What is a Trail Explorer
A Trail Explorer is a person who has explored recreational trails in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois on a bicycle. The trails that are currently part of the Explorers program are the Badger Trail and connecting trails, Sugar River and Jane Addams, a total of 73 miles. Equal recognition is given to those bicycling the entire trail in one day and those who do it on multiple days within a year's time. This web site helps you learn more about the Trail Explorers program and the challenge to bicyclists of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors at the human speed of a bicycle. It celebrates those who have achieved Trail Explorer status and tells their stories.

This 32 oz Nalgene BPA-free bottle will be awarded to each new Trail Explorer in 2009

Trail Explorer Program News

• Scavenger Hunt Questions and patches for 2009 are now available. There is a new color for the 2009 patches--orange. Collect them all! Download the 2009 questions and get started exploring the trails.
• As part of a grant from REI awarded to the Trail Explorer's program all new Trail Explorers in 2009 will receive a fabulous REI wide-mouth, loop-top Nalgen water bottle. REI joined Trek Bikes, Green County Tourism, Dane County Bicycle Association, and Wisconsin Department of Tourism in supporting the startup of the Trail Explorers program.
• In 2008, the first year of the Trail Explorers program, 18 people earned Trail Explorer status. Trail Explorers ranged in age from 6 to 77 years old and obtained the answers to the nine scavenger hunt questions in one to eight trips. Each Trail Explorer received a patch with the current year, a Nalgene water bottle, and certificate. Four Trail Explorers were present and recognized at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Badger Trail in November. Read about the experiences of all the first year trail explorers and become inspired to join them.

Are you a fan of recreational trails?
Consider joining the Friends of the Badger Trail. This not-for-profit group was formed in 2007 to support and assist the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services for the Badger Trail. Join us!.

This web site made possible by a generous grant from REI.