I know the Ozaukee Interurban Trail goes MUCH farther than the sections I've explored, so consider…read morethis a review from someone who has only scratched the surface. But from what I've seen, this is a pretty awesome way to get outside, get your steps in, go for a run, or hop on your bike and put some miles behind you.
I really like the section through Grafton, especially the part where the trail crosses the Milwaukee River. The bridge is a great little stopping point. You can look down at the river, watch the water moving along, and pretend you're much more outdoorsy than you actually are.
For the most part, the trail is nicely paved and smooth. There are some rough spots here and there, but overall it seems like they do a really good job maintaining it.
One of my favorite discoveries is on the east side of the river, where you'll see a sign for the Bratt Woods Preserve. There's a nice loop through the woods you can use to get off the pavement and on a nice nature trail. No bikes allowed. But for those of us on foot it winds along the river for a bit and has some benches tucked away where you can stop, sit, and take in the scenery.
And yes, you'll probably see some woodland creatures along the way.
I've seen all kinds of people using the Interurban Trail: walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and bikers. But one thing I really appreciate is how respectful the traffic tends to be when the trail crosses a busy road. Most drivers I've encountered actually stop and let trail users cross, which makes a big difference.
So far, I've only explored as far east as crossing the bridge over Highway 43, so I definitely have more of this trail to discover. And thankfully, you don't have to worry about trying to play leapfrog over Highway 43 to get there.
If you're looking for an easy way to get outside in Ozaukee County, this is definitely worth checking out!
