Wisconsin, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, cheese, and breweries, also boasts an extensive network of trails perfect for biking enthusiasts. With over 101 rail-trails stretching nearly 2,000 miles, alongside countless miles of scenic routes, Wisconsin stands out as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, the state’s diverse trails offer something for everyone to explore.
To help you plan your next biking adventure, we’ve compiled a list of 10 exceptional Wisconsin Bike Trails that showcase the state’s breathtaking scenery and unique experiences.
Note: For many of these trails, especially those managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a state trail pass is required for individuals aged 16 and over engaging in activities such as bicycling. It’s advisable to check the Wisconsin DNR website for the most current information on trail pass requirements.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail, located in Juneau and Monroe Counties, holds a significant place in American rail-trail history. Established in the 1960s, it was among the first major rail-trail conversions in the United States, setting a precedent for the nationwide movement. This nearly 34-mile trail offers a journey through the heart of rural Wisconsin, connecting five charming communities and featuring a unique set of attractions: three historic railroad tunnels. These tunnels, ranging from 1,600 to 3,800 feet in length, are a major draw for cyclists, providing a cool and dark respite, and an exciting downhill ride into the next town after a gentle climb approaching each tunnel.
Beyond the tunnels, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail is well-equipped with amenities. Rest areas, restrooms, drinking fountains, and camping spots are available in the towns along the route—Elroy, Sparta, Norwalk, Wilton, and Kendall—ensuring a comfortable and convenient biking experience. For those looking to extend their adventure, the trail connects to other notable Wisconsin trails like the 400 State Trail, the Omaha Trail in Elroy, and the La Crosse River State Trail in Sparta, known as the “Bicycling Capital of America.”
Oak Leaf Trail
Spanning over 125 miles, the Oak Leaf Trail in Milwaukee County forms an impressive figure-eight loop around the city, acting as the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s “emerald necklace” of parks and trails. This extensive trail system provides urban dwellers and visitors alike with exceptional access to green spaces, picnic spots, and iconic Milwaukee landmarks. Drawing hundreds of thousands of users annually, the Oak Leaf Trail is popular for its diverse scenery and accessibility to Lake Michigan. Nearly a quarter of the trail traces the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering stunning water views and beach access.
Key attractions accessible via the Oak Leaf Trail include the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the captivating Ghost Train art installation in Shorewood. The latter transforms a trail bridge into a vintage Twin Cities 400 locomotive through nightly light and sound effects. Recent improvements, including new color-coded signage funded by the Chris Kegel Foundation, enhance navigation and wayfinding, making the trail even more user-friendly for both commuters and recreational cyclists. The Oak Leaf Trail is also a vital segment of the developing 700-mile Route of the Badger, further solidifying its importance in Wisconsin’s trail network.
Fox River State Trail
The 25-mile Fox River State Trail in Brown and Calumet Counties is rich in both history and natural beauty, reflecting the unique character of northeastern Wisconsin. This trail winds through landscapes significant to Native Americans and early French explorers and traders, and passes near Green Bay, home of the Green Bay Packers, and extends south through picturesque countryside and several towns to Hilbert. For approximately 5 miles, the trail closely follows the scenic Fox River, providing beautiful riverside views.
Starting from Green Bay and heading south, cyclists will encounter an urban section with convenient access to restaurants, pubs, and bike shops, ideal for refueling or repairs. In De Pere, near the Claude Allouez Bridge, a vibrant sightseeing complex awaits, featuring a dam, pier, recreational Riverwalk, and the expansive 21-acre Voyageur Park. History enthusiasts can explore the historic Broadway District in Green Bay, with its charming main street atmosphere, or visit the Heritage Hill State Historical Park (open seasonally) for a deeper dive into the region’s past. In Forest Junction, the trail connects to the Friendship State Trail, offering an additional 4-mile ride to Brillion.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail, located in Ozaukee County, stretches 30 miles between Cedar Grove and Mequon, offering a diverse array of sights, experiences, and sounds. Nature lovers, particularly birdwatchers, will appreciate starting their journey at the northern end in Cedar Grove, near the Cedar Grove Waterfowl Production Area. This wetland habitat is a haven for various bird species, including sandhill cranes and green herons.
As the trail progresses, it passes through towns steeped in Civil War history, such as Cedarburg, known for its beautifully restored trestle bridge, and Port Washington, where the iconic 1930s Art Deco lighthouse stands as a centerpiece. In Grafton, a short detour to Paramount Plaza reveals the Walk of Fame, celebrating Paramount Records’ 1920s history in the town. As part of the Route of the Badger, the Ozaukee Interurban Trail seamlessly connects with the Brown Deer Recreational Trail to the south and the Sheboygan Interurban Trail to the north, creating extended biking opportunities.
Eisenbahn State Trail
The Eisenbahn State Trail, spanning 25 miles from West Bend to Eden in Fond du Lac and Washington Counties, offers a versatile biking experience in southeastern Wisconsin, near the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The trail’s name, “eisenbahn,” German for “railway,” honors the region’s German heritage. The route is composed of both asphalt (5 miles) and mostly crushed-stone (20 miles) sections, catering to different bike types and preferences.
Along the Eisenbahn State Trail, cyclists can enjoy community parks, pastoral farm views, and the charming “main street” area of Campbellsport. A notable highlight is the 136-acre Lac Lawrann Conservancy in West Bend, a haven for birdwatching with over 200 recorded species. In winter, the trail transforms for snowmobiling and potentially ice fishing at Barton Pond. In Kewaskum, named after a Potawatomi chief, the trail intersects with the extensive 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail near County Road H, offering adventurous extensions for hikers and bikers alike. The Eisenbahn Trail is also integrated into the developing Route of the Badger network. Note: Services along parts of the trail are limited, so it’s recommended to plan accordingly, especially in terms of supplies.
Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System
The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System, true to its name, is a vibrant network of over 52 miles of trails in Vilas County, pulsing with natural beauty and local culture. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this system distinguishes itself from typical rail-trails by being constructed along road rights-of-way and through public lands. This results in a more rolling and winding path, offering a different kind of cycling experience compared to the often straight and flat rail-trails. The trail network meanders through diverse landscapes, including the expansive Northern Highland American Legion Forest and five distinct communities.
Despite its more natural and less engineered construction, the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System is rich in amenities. Cyclists will find numerous picnic areas, swimming spots, campgrounds, lodging options, restrooms, eateries, and ample parking throughout the system. The stunning lake and river scenery, coupled with a connection to the WinMan mountain bike/hike/ski trails, provides abundant opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and immersion in nature.
Capital City State Trail
The Capital City State Trail, as TrailLink aptly notes, reinforces the impression that trails are always within reach in the Madison area. This 17-mile paved trail stretches east from Fitchburg, through downtown Madison, and into the eastern neighborhoods of the city. In Fitchburg, cyclists can connect to several other significant trails, including the 5.6-mile Southwest Commuter Path heading north, the 40-mile Badger State Trail leading to Illinois, and the developing Cannonball Path, which will link to the Military Ridge State Trail. A notable point of interest along the trail is the 2,500-acre Capital Springs State Recreation Area, where the Lower Yahara River Trail extends east and features a unique floating bridge across the lake.
As cyclists continue on the Capital City State Trail, they are treated to breathtaking views of Lake Monona. Branching off to the left, the Wingra Creek Bike Path provides a 2.2-mile route to attractions like the Henry Vilas Zoo, Vila Park beaches, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. A must-see architectural highlight is the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, located adjacent to the trail. Future plans include extending the Capital City State Trail eastward to connect with the 52-mile Glacial Drumlin State Trail, further enhancing Madison’s trail network.
Ahnapee State Park Trail
Located in northeastern Wisconsin, the Ahnapee State Park Trail offers a scenic 50-mile journey between Sturgeon Bay and Kewaunee in Door and Kewaunee Counties. The trail zigzags through diverse landscapes of the Door Peninsula, frequently crossing or paralleling various water bodies, adding to its picturesque charm. Notably, the Ahnapee State Park Trail intersects with two sections of the Ice Age Trail: from Kewaunee south to near Luxemburg, and from Algoma north to Sturgeon Bay, offering connections to long-distance hiking opportunities.
Starting in Sturgeon Bay, the trail guides cyclists through a mix of fields, forests, local parkland, and a beachfront/boardwalk area in Algoma. Other appealing sights include sunflower fields, apple orchards, and the small zoo at Bruemmer Park near Kewaunee. Marinas and an old train depot with a clock tower, now a public pavilion with nearby shops and restaurants, mark the trail’s end in Kewaunee. The Ahnapee State Park Trail is versatile, accommodating walkers, bicyclists, equestrians, horse-drawn carriages, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers. It also links to an extensive network of 370 miles of snowmobile trails in Kewaunee and Door counties, making it a year-round recreational destination.
Tuscobia State Trail
The Tuscobia State Trail, extending 74 miles from Rice Lake to Park Falls, traverses the rugged beauty of northern Wisconsin, passing through the Flambeau State Forest and Chequamegon National Forest in Barron, Price, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties. The trail boasts a nearly level grade, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers, and ATV riders. It provides access to the Blue Hills wilderness and quaint villages along the route, offering a blend of natural and cultural experiences. The western end of the trail, from Tuscobia north of Rice Lake to Birchwood, overlaps with the Ice Age Trail, adding another layer of exploration for outdoor enthusiasts.
A unique aspect of the Tuscobia State Trail is its role as host to the Tuscobia Winter Ultra, a challenging 150-mile trail run, bike, and ski event held annually in winter. The trail also has a fascinating local history, linked to Hulda Hilfiker, a visionary cheese factory operator who championed its development.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
No list of Wisconsin’s best trails would be complete without including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This 1,200-mile trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States, is located entirely within Wisconsin. It showcases the state’s remarkable landscapes shaped by glacial activity over 12,000 years ago. Managed collaboratively by the National Park Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the trail attracts approximately 1 million users each year. Visitors come to hike, snowshoe, backpack, and cross-country ski (in designated sections), and to enjoy the diverse natural areas, parks, and communities along its extensive route from St. Croix Falls to Sturgeon Bay.
While primarily a hiking trail, many sections of the Ice Age Trail are suitable for mountain biking, and it intersects with numerous rail-trails and state trails, offering opportunities to combine different types of trail experiences. Exploring any segment of the Ice Age Trail provides a profound connection to Wisconsin’s geological history and natural beauty.
Honorable Mention
Beerline Trail
The 3.7-mile Beerline Trail in Milwaukee County offers a unique urban trail experience, cutting northwest through several Milwaukee neighborhoods. The trail pays homage to Milwaukee’s rich history in beer and train industries, both pivotal in the city’s 19th-century growth. While referencing historic breweries like Schlitz and Blatz, the Beerline Trail is now surrounded by a vibrant scene of micro-breweries, pubs, and local hangouts. It also directly connects to the popular Milwaukee Riverwalk, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.
The Beerline Trail is distinguished by its vivid murals and public art installations, contributing to its distinct urban atmosphere. It’s a perfect example of how urban trails can revitalize and connect communities while celebrating local heritage.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s bike trails offer a diverse and enriching experience for cyclists of all kinds. From historic rail-trails and urban pathways to routes through vast forests and alongside sparkling lakes, these trails highlight the best of Wisconsin’s natural beauty and community spirit. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer cycling tour, exploring these top Wisconsin bike trails promises unforgettable adventures and discoveries. Remember to check for trail passes and regulations before you head out, and get ready to enjoy the ride!
