2025 Winter Full Moon Candlelit Walks

ORA hosts a series of candlelit walks in the winter to bring a little light upon us during the dark days of winter. We plan these around the full moon calendar to take advantage of as much light as possible. These walks are considered easy/moderate to allow most to be able to attend, whether it be walking, rolling, or strolling.

There will be candles places along the path, however bringing a headlamp or flashlight is encouraged if you’d like to have visibility on where you’re stepping. A hot drink and s’more’s are provided to warm up after the chilly walk.

• January 13, 2025 – Chad Erickson Park
• February 12, 2025 – Lower Hixon Park
• March 13, 2025 – Gateway Trails, Grandad Bluff Park

We could use some help making these happen. Sign up here to volunteer! 

Trail Master Course

The 2024 Trail Master Course training course offers extensive and up-to-date trail building techniques taught by Mike Riter from Trail Design Specialists. The Full Trail Master Course class is June 24th-27th, 8am-4:30pm and lunch will be provided days 1-3. The Lite Trail Master Course is June 29-30, 8:30am-? with lunch being provided on day 1.

Contact ORA Trails staff to learn more and register.

2024 Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic

ORA Trails is joining forces with Brook’s Adventures to offer The 2024 Women on Wheels MTB Clinic July 27th to 28th.

This fun and welcoming event will allow you to build your confidence on your bike while exploring the ups and downs of the beautiful trails around LaCrosse. Coaching throughout the event will cover safety, riding fundamentals and skills training.

The event will start Friday night at Smith’s Bike Shop with a meet and mingle with snacks! If you choose to camp you will head to the Goose Island Campground to set up camp and join the fireside chats with your coaches. Saturday begins with breakfast (for campers), stretching, skills, riding, lunch for everyone, more skills, more riding, dinner at the trails (for all), more fires, and camping. Sunday will offer breakfast (for campers), stretching, more skills, and one final EPIC ride. Our skills clinic will be held at the amazing trails at Upper Hixon with great flow and features.

No experience necessary to attend – but safety is always a priority. Your bike must be a mountain bike with gears and working brakes. Helmets are required. Bring a water bottle, your own beverages (BYOB), a camping chair and blanket.

For more information, or to register for the event, please go to the Mountain Bike Clinics page at BrooksAdventures.com.

Volunteer Trail Work Nights

Trail maintenance is an important factor in the sustainability of the trails. Volunteer your time, #getoutside, and be involved in the outdoor community! ORA will provide tools, occasional refreshments, and a safety chat. Work nights are led by crew leaders/trained ORA volunteers. Thank you for your time and help!

 Upper Hixon Trail Work Nights will occur every 3 Mondays of the month from May-September, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Meet near the weather ball in the Upper Hixon.

Lower Hixon Trail Work Nights will occur every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from May-September, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Meet at the Lower Hixon parking lot.

Please wear appropriate clothing suitable for the outdoors and weather. This includes pants (not shorts), sturdy footwear, and work gloves. Bring a willingness to have fun, work with others, and get your sweat on! 

Please be sure to complete your volunteer waiver before attending!

Chainsaw Training Course

Have you ever been interested in learning how to operate a chainsaw? While in the field? Now is your chance!

*More information to come, stay tuned!