Looking for a new trail to try this year? Maybe you’re interested in exploring bikepacking or eager to stick with your New Year’s Resolution fitness goals. With the nicer weather and longer daylight hours, now is a perfect time to check out one of the numerous trails throughout Wisconsin. This post will be an overview of some of the existing trail systems; look for more in-depth write ups on specific trails throughout the riding season.
Wisconsin’s extensive system of trails.
Before we talk about the trails through, we need to talk about trail passes. Many of the trails throughout the state of Wisconsin require purchasing of a trail pass to use them. Trail passes can be purchased annually for $25.00 from any Wisconsin ERIK’S location and they are good for the calendar year, so buy yours now and get your money’s worth. You can also purchase daily trail passes at the trail heads for $5.00. All of the money from trail passes goes into a segregated account specifically for maintaining the trails and parks themselves. And, despite collecting almost 1.3 million dollars from trail passes in 2014, that only covered about 42% of the state’s annual maintenance costs for trails and parks. So do your part and buy a trail pass.
Wisconsin is crisscrossed with over 1,000 miles of bike trails and the area around Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire presents some great opportunities whether you’re looking for an afternoon ride, a weekend getaway or anything in-between.
First up – Milwaukee.
The Oak Leaf Trail is a massive 108 mile trail that encircles all of Milwaukee county. From south of the airport to all the way north past Whitefish Bay with several east/west cut throughs including the new Hank Aaron Trail which runs past the zoo and Miller Park. For those of you interested; it is possible to bike from Milwaukee to Chicago although no single unified trail exists…yet. But, using the Pike Bike Trail in Kenosha and then the Robert McClory Bike Path will get you all the way to Highland Park, which is really only “Chicago” and not Chicago but it’s a start.
If the Windy City isn’t your jam, you can also get (most of the way) from Milwaukee to Madison using the Glacial Drumlin Trail which takes you from Waukesha to Cottage Grove. Bonus! The trail is reclaimed rail line so the entire length is essentially flat and there are coffee shops and stops right along the trail.
Madison.
Looking north from the south shore of Lake Monona.
Madison and greater Dane County is home to a staggering number of trails. Serving both as bike commuter routes as well as weekend excursions, the trails that run through Madison also stretch west towards Mt. Horeb and south towards New Glarus. Additionally, work is being completed on a trail linking McFarland and Lake Kegonsa State Park with the Madison trail network as well. Highlights include the Military Ridge Trail, a 40 mile link between Dodgeville and Madison which is another railroad line conversion so again you never have an incline steeper than 5°. Equally impressive is the Badger State Trail, a 40 mile trail that just goes to Illinois, so take it for what it’s worth (just kidding, Illinois is great.)
Finally, Eau Claire
Not wanting to forget our outpost between the Twin Cities and Madison, Eau Claire is also home to great trails. The Chippewa River Trail is part of the larger Chippewa Valley Trail network that goes from Cornell through Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls and ends in Menomonie. A little outside the city is the beautiful Old Abe State Trail which follows the shore of the Chippewa River as it winds through the countryside. Within the Eau Claire city limits there is also a 29 mile network of fully paved trails that connect up with the Chippewa River Trail.
So whether you’re looking for an urban ride, a country escape, a new way to commute or just something to do this weekend, take advantage of Wisconsin’s amazing and still-growing system of trails and swing by ERIK’S beforehand to pump up your tires and grab a Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll to keep your energy up. Now get out there and ride!