Bike Trail Travels: Wisconsin

Wisconsin consistently ranks among the best states for cycling. With over 1,000 miles of trail spread across public lands, the Badger State offers everything from leisurely paved paths to technical singletrack. The diverse landscape carved by glaciers (and the areas they missed) creates riding experiences you won't find anywhere else in the Midwest.

You can't talk about Wisconsin bike trails without starting with the granddaddy of them all. The Elroy-Sparta State Trail holds the distinction of being the first rail-trail conversion in the United States, opening to the public in 1967. This 32.5-mile trail through the Driftless Area remains one of the most popular cycling destinations in the country.

The star attractions here are the three hand-dug railroad tunnels, each over 140 years old. Workers carved through solid rock using dynamite and hand tools back in the 1870s. Two tunnels measure about a quarter mile each, while the longest stretches an impressive three-quarters of a mile.

What to Know Before You Ride:

Bring a flashlight and a jacket for the tunnels. They stay cool even on the hottest summer days, and water drips from the springs above. The trail requires you to walk your bike through the tunnels for safety. The small towns of Kendall, Wilton, and Norwalk offer rest stops with food and ice cream along the way.

The Madison area serves as a hub for some of Wisconsin's best trail systems, earning the city its reputation as a bicycle-friendly community.

This paved bike path weaves through Madison, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and the University of Wisconsin campus. The 17-mile path links to several other state trails, making it possible to piece together rides of 50 miles or more. The loop around Lake Monona offers about 13 miles of riding with views of the state capitol that you simply can't get from a car.

Connecting Madison to Waukesha (just outside Milwaukee), this 52-mile trail follows an old railroad corridor through wetlands, marshes, and farmland. The trail gets its name from the glacial landforms you'll ride past: elongated hills shaped by ancient ice sheets. Stop at Rock Lake Bridge near Lake Mills for photos.

Running 40 miles from Fitchburg to Dodgeville, this trail follows what was once a military road built in 1855. The route passes through Dane County's rolling terrain with views of geological features and wildlife.

Southwest Wisconsin's Driftless Area never saw ice during the last ice age. This region retained its rugged character: steep bluffs, deep river valleys, and winding streams that create spectacular riding terrain.

Near Reedsburg, this 22-mile trail delivers the best of Wisconsin packed into one ride: wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands, and pastures. The trail connects to the Elroy-Sparta at Elroy, letting you combine both for an epic adventure through the heart of the Driftless region.

Mountain bikers looking for a challenge should head to the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. This 8,600-acre tract of public land sits between La Farge and Ontario, offering nearly 14 miles of trail along the famously crooked Kickapoo River. The terrain includes long, steep climbs and demanding descents through some of Wisconsin's most breathtaking scenery.

Every fall, off-road cyclists from across the country make a pilgrimage to the Cable area for the Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival. But the CAMBA trail system delivers world-class riding year-round with over 135 miles of singletrack and 200 miles of mapped gravel routes through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. It's a premier destination for adventure cycling in the Midwest.

The Rock Lake and Ojibwe trails offer rugged technical riding, while FlowMama, Dirt Candy, and Tsuga Daddy rank among the sweetest flow trails in the Midwest.

The Minocqua area offers the 18-mile Bearskin State Trail through the Northwoods. This Vilas County gem gets busy near the Minocqua Trailhead, but becomes a true escape the further you venture out. The well-maintained surface works for riders of any skill level.

The glaciers left behind interesting terrain in southeast Wisconsin, and the Kettle Moraine State Forest takes full advantage of it. Unlike a typical state park, this sprawling forest offers extensive trail networks built specifically for mountain biking.

Located in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, the John Muir trails rank among the most popular mountain bike trails within hundreds of miles. Five loops range from 1.25 miles to 12 miles, offering options for every skill level.

The trails feature rocky terrain and root sections that make them genuinely technical. A skills course at the trailhead lets you practice before hitting the main trails.

Also in the Southern Kettle Moraine, the Emma Carlin system offers three color-coded loops ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles through hardwood forest. These trails run even more difficult than the John Muir system.

The Great River State Trail follows the Mississippi River's backwaters, providing exceptional bird watching along the Mississippi Flyway. The paved trail offers breathtaking views of the river valley habitats and connects to other routes in the region. For road cyclists, the Great River Road parallels the Mississippi through protected natural areas with scenic outlooks and historical markers. It’s one of the most scenic bike routes in the state.

Not everyone wants dirt under their tires. Wisconsin delivers plenty of smooth asphalt trails and limestone options.

This trail runs from Sheboygan to Milwaukee, passing through small towns like Port Washington, Cedarburg, and Grafton. Cedarburg makes a particularly good destination with its historic downtown, shops, restaurants, and ice cream stops.

Milwaukee's Oak Leaf Trail system spans over 100 miles of pathways circling the city. The lakefront sections pass stunning architecture and historical parks.

This 30-mile paved trail follows a former rail bed past sculptures, prairie flowers, and wooded lands. It's one of the most scenic paved trails in the state.

Most Wisconsin state trails require a trail pass for cyclists age 16 and older. Annual passes cost $25 and cover all state trails. Daily passes run $5 and can be purchased at trail vendors or online.

Wisconsin trails welcome a mix of trail users, including cyclists, runners, and walkers. Call out or ring a bell when passing, yield to pedestrians and horses, stay to the right except when passing, and pack out what you pack in.

Late spring through fall offers ideal conditions. Summer works well, though humidity can get intense; Start early to beat the heat. Fat biking opens up winter possibilities on trails that allow it, but check regulations before heading out. Some trails close for cross-country skiing during the winter months. Most trailheads have a parking lot with restroom facilities, though arriving early on summer weekends helps secure a spot at popular destinations.

Wisconsin's trail system keeps expanding, with new sections opening regularly. From the Mississippi River bluffs to the Northwoods, there's a perfect ride waiting for every cyclist.

The hardest part? Getting your bike to the trailhead.

That's where we come in. At 1UP USA, we're a small business born and raised right here in Southwest Wisconsin. We build bike racks designed to get your bikes to your next adventure safely and securely. Our racks are manufactured in the USA from quality aluminum, not cheap plastic that'll crack or rust after a few seasons. Every single part is replaceable, so your rack can last as long as your love for cycling.

Check out our bike rack collection and find the right setup for your vehicle. Then load up and hit those Wisconsin trails; They're waiting for you!