River Road Hiking Trail System

The properties along River Road have an existing mowed hiking trail system that has been maintained by Raymond Fortney. For years, Raymond has been using his Ford tractor and six-foot brush hog to mow paths on the east side of River Road. The paths allow easier access to the Kickapoo River for fishing, bird watching, picnicking, and hiking. Most of the mowed paths are through chest high saw grass that, without the paths, are very difficult to navigate. Hikes on this path system are always enjoyable with constant wildlife sightings. Soaring bald eagles, hawks, sandhill cranes, geese, ducks, deer, muskrats, and many other animals have been sighted during quiet walks through these areas. Raymond's efforts are certainly appreciated. I have added a map below that indicates the approximate location of the existing mowed hiking paths (green dots). Additionally, neighbors along River Road have discussed the possibility of adding another mowed walking path along the road to allow for safer walking. Although the traffic is very light along our road, there are occasions when cars and pedestrians put each other at risk. There are several "blind" curves and areas where the woods or planted crops at the road edge create hazards. When walking with children and pets along the road, there are many places where it is not easy to get off the road when cars approach. This is especially true in the summer when grasses and flowers line the road edge. Included on this web site is a proposal to add a pedestrian/equestrian walking path adjacent to River Road from County C to Longmire Road. This path would be created by resident volunteers and would be maintained at no cost to River Road residents. The path would be a simple 60" mowed path that follows the 66' easement for River Road. In some cases, the path would be mowed on the field edge just above the road embankment. Other areas would either follow the 33' ingress/egress easements or a simple trail through the brush. I have mapped below the route that would be the easiest and most logical route. The red dashed line on the map indicates the proposed route. Path Construction Rules 1.Path will be 60" wide 2.Path will follow River Road along the right-of-way easement when possible. 3.Path may be located above embankments adjacent to roadway 2.No excavation. Mowed path will follow the natural contour of the land 3.No rock or gravel will be added Path Rules 1.Path use is limited to residents of River Road. Pedestrian/equestrian travel only. 2.No motorized vehicles (except for mowing operations). 3.No Trespassing signs to be posted on path at each driveway crossing I believe that this walking path would be a much safer alternative pedestrian traffic on River Road. The existing hiking paths and addition of the River Road walking path would certainly add marketability to each property. By my estimation, the combined walking trails would equal about 7.5 miles.

Click image to enlarge. Right click to print or save. (Save these maps to your drive to view full size images).

Map with approximate lot designation. Proposed walking path marked in red. Existing trails marked with green dot.

Aerial photo with proposed trail route marked in red.