Friendship Trail 2025 03

So after a rough week with medical issues my wife and I were glad to get back to hiking. We chose another close trail that I have not talked about yet. The Friendship Trail is a long trail that crosses Northeast Wisconsin following Highway 10.

Key Features

• Variety of Surfaces: The trail includes asphalt and crushed limestone surfaces.
• Connections:
  • It intersects with other trails, such as the Wiouwash State Trail and the Fox River State Trail, allowing for extended journeys.
  • It is also part of the “Loop the Little Lake Trail” in areas.
• Scenic Views: The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including forests and farmland.
• Trestle Bridge: The western segment features a 1,600-foot trestle bridge over Little Lake Butte des Morts.
• Accessibility:
  • The trail is generally level, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Parking and rest areas are available along the trail.
• Multi-Use: It accommodates various activities, making it versatile for different recreational pursuits.

Review

We parked at the cul-de-sac at the end of American Dr in Fox Crossing. We started to walk west. we planned to walk from where we parked to Irish Rd. The trail is fairly straight but the little curves make it impossible to see our planned destination.

Redwing Black Birds trilled out from their perches a top the small leafless trees. These trees have grown up between the path and the concrete wall along Highway 10. A small ditch full of water sits at the bottom of the divide.

As we came around the corner of this first curve, we started to see Cold Spring Rd. A small hawk, possibly a young red tail, flushed from the ditch into a pine tree in one of the yards to the south of the trail. The hawk moved so quickly I couldn’t even think to sap a picture.

Black birds flocked to the top of the larger trees in the neighborhood looking to harass the hawk. But we never saw him again on that trip.

At Cold Spring Rd there is a cross walk with lights if you choose to use them. A car nicely waited for us and we did not use the lights this time.

On the opposite side of Cold Spring Rd is a retention pond with geese and ducks. The geese were acting aggressive toward each other vying for nesting spots on the edge of the retention pond.

The section of the trail between Cold Spring Rd and County Highway CB runs along the back of an industrial park. So companies such as Miron construction’s employees have access for an afternoon walk.

We continued to the intersection of County Highway CB and Highway 10. Here we used the crosswalks and lights to cross CB and continue on the trail.

Here the trail intersects with the CB Trail, which follows County Highway CB North and South. Continuing west from the CB Trail the Friendship trail is briefly a boardwalk bridge over a marshy area between the highway and the residential areas.

We continued our walk along this section of the trail snapping photos of small song birds. Sumac bushes separate the trail from Highway 10.

The trail had been fairly devoid of other hikers to this point. But the section of the trail between Highway CB and Irish Rd seems to be a popular section, multiple pairs of hikers now passed us.

Once we reached Irish road we had to make a decision. The one problem with straight trails like the friendship trail is unless you stage a second vehicle, as far away from your vehicle you hike you need to return to your car. So the hike is always double the distance. We chose to continue west for a little while.

Passing a farmers cattle field we were graced by a fragrance we Wisconsinites like to call “dairy air”. We continued past this field through a small stand of forest until we got to the halfway point between Irish Rd and Clayton Ave. Here there is a picnic table with an awning for shade. At this point we decided to turn around and return to our car.

Our return trip was relatively uneventful. Though the cars on Cold Spring Rd were not as nice and we needed the crosswalk lights.

I had hoped for a possible chance to get a photo of the hawk we had seen earlier but he was a no show. So I took a few more snaps of the Redwing Black Birds. Finally we returned to our car.

This section of the Friendship trail seems to be mainly used by residents and employees of the local industries. But with places to park off Irish Road, and on the cul-de-sac at the end of American Dr there is opportunity for others to enjoy the hike as well.

Going east from where we parked you could cross the highway to Fritse Park and the Loop the Lake Trail. Though there are other sections of the trail east of Menasha it does not restart until you get to Forest Junction.

Continuing west from where we turned around, the trail continues following Highway 10 until it meets County M near Winchester. After it intersects with the Wiouwash Trail.

If your looking for a well used trail the Friendship Trail gives you many options. And we will be returning to review other parts of this trail.

Once again thank you for reading and enjoying my pictures. Please let me know if you have any trail or park suggestions in the comments below.