Southern Kettle trails opening for mountain bikes on Tuesday

The trails in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest will open for mountain bikers on Tuesday, according to Paul Sandgren, the southern unit superintendent.

One section of the John Muir loops will remain closed, however, because of wet conditions. All of the trails in the Emma Carlin section will be open.

That's where the Especially Crazy Irregular Trailbuildin' Crew will be focusing their efforts during their weekly Saturday morning volunteer outings. Check the new web site for updates on their work and the latest in trail conditions. The group plans to meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot for the Emma Carlin trails, on County Highway Z, just east of Highway 59.

With an unpleasant forecast - rain and snow late in the week - the trails might be closed for the weekend. Call the hotline - 262-594-6202 - to check before making the drive.

Trails in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine remain closed to mountain biking and probably won't open for another week or two. The areas around Greenbush and New Fane received more snow in the last storm (maybe) of the year and will need more time to dry out.