american birkebeiner trail

The finish line is in Hayward, WI. This year WI DOT demanded a bridge over Hwy 27/63 just before the finish line. It looked like they ALL made it up that bridge-after skiing 34 miles-amazing. Bearded men had icicle beards and mustaches coming in at the finish. When we got too cold standing around admiring their skill, we stopped in at Hook Stone Winery where they made some fabulous hot glug with their GOOD wine. We could see all the athletes go by just about to the finish line. Also watched the skiers from Wheeler Road which was closed, parked on Chippewa Trail Road and walked over to the trail. It was a good spot to cheer them on. Other activities before the Birkie on Sat, was the Barkie Birkie on Thurs. Those dogs were amusing. Some succumbed to the children calling from the barriers, one escaped at the start!, a tiny poodle finished before some of the bigger stronger more sociable dogs, and then there were the serious competitive dogs that just stuck to business and brought their skivers in first. And then there was the giant ski race-again-very amusing. It was very cold out but fun to watch. Weather is only as bad as how we dress, right?

Great well maintained trails. Awesome trail head warming cabins, well marked trails in the beautiful rolling hillls of northwestern Wisconsin.

This is early to be able to ski on these trails. Mid November 2014 when we were here, the trails were not packed as well as they will be later. Typically, these groomed and tracked to perfection. Some portions are for advanced skiers, but there are loops for all ages and talents

Joining a wms walking group has introduced me to many new sites; it has been (& will be in the future) very informative as well as enjoyable every week, when I can attend. This hike was a joint effort [once a yr] to meet other wms groups & meet new people [our group keeps growing, so we often meet newbies].We were encouraged to reach-out and hike with wm from other groups - and so I did. After a couple of intros to hikers outside my group, I walked (along with a couple of other wm from my original group) with a very fiesty 80- yr-old woman (Barb) who has done the Birkie numerous times in several forms - as a cross ctry skier. She has done the winter Birkie in 1/2 races, quarter races as well as 20 full races on this trail, so she knew the trail intimately. Our final lap was on the well known hill. Named for a girl dog because it is the 1st deep up and down hill that is presented to each contestant on the Birkie. She reminisced of bands playing on the bottom of the hill to encourage everyone to continue on since it is a challenge to mount this in the snow and ice during the winter Birkie trail race. So attempting this hill by 'just walking' was enough to discourage other hikers. I told her I'd do it if she did. Our other companions followed because they felt 'let no one left behind' - our motto, had to be fulfilled. So begrudgingly they too hiked the hill. It being my 1st time, I was game for anything. I figured if my 'companion' was willing, how was I to refuse. Besides, it didn't seem that challenging after my recent experience on the AT. Barb told me that in many yrs past, the Birkie included Alpine skier hills; which has since changed, so this was also 'mild in comparison'.Her rendition of her early years on this historic trail was very entertaining and interesting. The parties that she participated in and enjoyed over the years were a 'look into the past' as well as the joys of celebrating the hay days of the Birkenbinder.The hill hike went well and although we were the last to return, I felt it was well worth the hike. During the fall months, (since there are several possible forks in the road) the possible split-offs were a bit confusing. With us as a group we were able to negotiate the correct turns (also with Barb as guide) and meet-up with the main group in time for the tail-end of lunch. Our groups began and finished at a warming hut /picnic site. The day started overcast, but ended 'in the sun', so we didn't need to be inside to eat. Thus our hike ended on a very 'up mood' and it was well worth all our efforts. You should have seen Barb's face light-up when the sun came out.This hike led me to take my husband on a different part of the Birkie trail later on that week. Our wms group hiked the Hayward end, and my husband & l later hiked the (I think) the official beginning site of the Birkie trail off Cty OO. It too, was beautiful with the fall colors gracing our sight. The trail is like a highway (Barb's words) compared to what it was when she began hiking & skiing it. Each start trail was large enough to accommodate at least 20+ people tightly across the width of the road/trail. The trail is relatively smooth and 'trip-free', well-maintained. There are also lights on the trail for those who don't finish during daylight hours and we noted signs of tree-trimming to keep the road open and wide enough to accommodate all those racers who come from all over the world. The beginning of the trail - off Cty OO had other trails one could attempt. Several names of longer or shorter lengths of hikes, maintained by local groups were options to the main route. On the Hayward trail, there were often markers dedicated to those who helped sponsor the upkeep of these trails. Altogether, a very pleasant hike, on both occasions.The mini-portions of the Birkie are easily accessible [with parking near each site].Wished I had attempted to go on these hikes in earlier years, but now is just as good a time to begin.

Challenging and beautiful. The marathon course was well organized and executed. The scenery running through the forests were breath-taking with all the leaves changing colors. Teh volunteers were super friendly and helpful

Husband ran the Birkie Marathon. Great freindly event in a beuatiful area. Lots to do around the event as well

Most folks cross-country ski the Birkebeiner, but our hotel staff gave us directions on the closest spot to get on the trail to hike it. The summer crews had kept the trail mowed for bike riders and hikers. It's a rolling, wide trail through the woods with views here and there. We saw only birds and fellow hikers. No deer this time.

Birkie is a big event. This year two days before the big race we received 16" of new snow. What a weekend. It is a very well organized weekend of fun for all. Beautiful trail scenery, challenging trials and alot of fun for the hole family.

Loved the new access to the Birkie trails that we enjoyed on this year's Birkie Tour. Impeccable grooming, amazing scenery, some breathtaking views, and heart-pumping hills. Fun all around!

Run! Hike! Bike! Ski! The best outdoor experience. Scenic beauty, challenging terrain, accessibility, this trail has it all. It is a gem. Enjoy!

This Wisconsin area is very organized for these trails, beautiful scenery, great remote roads around, a must to do when in that area for bikers & hikers

The Birkie trail is one of a kind. It is well cared for and open to anyone all year. Silent sports lovers will appreciate it.

If you are in Hayward to cross-country ski you absolutely have to ski the Bikebeiner trail. This is true cross country skiing - stop whining and do those hills like 9,000 skiers do every year. We call it up-hill skiing and it's tough - however the thrill of completing 10k, 12k, 22k, of some of the toughest trails in the World Loppet is well worth the effort.

This was a nice walk. It was relaxed with nice atmosphere. Granted we did go in August at dusk but it was muggy and there were lots of bugs. However, that is pretty much everywhere in Wisconsin at dusk in summer.

The Birkebeiner Trail should be a destination for any cross country skier. There are over 100 miles of ski trails in the Cable WIsconsin area and the Birke. trail runs from Cable to Hayward. It is extremely well maintained and groomed for classic and skate skiing. The terrain is hilly and challenging. The fee is $10.00 per vehicle or $50.00 for a year pass.