Big Eau Pleine is an out of the way system that really shines September through March. The 1600 acre park itself is loaded with nature and exudes a very serene aura. Campgrounds are open May through Sept.
The trails are all on a peninsula in the Big Eau Pleine Flowage so when the water is high, the sections furthest from the main road can be quite wet and muddy. Trails closest to the Road: Popcorn, Hanna, Rock Garden, Dharma (Westside) remain relatively dry year round. All singletrack is of the older school rake & ride variety. Roots, rocks and undulating terrain are commonplace. If you like old school gnar there is some of that as well.
Park at the Winter/Horse parking lot across from the Ranger Station A-Frame about 3/4 mile in to the Park. The lot is shared with Equestrian folks but we maintain a very friendly relationship. Remember to yield to horses when riding; stop and greet. Horses are limited to the gravel doubletrack trails so be cautious when riding those trails.
Start by the Outhouse to ride the technical Rock Gardens or start down the Horsetrail to Popcorn loop. The trails are not yet marked very well but will be beginning fall 2015 and spring/summer 2016. That said, it is hard to get too lost on a peninsula. Just make your way to the blacktop road that runs through the middle of the park.
As of October 2015, there are over 9 total miles of singletrack. Several areas have just been rerouted and should have definition by Autumn. There is also a 9 mile gravel trail that runs through the park. You can mix them together for a fun 13-18 mile ride. When the flowage is low fat bikers can enjoy beach riding (sandy to rocky) the perimeter of the peninsula.
The climbs are minimal but can be challenging during Winter.
The single track hasn't been maintained as of late. Copious amounts of fallen branches and trees add to skill set needed, but the single track left us frustrated.
| ThankWe moved to the bridal trails and had a good time. The park is beautiful, with lots of wildlife, including deer and bald eagles. The shoreline is very nice as well.
Great traditional trails. Some twisty and rooty, some flow, some great rock gardens. All well maintained rake and ride trail. Great winter fat biking! The gravel trails and ability to ride the lake shore make this a real gem.
| ThankBig Eau Pleine is a beautiful park with lots of options for riding. The ten or so miles of singletrack are rake n ride and vary from fast and flowy to some nasty but very doable rock gardens with much of it being twisty and rooted. It's not for the faint of heart as it will test your skills for sure. The graveled double track (former XC ski trail now used a lot by equestrians) is a fast ride but be aware of horse riders. Stop and greet. The local riders have a good relationship with the horse folk.
While you're there, take advantage of what else Eau Pleine has to offer. Frisbee golf on an 18 hole course, camp at one of over 100 camp sites, paddle your canoe, go for a swim, have a picnic or just sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view over the water. It really is a beautiful park.
A good full suspension bike will be appreciated but not a requirement. Fat bikes are pretty versatile here allowing you to explore the sandy to rocky shoreline when the reservoir is at low levels and of course winter riding is allowed.
Currently the trails are not marked. Some singletrack maps are in place in places. The local IMBA chapter, CWOCC, will be putting more effort into signage and maps in the near future. If you are fall riding just look for the well leaf blown singletrack and go for it. Hard to get lost on a peninsula. When in doubt hit the main paved road and head north back to the main lot.
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