Review Date
January 24, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: ~martini~ ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I'll simply echo what everyone else has said. This is a great flowy trail that everyone from beginners to hardcore racers could enjoy. I'm bummed I had to move away - I used to ride at least once a week, if not more. I can't wait to get back in the spring to ride there again.

Recommended Route:
Start at the lower campground near the lake, and head up the new trail. Do as many loops as you feel the need to. There is no 'right' direction, so do be aware of on coming hikers and bikers.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve; Ash Creek Forest, Richland Center; Decorah IA; Yellow River State Forest, IA; Volga State Rec Area, IA; FDR Trails, Dubuque IA; The Hills of Prairie du Chien

Review Date
December 18, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: brando45 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
the something for everyone trail starts with a nice loop around the lake. there are then two ways to get to the top, the first is a pretty steep and technical climb(great downhill) that starts with the wooden steps by the playground equipment. the preferred route to the top is the just completed trail that starts by campsite 51. it is a long meandering climb with lots of great switchbacks and a couple of dry creek crossings. the "bobby" crowns the ridge like a prince of singletrack with sensuous flow and lungbusting aerobic levels. there are two scenic overlook trails with great views and offer a great spot to catch your breath. there is also a log challenge area and another connector trail in the works.

Recommended Route:
start at Bluedog Cycles. a great place to get the lowdown and they have rental bikes. the great thing about sidie is there are many different routes you can take and always get a different experience.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
HPT, Kickapoo Valley Reserve, jersey valley, duck egg, ash creek

Review Date
December 16, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: kathy lofton ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
As a first time mountain biker, I learned to ride on these trails. I didn't know it then, but I couldn't have picked a better trail system to learn on. Sidie Hollow is an interesting network of trails full of switchbacks, rolling climbs, rocks, roots, bridges, logs and beautiful views. It has a beginner trail that follows the shoreline of Sidie Hollow Lake and intermediate and advanced singletrack trails that climb along the hills of the park. The climbs are cleverly worked into the trails so that you can get a great workout. Sidie Hollow also has camping sites available and it's only 10 minutes from downtown Viroqua, where you can stop for food and drink at a local cafe and often hear live music, buy your healthy energy bars at the food coop, check out the music scene at Greenman Music, or stop by the local bike shop, Bluedog Cycles, to check on trail conditions and meet other riders.

Recommended Route:
It's good many ways. You could start at the upper camping area and ride counterclockwise around the first loop, or if you'd like to begin with a nice climb, start on the newer trail at the bottom camping area (where the big shelter is). For details, ask Bluedog.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve in LaFarge, Jersey Valley in Westby, Human Powered Trails in LaCrosse, Ash Creek in Richland Center, Wisconsin.

Review Date
December 8, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: bluedog ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
In two years time, Vernon County went from a dry county (NO legal singletrack) to a burgeoning mountian biking hotspot with 7 miles of new singletrack. The volunteer efforts and local business support have been amazing and at the current rate of trail building, it's projected that Sidie Hollow will have 15 miles of trails for all levels of ability within three years.
That said, Sidie Hollow County Park is a destination spot in the works. The trails ride very smoothly. On two seperate occasions I've had the priviledge to ride the network with representatives from IMBA and the feedback that they both gave was "great flow". Sidie has it all- giant climbs, rock armoring, roots gallore, log piles, switchbacks, carved-out benchcut, and spectacular views. All at higher average speeds than many of the trails found in the dense forests of Wisconsin.
This is definately a trail network worthy of a visit today, and moreover, a trail worth coming back to as it grows.

Recommended Route:
The trail layout is such that there is not any right or wrong direction. Depending on your ambition and fitness level, you can put together a ride that an absolute beginner can enjoy, or a loop that averages 200 vertical feet of climbing per mile.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Vernon Trails (trailcrew) is currently working with Vernon County to develop trails at Sidie Hollow, Duck Egg County Park, and Jersey Valley County Park. We have also been working closely with the Kickapoo Valley Reserve (a spectacular 8,600 acres of public land located in the center of Vernon County) to create more mountain biking opportunities.

Review Date
December 8, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: bcpedaler ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Although this trail system is relatively new, it rides as though it has been here for years...these well thought out trails are smooth and flow very well. Lots of variety as well including a nice double track trail around the lake, rock gardens, tight switch backs, log crossings and blazing fast buttery smooth singletrack. With the great trails already in place and future plans to develop more, you should make plans to visit.

Recommended Route:
Pick up a map from the guys at Blue Dog Cycles in town...they will fill you in the best routes and the latest trail conditions.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Jersey Valley, HPT