The Old Abe State Trail is a wonderful trail that connects communities through a scenic path that's awesome all year long. 

Located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, the Old Abe State Trail is a 20-mile paved multi-use rail trail. The trail is a part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System, which will ultimately become an 80-mile network of trails. The Old Abe State trail connects two state parks from Chippewa Falls to Brunet Island State Park in Cornell, Wisconsin. This trail is great for biking, hiking, snowmobiles, horseback riders, in-line skates, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Some highlights on the trail include the Chippewa River, the Cobban Bridge, Brunet Island State Park, Lake Wissota, and abundant wildlife. The trail is beautiful to visit all year long with spring wildflowers, summer warmth, fall colors, and the stillness of winter. This is one trail you will come back time and time again to enjoy its splendor and varieties of landscapes. 

The trail connects the Cornell, Jim Falls, and Chippewa Falls communities. With these three communities, there are three starting points you can enter. In Lake Wissota, parking is near the trail at Lake Wissota State Park and County Highway O, north of Lake Wissota. In Jim Falls, there is parking near the trail at County Highway S. Lastly, there is Cornell, with parking near the trail at State Highway 64 in Cornell and Brunet Island State Park. On the website, you will find information on where to go from each location. 

Challenge yourself as a family to hike the whole thing in segments or a long family bike ride from site to site. No matter how you enjoy the Old Abe State Trail, you are sure to have a family adventure. Remember to practice Leave No Trace techniques and pack trash and food out of the trail.