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Under a clear blue mid-June sky, cars began slowly rolling into the trailhead parking lot. A 4-Runner, pulling a trailer outfitted with the signature color scheme of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, deposited itself in a clearing.

Angela Brooks, Wisconsin NICA’s Program Manager, emerges, lowers the trailer’s gate, and immediately begins assessing the fleet that fills the space. “How tall are you?” she repeats to each new rider, her attention divided between expectant faces and the sea of rubber and metal. There’s a quiet buzz as folks set up obstacles for this first ever “try it out” style event for curious locals new to the Strong Falls Trail System.
 

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While the turnout may be modest, it’s proof that a big vision is taking root. For this northeast Wisconsin-based trail system, it didn’t start off modest at all.
 

A Vision from an Unlikely Ally

The journey of Strong Falls began in an unlikely way, with Marinette County Administrator John Lafave, a passionate outdoorsman but not a mountain biker himself, seeking to improve recreation for his community and visitors. In a region known more for hunting, fishing, and OHV recreation, John had a different idea: bring in a world-class, human-powered trail system. "It was sort of the mark that I wanted to leave on the county before I retired," he noted.

His vision, combined with the efforts of the newly formed Marinette Area Mountain Bike Association (MAMBA), laid the groundwork for the project. After securing $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, IMBA and Rock Solid Trails came on board in 2021, and the trail development process began in earnest. The first phase was completed at an unprecedented pace, with roughly 12 miles of trail on the ground by late 2022.

This initial success, however, was just the beginning. The next chapter was sparked by a call John received in July 2024 from IMBA's former Director of Planning & Design, Mike Repyak, who shared the news of a new funding opportunity from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. This generous investment, coupled with a local buy-in of $25,000, allowed the IMBA Trail Solutions team to return to the Northwoods and build a new two-mile intermediate loop, bringing the total trail mileage to 18.
 

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The Nuts & Bolts of the Build

Awash in a sea of gray-brown with sight lines for miles, the IMBA Trail Solutions crew landed in these woods in late April.

The team set out to create a complementing cross-country loop for intermediate-level riders to the existing network—"blue tech," colloquially—that ensured additional loop potential for longer day rides, hikes, or walks. This was the first time for this crew of four to build at Strong Falls, so they brought an intentional attitude of using the area’s natural features to their full potential. IMBA Trail Solutions’ Cory Callahan explained that as the cut machine carves the path, it unearths a perfect assortment of boulders and rocks, anything from 40lbs to 400lbs each.
 

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The real craft comes when the crew incorporates them into the trail tread to create a more dynamic ride. The team also uses a technique they call "gargoyling," where rocks are strategically placed to narrow the tread and slow riders down before blind turns. This method is critical for safety on these shared-use trails, ensuring a positive experience for both mountain bikers and hikers. As Cory explained, the goal is to open up sight lines where speed is possible and add texture to the trail where it's not.

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This environment, with its "constant little rollers" and "lumpy" landscape, creates a playful, fun texture for any trail that’s woven through its ancient trees. Bringing this new section to life has been a deeply rewarding experience; hand crew member Chris expressed his appreciation for the "lush" forest, describing it as a welcome change from working in the desert.
 

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Growing the Trail Steward Culture
 

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Since the first phase was built, the IMBA Local Org Marinette Area Mountain Bike Association (MAMBA) has been the trail system's most dedicated champion. Trail stewards Chuck Mustark and Renee Osler dedicate countless hours to maintenance. For Chuck, who retired in 2023, the trails have become a second home, and for Renee, they are a platform to promote the outdoor lifestyle. They have found that the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with riders appreciating the system's variety – from technical advanced lines to beginner-friendly flow.

A key part of MAMBA’s success is a direct result of the 2022 IMBA Trail Building School that occurred in tandem with the first phase of construction. This intensive training course gave local volunteers the skills and confidence to maintain the trails and even build their own sections. John called the school an "eye-opening" experience that showed him the true craft of professional trail building. Inspired by the training, the MAMBA volunteers went on to finish their own section of trail, 802, using the skills they had learned. Curious how a Trail Care School could bolster your community impact?

 Request an IMBA Trail Care School

Looking Forward

John Lafave is finishing up his interview with me after the “try it out” riders are well on their way into the depths of the system. Just as he begins to discuss the future additions to the system, the father and two daughter trio from the event come zipping through. These three, riding on natural surface trails for the first time, are having a blast. Turns out, they completed multiple passes through the green trails (the cluster closest to the trailhead), even after the two hours of skills clinic.

This small moment speaks volumes about the growing success of Strong Falls and is a testament to the powerful partnership between land managers, professional trail builders, and dedicated volunteers. John's long-term goal is a 50-mile network that connects to two county parks and campsites. It’s a vision that will continue to attract riders from nearby metros like Green Bay and cement Marinette County as a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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