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SPOTLIGHT:
Pedal Wisconsin Both on-road and off, Wisconsin combines beauty, challenge, and fun!
Biking the Elroy-Sparta
Trail photo provided by the
Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism
(Madison, Wisconsin)
Boasting a bounty of rail-to-trail
conversions, bike touring trails and on-road tours, Wisconsin has earned
its reputation as a national leader in recreational biking. Following
the success of its initial 33-mile rail-to-trail conversion in 1967 (the
Elroy-Sparta Trail), the state has converted more than 1,000 miles of
former rail beds into bike trails. Additionally, with trail systems in
26 state parks and forests and more than 5.7 million acres of public
land, the state's off-road possibilities are virtually endless.
Mountain Bike Trails
Riders looking for a challenging and exciting day of biking in the midst
of Wisconsin's scenic beauty will enjoy the John Muir Trails
(262/594-6200; www.wiparks.net) in the Southern Kettle Moraine State
Forest in Walworth County. The trail's five different loops (ranging in
distance from a 1.5-mile sprint to a 10-mile gear-grinding adventure)
provide the perfect mix of speed, difficulty and distance.
Just halfway through John Muir's Green Loop, a two-way connector serves
as a five-mile conduit to the Emma Carlin Trail (262/594-6200;
www.wiparks.net ). One of the most grueling mountain biking tests in the
state, the Emma Carlin Trail challenges riders with steep grade changes,
tight single-track action and plenty of gear grinding fun. Riders have
their choice of three different loops traversing anywhere from two to
four miles of this beautiful and technical terrain.
Calf-burning uphill climbs followed by captivating scenic vistas create
the setting for a day of biking along the Devil's Lake State Park Trail
(608/356-8301; www.wiparks.net) in Sauk County. The occasional moments
of difficulty are rewarded with breathtaking views of the clean blue
lake and rocky bluffs in one of the state's most scenic spots. Riders
seeking a challenge will look to begin their journey near the north
shore beach where a 200-foot, one-mile climb results in a bluff top
summit. A two-mile paved trail connects the park's north shore entrance
with nearby Baraboo.
Home to the highest point in Southern Wisconsin, the Blue Mound State
Park (608/437-5711; www.wiparks.net) trails in Iowa County have a
variety of terrain ranging from near-level railroad grade to twisting
single track trails. Geared toward novice riders, the Pleasure Valley
Trail provides a scenic level ride while riders on the single-track
trails have 500 feet of elevation to play with over the 10-mile course.
A three-mile ride along the Military Ridge State Trail takes riders to
the Norwegian town of Mount Horeb, home to the legendary "Country
Trolls" and the colorful stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls of Cave
of the Mounds.
One of the state's first single track riding experiences, the Levis-Trow
Trails (888/252-7594; www.worba.org/nasti/) in Clark County boasts more
trails of this kind than any system in the state. The dedication to
exciting, challenging riding by the Neillsville Area Trails Association
has kept Levis-Trow at the pinnacle of Wisconsin's single track riding.
Toad Road is a favorite among the regulars. Equally demanding of both
mind and body as it winds along the face of a sandstone cliff.
Deep forest and glacial moraine cover the popular 300-mile CAMBA
Single-Track Trails (715/798-3833; www.cambatrails.org) in Cable making
this an ideal location for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Wonderfully scenic Northwoods' riding, steep climbs and tight turns
throughout the park's numerous trails make technical bike handling
skills imperative. Narrow passages between trees, rocks, roots and loose
surface characterize the 1.2-mile Telemark Terrain Park while steep
climbs and constant shifts in elevation along a slightly more forgiving
surface distinguish the 12-mile Ojibwe Trail.
Casual pedaling with magnificent views of Door County's bays and
countless attractions are a hallmark of the Peninsula State Park
(920/743-4456; www.doorcounty.com) trails. The popular state park's old
paths and roads create a wonderful environment ideal for enjoying the
bay's tranquility and scenic vistas. A 50-foot climb up limestone
bedrock entangled with twists and undulations over rocks and roots on
the Sunset Trail proves that the park is not without its challenges.
The highest point in Wisconsin reachable without wings, Timms Hill
(800/269-4505; www.pricecountywi.net) in Price County provides wonderful
panoramic views of the Northwoods and Chequamegon-Nicolet National
Forest. At 1,951 feet above sea level, the 140-foot climb over
two-tenths of a mile required to summit Timms Hill is worth the effort.
The trail loop provides moderate difficulty throughout, while a scenic
railbed ride can be enjoyed east of Timms Hill along the 26-mile Pine
Line Trail.
Wisconsin: Home of the Rails-To-Trails
The first official rails-to-trails conversion in the country, the
Elroy-Sparta Trail (608/463-7109; www.elroy-sparta-trail.com) in Juneau
and Monroe Counties is one of the most popular bicycling destinations in
the state. Located in one of the state's most scenic locales, the
32-mile limestone trail is a living repository of railroad and bicycling
history highlighted by the restored trail headquarters and museum of
railroad history, the Kendall Depot. Along the 32-mile route, riders are
treated to three, century old rail tunnels, one of which stretches for ¾
of a mile. The "World's Largest Bicycle," a giant sculpture of the
mythical Ben Biken pedaling an old high-wheeler in Sparta, provides a
great photo op.
A scenic 11-mile ride along Trout Lake and Northern Highland-American
Legion State Forest before arriving at Crystal Lake creates the scene
for the BATS-Crystal Lake Trail (800/466-8759; www.bolderjct.org) in
Vilas County - home to the highest concentration of freshwater lakes in
the world. The asphalt paved course provides bicyclists scenic beauty
along fairly level terrain without the traffic hassles of the county
highways.
Take a ride where the eagles soar while honoring one of the state's
unique historic icons along Chippewa County's Old Abe State Trail
(715/726-7880; www.co.chippewa.wi.us). Named after the eagle that served
as mascot for the 8th Wisconsin regiment, the 16.9 mile trail provides
gorgeous views of the Chippewa River along with such trail hallmarks as
"the Stacker," Cobban Bridge and the Old Abe Statue. An additional six
miles connecting the southern trailhead to Chippewa Falls are in the
works.
Peaceful surroundings and the chance to roll through several hundred
years of Northern Wisconsin's history have lured bicyclists to Red Cedar
State Trail (888/523-3866; www.chippewavalley.net) in Dunn County for
some time. The 15-mile crushed limestone route traverses the Red Cedar
River - once a water highway for floated logs and lumber from
Wisconsin's "pineries" - while rolling past remnant's of the area's
lumber-era prosperity, including the ornate Mabel Tainter Theater.
A rich history beginning with the Native Americans and including the
early French Explorers, missionaries and traders can be evenly navigated
along Green Bay's Fox River State Trail (920/448-6242;
www.co.brown.wi.us/parks). The 13.5-mile asphalt and limestone trail
highlights early American history as bicyclists pedal through Green Bay,
De Pere and into Greenleaf. The trail features numerous attractions
including the Astor Historic District and Heritage Hill State Historical
Park.
Originally the home to a bustling interurban trolley system that
radiated throughout Milwaukee County and beyond from 1908 - 48, the
Interurban Trail (262/377-9620; www.cedarburg.org) in Ozaukee County is
a 30-mile asphalt stretch from the Milwaukee County line north to the
Sheboygan County line. Passing through the picturesque Trinity Creek
Wetland Restoration, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Waterfowl Production Area,
and the Cedar Creek Settlement, the Interurban gives bicyclists the
chance to craft their own Ozaukee County experience.
On-Road Tours
With 20 connected lakes and 100-plus miles of shoreline, the Nicolet
Forest Wheel-A-Way (800/972-6103; www.threelakes.com) tour offers a
scenic route through Oneida and Forest counties' glacial moraine, lakes,
marshlands and dense forest. The 33-mile ride offers loon and
eagle-watching waypoints, insight into the area's history and a chance
to witness the area's cranberry production.
Behold the power of Lake Michigan as its waves pound the Door County
shoreline along the Cave Point Tour (800/527-3529; www.doorcounty.com).
The 40-mile tour starts and finishes in the historic ship-building town
of Sturgeon Bay, traversing the lake-edge forests and quiet farm roads
of Door County in between. Cave Point's hollowed-out caves created by
years of the lake's incessant pounding provide a great geological
attraction and the perfect way to cool off with a plunge into the water
below.
Claimed to be the nation's largest connected bicycle trail system, the
Peaceful Kingdom Ride (800/927-5339; www.trempealeaucountytourism.com)
in Trempealeau County boasts 382 miles of paved road interconnected to
100 miles of continuous railbed trails. A classic rural Wisconsin
experience, the trail's steep, forested valley walls showcase farmhouses
set along winding streams and stunning ridge-top views.
Tough cycling terrain and outstanding scenery set the stage for a day
riding along the Merrimac Ferry Tour (800/227-2266; www.baraboo.com) in
Sauk and Columbia counties. With 45-miles of trail between the two
loops, the tour ranges on the difficulty scale from half-mile climbs to
stretches of flat road. A great view of Gibraltar Rock and vistas from
Devil's Lake State Park and Baraboo's bluffs are a few of the tour's
visual charms.
For more information about biking in Wisconsin, or to request a free
copy of the Wisconsin Biking Guide, the public can visit
www.travelwisconsin.com/biking or call the Wisconsin Department of
Tourism's 24-hour, live-operated toll-free number, 1-800-432-TRIP/8747.
Travelers can also obtain guides and information at the Wisconsin Travel
Information Centers, located in select state-border cities.
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