Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Newberry Trail, a pleasant 5.9-mile (9.5 km) route that takes about 33 minutes to complete. You'll experience diverse scenery, cycling alongside the Fox River where you can spot navigational canal locks and an active rail line. The path, which gains a gentle 113 feet (34 metres) in elevation, winds through shaded wooded sections, open grasslands, and residential areas. Keep an eye out for the restored Soo Line steam engine as you pass through Telulah Park, offering a unique visual landmark. While mostly paved, be prepared for some sections of singletrack gravel that add a little variety to your journey.

Planning your ride on the Newberry Trail is straightforward. You can generally find parking available at Telulah Park, which offers convenient access right at the trailhead. The route is suitable for most touring cyclists due to its mellow nature. Consider starting your ride in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially fewer people on the path. This trail is accessible year-round, making it a flexible option for a quick outing.

This trail stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty and historical elements within the urban landscape of Appleton, Wisconsin. As you cycle, you'll not only enjoy the riverside views but also pass by the Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge, a notable piece of local infrastructure. The presence of the restored Soo Line steam engine in Telulah Park adds a touch of industrial heritage to your outdoor experience. It's a great option if you're looking for a short, easy ride with varied points of interest.

The Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge – Telulah Park loop from Appleton offers a charming touring cycling experience along the Fox River. You'll pedal past the historic Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge, enjoy views of navigational canal locks, and traverse a mix of paved paths and occasional singletrack gravel. The route winds through shaded woods, open grasslands, and urban areas, providing a diverse backdrop for your ride. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like ducks, geese, and even eagles, especially during dawn or dusk.

This easy 16.9-mile (27.1 km) loop, with a modest 271 feet (82 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for beginner cycling routes near Appleton or for anyone seeking a relaxed, family-friendly outing. Parking for Telulah Park cycling trail Appleton is readily available, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure.

The route is part of a larger network of cycling trails in Appleton, Wisconsin, connecting to the North Island Trail and the Fox Trot Trail for extended rides. This area is rich in industrial history, with glimpses into Appleton's past tied to paper mills and the Fox River's navigational system. Telulah Park itself adds to the historical context with a restored Soo Line steam engine, blending natural beauty with heritage.

The Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge – Fox River loop offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, winding through a mix of natural and urban landscapes. This easy 20.4-mile (32.8 km) route, with its minimal 445 feet (136 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely ride. You'll pedal past wetlands, prairies, and wooded sections, all while enjoying continuous views of the Fox River and its historic navigational locks.

Accessing this popular route is straightforward, as it's part of a larger, well-connected trail system in the Fox Cities area. You'll find numerous entry points, and free printed trail maps are readily available at the Appleton Parks and Recreation Customer Service Area. The smooth, mostly paved surfaces make it suitable for all skill levels, and it's a great option for a morning or afternoon outing.

Beyond the scenic river views, the trail highlights local history, including the impressive Appleton Swing Railroad Bridge, a through-truss bridge from 1929. The route is also part of the developing 13-mile "Loop the Locks" network, connecting five communities and emphasizing the Fox River's industrial past. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as eagles are sometimes spotted, especially near dusk and dawn.