Hixon 50 Loop

Race - Oct 26, 2019

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

This rolling loop is an excellent journey through Hixon Forest Park. While all of the park is beautiful, there will be a few specific highlights along the way. At around mile 7 you'll open up from singletrack to a wide very runnable old abandoned quarry with amazing views from atop the La Crosse bluffs. Then just after the 10 mile point, you'll come to a lookout atop Miller Bluff with views of the greater La Crosse area and Mississippi River Valley.

Expect multiple switchbacks throughout the course, and sections (especially the first 10k with rocks and roots that you may easily twist an ankle on.

The route for this race starts and finishes on top of the bluffs in beautiful La Crosse at a small weather station. It starts with just over a 5k loop that dips down into the woods and has some technical terrain and switch backs.

The next 4 miles are much of the same with a lot of mountain bike trails and switchbacks. After about mile 7, the trail opens up to the amazing view offered by an old abandoned quarry atop the bluffs. After the quarry a small section of road will take you to the Miller Bluff outlook where you'll be able to see much of La Crosse and the surrounding Mississippi River Valley. This is then followed by a long, winding 2 mile downhill the the base of lower Hixon Forest. After a quick tour of lower Hixon, you'll climb back up the bluff to the start/finish area.

For the full 50k race, this same route is traveled twice, so don't worry if you miss something the first time around, you'll be back a second time! Along the way, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful views.