, wonderfully rolling terrain, with great lake views. For us, we managed to get about half way around when the rains came. But still, we were under a canopy of pine and birch that kept the real rainfall somewhat at bay. There's a ski shelter out about midway that's stocked with firewood, and appears to be pretty dry. We opted just to continue on in the wet, but you could stop and spend a nice lunch break out there. Like other reviews have said, this trail connects to Lumberjack trails, and possibly to Razorback Ridge trail, but just taking this one as is can be great fun...rolling enough to keep you interested, options to go different length routes, and those great north woods vistas. Oh, but there are misquitoes from hell out there. They will swarm and steal your first born if you're not careful, so come prepared for wild tribal insects. A great ride !!!

Recommended Route:
...as detailed above

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I have heard and read that damn near everything in this area is a great ride...highly recommended if you're going up there.

Reviewed by: Packerjimb , from Wheaton

Summary:
I rode this trail with a buddy and it was a blast. A lot of rolling terrain that tried as it might couldn't throw me off my trusty steed. Although we made a wrong turn and ended up on what I concluded was lumberjack trail or as I called it the sand pit from hell(trail not well marked). Being a little heavy(215 lbs.) it ate my ass up. But the sheer delight of not seeing another sole on the trail was well worth the bull shit. We used this as a warm-up to ride Razorback Ridge the next day. I would say that this trail is not a beginner trail but far from expert so give it a try and have fun.

Reviewed by: Stephen Roecker , from Neenah, WI, Outagamie

Summary:
Escanaba is one of my favorite trails not because its the most technical, but because it has the best scenery. It's some of the best singletrack in the area, and I hardly ever see anyone there. This is partly because it's not the easiest place to find. Tucked back in the middle the northern highlands the area is mostly untouched, with most lakes in the area only accessable by canoe. The trail may not be very technical, but when you pump up the speed you can really fly up and down the hills.

Recommended Route:
Take the outer all the way until you come to the final fork in the trail that is 2 and half miles instead of 2. That section has seen some clear cutting and isn't by any means harder. If you have the time take every loop. The trail rates at about an intermediate level.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Clear Lake State Park and Razorback Ridges are also killer trails in the area. If you go to Razorback though prepare to get lost, you may as well wipe your ass with the map.