Things to do in Wisconsin, United States: The Best Biking Trails

July 9, 2021 Terina Blouin

When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks.

Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings.

Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells!

Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.


Restaurants in Wisconsin

1. Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Elroy, WI +1 608-463-7109 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 129 reviews

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

A 34-mile trail.

Reviewed By 252annv - Dodgeville, United States

My adult daughter and I started from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce parking lots. There is plenty of room there for parking and restroom facilities. It was approximately 8 miles to Tunnel 3. Tunnel 3 is a must see, but be prepared to get wet and don't forget your flashlight. I am sure it depends on the time of year, but there was lots of water dripping from the ceiling and flowing down the sides in the tunnel. Tunnel 3 is 3/4 of a mile long and took us 20-25 minutes to walk through. You are not allowed to bike in the tunnels. There were not a lot of people there at the time we went (11 a.m.), but I am sure this could get crowded and take more time. We then biked on to Tunnel 2, which was 15 miles from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce. Tunnel 2 is 1/4 mile long and not near as wet inside. There is a small town called Norwalk in between Tunnel 3 and Tunnel 2, which also had a parking lot. Tunnel 3 from Norwalk is approximately 2 miles and would be very doable for walking and small children on bikes. There was a small store, plus rest area. Round trip from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce thru Tunnel 2 and back took us 4 hours at a leisurely pace. I would recommend starting from Norwalk if you do not want such a long adventure. Seeing Tunnel 3 is a must see, but be prepared to get wet and remember your flashlight.

2. Green Circle Trail

2419 Northpoint Dr, Stevens Point, WI 54481-1209 [email protected] http://www.greencircletrail.org/index.aspx
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 182 reviews

Green Circle Trail

A 24-mile bike trail.

Reviewed By BetsyH477 - Greenville, United States

Made up of multiple smaller trails that all interconnect between the campus and surrounding cities. Partially paved city streets, winding forest crushed granite trails, bridges and boardwalks, river views and nature trails for a little bit of everything you may be looking for. Take a walk, bike ride or cross country ski (in winter) the trails are well marked with esay to see signage. you can go a short distance or take the whole trail (26ish? miles). Whatever you choose you will not be diasppointed!

3. Mariners Trail & Rawley Point Bike Trails

3310 Memorial Dr, Two Rivers, WI 54241-3231 http://www.marinerstrail.net/
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 145 reviews

Mariners Trail & Rawley Point Bike Trails

Reviewed By dennisbryant13 - Pulaski, United States

The ride on Rawley Point Bike Trail takes you on a hard pack trail through a heavily wooded beginning to an open area all the way to the Two River's Beach. The section through the wooded portion is hilly and curvy, lots of fun and something different than most trails. Once you reach the beach you follow the route for a short section of Two Rivers to the Mariners Trail. This paved trail runs right along Lake Michigan all the way to Manitowoc. The trail is lined with beautiful, well maintain gardens and takes you all the way into Manitowoc and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. On the ride be sure and stop and walk through the West of Lake Gardens, a stunning flower garden that is free to the public. Well worth the stop.

4. Bearskin State Trail

199 Front St, Minocqua, WI 54548 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/bearskin/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Bearskin State Trail

Reviewed By CamperCJ - McHenry, United States

Trailhead starts in downtown Minocqua, with a long trestle over part of Lake Minocqua and then into wooded areas, past some small lakes, changing into more open areas later on the trail. There were also two small parking areas along the trail if you wanted to ride a section at a time. Total miles around 18 one way.

5. Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trails

473 Wi-70, Saint Germain, WI 54558 +1 715-477-2205 http://biketheheart.org
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trails

Reviewed By irmaiden - Milwaukee, United States

The 52 mile Heart of Vilas county is amazing for biking. Running through Mercer,Manitowish Waters,Boulder Junction,Sayner,and St. Germain,Wi. I discovered this place last year on a 4 day bike trip. I loved it. It is beautiful,and very well maintained. I ended coming back in September for another 4 day trip. So much of it is cutting through the woods with beautiful trees,rivers,and bridges. I was in heaven riding through this special place. I will be back for a week of biking this summer. I really believe that the Manitowish Waters bike trail is the best trail that I have ever ridden. It is stunning. Anyone who is into biking needs to ride these trails,you won't be disappointed.

6. Boulder Junction Area Trail System

5352 Park Street, Boulder Junction, WI 54512 http://www.northwoodsbiking.com/vilasmaps/crystal.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Boulder Junction Area Trail System

Reviewed By Wis_Badger_Traveler - Madison, United States

I took a fall ride from Boulder Jct to Manitowish and then to Mercer. This trail is one of the best bike trails I've every taken. It's scenic with rivers, bodies of water, lush forests, wildlife, and birds. The trail curves and winds and there are only a few small hills (and they are short). I can't wait to ride this trail again.

7. Lake Monona Shoreline Run

Madison, WI
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Lake Monona Shoreline Run

A 3-mile bike path along Lake Monona.

Reviewed By Greenmemonica - Cincinnati, United States

I walked along the lake wall, where it was bustling with cyclists, walkers, and fishermen. Then I took the elevator to the top floor where I saw even more beautiful views. There is a fountain up there, and the state capitol building can be seen in the distance. So pretty!

8. Oak Leaf Trail

Milwaukee, WI +1 414-257-6100 http://Traillink.com
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Oak Leaf Trail

A 96.4-mile bike trail network.

9. Red Cedar State Trail

Menomonie, WI +1 888-523-3866 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/redcedar
Excellent
67%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Red Cedar State Trail

Reviewed By 985sherryl - Oshkosh, United States

This is the most beautiful trail in Wisconsin. Relatively easy ride. Plenty of photo opportunities. Crushed limestone. Busy near the park with walkers.

10. Chippewa River Trail

Eau Claire, WI +1 888-523-3866 http://www.chippewa-river-trail.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Chippewa River Trail

Reviewed By rrgeniusz - Cedarburg, United States

This trail goes all around the Eau Claire Area and is a great way to walk or ride a bike around town. Some of the special features that enjoyed were the old Chicago and Northwestern Bridges that have been converted to walking/biking bridges, the new welcome center, the planet walk that puts the sizes and distances between planets into perspective. The trail is not flat, there are some hills.There is a large farmers market just off the trail during the warmer months.

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