BRST: Fairchild to Osseo

Trail Overview

BRST: Fairchild to Osseo is a 13.5-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 and runs through Eau Claire, Jackson, and Trempealeau counties. The trail consists of a combination of railroad ballast and limestone screenings that is fairly smooth and hard-packed and provides scenic views of surrounding farms, making it a good choice for novice riders. With a slight elevation increase as the trail heads west from Osseo, it has a gentle descent all the way into Osseo. The eastern end of the trail runs through dense hardwood stands while the western end passes community farming lands. The trail stays on the north side of Highway 10 until it reaches Osseo. The rail trail closely follows the Buffalo River; however, the winding waterway is mostly obscured by the dense woodlands, hills, and wetlands that contribute to the area's beauty. The Buffalo River State Trail (BSRT) is located in west-central Wisconsin and follows the scenic Buffalo River Valley. The entire trail is 36 miles and runs between the towns of Mondovi and Fairchild. The trail crosses 4 different counties (Buffalo, Trempealeau, Eau Claire, and Jackson). Built on a former railroad corridor, it passes by farmlands, woods, hills, and wetlands while traveling through the communities of Eleva, Strum, and Osseo. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) are allowed on the trail year-round. ATVs and UTVs must stay on the graded portion of the corridor. ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles are the only motorized vehicles allowed on the trail. Dirt bikes, motorcycles, and other off-highway vehicles are not allowed on the Buffalo River State Trail. The trail is open year-round and is open to snowmobiles during the winter months. Food and fuel services are available in each of the communities that the trail crosses. Cellphone service is generally good along the entire length of the trail.

Photos of BRST: Fairchild to Osseo

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Difficulty

This is a well-maintained rail-to-trail with minor elevation change over the trail's length.

History

The river, which lends its name to the trail, was named by early French explorers. They called it Riviere de Beeufs for the many bison that once inhabited the area.

Technical Rating