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Wisconsin Bike Trails
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"400" Trail
Before jet airliners and divided highways, riding the "400" was the fastest way from Chicago to the Twin Cities. The stream-lined train made the trip in under 400 minutes -- at times hitting 100 miles per hour. Today, the "400" rail bed trail connects to a system of four other trails forming a virtually continuous route more than 100 miles in length.The scenic "400" route is sprinkled with frequent small town rest stops. It crosses the sinuous Baraboo River eleven times and in places travels through a micro-climate of white pines that cling to rocky bluffs. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
22 miles from Reedsburg Depot to Elroy Commons.
Trailhead Locations
In Reedsburg at the Depot visitor center at Railroad St and Walnut St, Sauk County. In Elroy an the Elroy Commons at Main St (Hwy 80) and Franklin St, Juneau County.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Reedsburg Depot, tel. 800-844-3507.
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, tel. 800-223-3557.
Caution
A horse riding trail parallels the route between La Valle and Wonewoc.
Ahnapee State Trail
The Ahnapee State Trail spans about 30 miles between Casco, Algoma and Sturgeon Bay. The 8 to 10 foot wide trail has a firm surface for hiking, trail bikes and horseback riding. During the winter the trail is used especially by snowmobilers - though cross-country skiing is also permitted - and interconnects with 95 miles of snowmobile trails in Kewaunee County and 275 miles of trail in Door County. During spring, summer, and fall hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and horse-drawn carts and wagons share the trail. In winter, cross country skiers and snowmobilers whisk across its frosty surface. Click here to buy a bike map for this trail
Distance
30 miles.
For More Information
Kewaunee County Promotion and Recreation Department, tel. 920-388-0444
Caution
Always yield to those on foot.
Bugline Recreation Trail
The Bugline bike trail owes its existence to the quarries near Lannon. Trains once hauled famed Lannon Stone from the deep limestone pits which still operate today. A look down into the quarries from the trail is an impressive sight. Further along, you'll be able to spot homes built from the Lannon Stone.
Dense woods close to the trail often hide the fact much of your ride is through suburbs. You can make your trail ride a tour of comfortable area parks; three line the trail. At the west end of the trail is the tiny village of Merton. The old mill there still operates and the adjacent mill house is an architectural gem. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
12 miles.
Trailhead Location
Menomonee Park, 1.5 miles north of Lannon. Lisbon Community Park, 5 miles east of Sussex,Waukesha County.
Fees
None for trail. A vehicle fee is charged at Monomonee Park.
For More Information
Waukesha County Park Dept, tel. 414-548-7801.
Menomonee Falls Chamber of Commmerce, tel. 414-251-2430.
Caution
There are frequent crossings, particularly toward the east end. The on-road segment in Sussex is on busy streets.
Chippewa River State Recreational Trail
The Chippewa River State Recreational Trail is one of the newest in Wisconsin. Beginning with paved city trails in Eau Claire, the route traces the quiet countryside and broad meanders of the Chippewa River until it connects with the south end of the Red Cedar State Park Trail.
The Chippewa River was once the "Road of War" for the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Dakota (Sioux). It was a direct canoe route between the center of Dakota power at the north end of Lake Pepin and Ojibwe territory in northwestern Wisconsin. Conflicts raged for more than 150 years with the last battle taking place near Eau Claire in 1854. Not long after, the bustling settlement had 22 sawmills. In 1881 mill workers struck for better conditions carrying banners proclaiming "Ten Hours or No Sawdust." Ultimately they settled for an eleven hour shift.
You can learn more about the area's history at several museums in Carson Park. You might also take in a baseball game at the park stadium where all-time home-run slugger Hank Aaron played his minor league games. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
23 miles. The trails in Carson Park add 1 mile.
Trailhead Locations
Carson Park, 1 mile north of Clairmont Ave (Hwy 12) in Eau Claire; or the wayside park on Hwy 85, 2.5 miles west of the I-94/Hwy 27/Hwy 85 EauClaire/Mondovi exit.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Eau Claire Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, tel. 800-344-FUNN.
Caution
The trail is also used by hikers and the paved portion is popular with in-line skaters. Always yield to pedestrians.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
This is the granddaddy of them all! The Elroy-Sparta State Trail was the first rails-to-trails conversion in the country and it is perennially one of the most popular bicycling destinations in the state. Three tunnels are part of the trails appeal. The longest between Sparta and Norwalk is over three-quarters of a mile long. Walking through the tunnels, (you can't ride them), is an adventure in itself. The small towns en-route all have a bike-friendly atmosphere. After all, the trail has made them famous. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
34 miles between Elroy Commons and the Sparta Depot.
Trailhead Locations
Elroy Commons at Main and Franklin streets, Juneau County; Sparta Depot at 111 Milwaukee St and S Water St, Monroe County.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Elroy-Sparta State Park Trail Headquarters, tel. 608-463-7109.
Elroy Area Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-354-BIKE.
Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-354-BIKE.
Caution
Dismount and walk bikes through the tunnels. The tunnels are always cool and often wet. Windbreakers, flashlights and caps are recommended. A short on-road section must be ridden to reach Sparta. The trail is also used by hikers. Always yield to pedestrians.
Fox River Trail
You will see a rich variety of scenery as the trail meanders from downtown Green Bay along the Fox River and passes through the communities of Allouez, De Pere, Rockland and Greenleaf. The urban section from Green Bay to De Pere is asphalt paved, while the southern section is crushed stone and includes designated sections for horseback riding. An outdoor fitness challenge course is located in Allouez, along with St Francis Park with its picturesque gazebo and park benches overlooking the Fox River.
Distance
13.9 miles from Green Bay to Greenleaf (19.6 miles from Green Bay to Brown County-Calumet County line - future).
Trailhead Locations
Adams and Porlier Streets (Green Bay) mile-marker 0, Mariner Hotel (Allouez) mm 1.6, Fox Point Boat Launch (De Pere) mm 3.4, Voyager Park (De Pere) mm 4.2, Bomier St Boat Launch (De Pere) 4.8.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over. No fee for walkers or joggers.
For More Information
www.foxrivertrail.com
Brown County Parks Dept
Glacial Drumlin State Park Trail
This is the easiest bike ride through the kettle moraine you'll ever take -- gauranteed. The railroad ferretted out a level route through the jumbled glacial legacy of hills and valleys. You get to enjoy all of the famous kettle scenery without the usual effort. The rail bed trail covers another hard-to-bike natural feature as well; between Dousman and Sullivan the grade crosses a vast marsh that is home to scads of wild critters.
On the east end, Waukesha's roots are firmly planted in the nineteenth century. It's downtown is an architectural gem and the street plan has a definite European character. Out in the country friendly little towns en route are pleasant spots to enjoy a rest. It's hard to bellieve you're in the fastest growing part of the state when you ride the Glacial Drumlin Trail. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
51 miles from Waukesha to Cottage Grove including a 4 mile on-road connection near Jefferson.
Trailhead Locations
In Waukesha at the Fox River Sanctuary at College Ave and Prairie Ave, Waukesha County; in Sullivan at the Glacial Drumlin State Park Trail parking lot, two blocks south of Hwy 18 on County E, Jefferson County.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over required, except on the City of Waukesha trails segment from the Fox River Sanctuary to McArthur Rd.
For More Information
Glacial Drumlin Trail - East, tel. 262-646-3025
Delafield Chamber of Commerce, tel. 414-646-8100.
Caution
There are several busy grade-level highway crossings. To complete the entire trail, a 4 mile on-road segment can be used near Jefferson. On occasion the trail may be closed between Lake Mills and London to accommodate aerial field spraying.
Great River State Trail
The Mississippi isn't the only river focus along the Great River State Trail. The trail bridges 18 streams and channels coursing their way to the Mighty Miss. These crossings and surrounding wetlands are havens for wildlife. Deer are often seen in the cool shade even at mid-day. The Black River forms a maze of channels that herons and egrets love. In the sleepy river town of Trempealeau you can watch tugboats finesse 400-foot-long barges through the Army Corps of Engineers locks. Nearby Perrot State Park is a scenic wonder. In ancient times, its soaring bluffs were isolated from those on the western shore when torrents of glacial meltwater changed the river's course. It became a natural landmark for people from the sophisticated native American Hopewell culture of 2,000 years ago, to the French explorer Nicholas Perrot in 1685. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
24 miles from the La Crosse River Trail parking lot in Medary to the Great River State Trail parking lot at Marshland.
Trailhead Locations
In Medary at the trail parking lot, 0.5 miles east of the Hwy 16/ County B intersection. In Onalaska at the Center for Commerce and Tourism office at 1101 Main Street. In Trempealeau at the Hwy 35 trail crossing.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Onalaska Center for Commerce and Tourism, tel. 800-873-1901.
Trempealeau Chamber of Commerce, tel. 608-534-6780.
La Crosse River Trail
The La Crosse River Trail is a sraight line, as the crow flies, from Sparta to La Crosse. On the way it runs close to an actibe rail line and a wave from the train engineers is always gauranteed. In Bangor, a short spur trail takes you to a pleasant town park.West Salem has a number of historic buildings including the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hamlin Garland and the unusual Palmer-Gullickson Octagon Home. In the mid-19th century, octagon houses were thought to be the ideal human habitation. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
21 miles between the Sparta Depot and the trailhead parking lot at Medary.
Trailhead Locations
Sparta Depot at 111 Milwaukee St and S Water St. In Medary at the trail parking lot .5 mile east of the Hwy 16/ County B intersection.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
La Crosse River Trail, tel. 608-337-4775.
Sparta Area Chamber of commerce, tel. 800-354-BIKE.
La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, tel. 800-658-9424.
Military Ridge State Park Trail
The Military Ridge is a geological feature that stretches from south-central Wisconsin all the way to the Mississippi River. This 100-mile-long high ground is a natural transportation route. The original Native American foot trail became a wagon trail connecting pioneer forts; then a railroad route, a highway corridor, and now a rail bed bike trail. A trail ride lets you enjoy the timeless beauty of the hills and valleys that radiate from the ridge. The conical shape of Blue Mound is a beacon anywhere along the ridge. It rises 500 feet above the trail. Nearby is Cave of the Mounds, a popular attraction where you can take a guided tour into a world of underground pools and shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
40 miles total.
Trailhead Locations
Two trail heads, one in Dodgeville at the DNR Service Center and one in Verona on the east side, near the county home. Communities along the trail (Riley, Mt. Horeb, Blue Mounds, Barneveld, Ridgeway) have parking areas for bikers.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Military Ridge State Park Trail, tel. 608-437-7393.
Mount Horeb Area Chamber of Commerce, tel. 608-437-5914.
Caution
The trail deviates from the rail bed for several miles west of Ridgeway where it is partially paved and follows rolling terrain. The trail is also used by hikers. Always yield to pedestrians.
Mountain-Bay Trail
The Mountain - Bay Trail stretches 83 miles from Brown County, through Shawano County, and into Marathon County. Named for the two geological features it connects, Rib Mountain in Marathon County and Green Bay in Brown County, the trail is built on the former Chicago & Northwestern right of way. Note! As of April 2005, the Marathon County Parks Department has finished the process of re-surfacing the 13-miles of the trail in Marathon County with crushed limestone. The parks department with the Friends group will be locating a number of benches along the trail...from the Weston trailhead to Norrie near the Shawano County border. The new trail surface is also smooth enough for persons in wheelchairs. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
83 miles.
Trailhead Locations
Weston, Ringle, Hatley, Norrie Lake, Eland, Thornton, Pulaski.
Fees
Daily Pass $3.00, Annual Pass $10.00
For More Information
Brown County Park Department, tel. 920-448-4466.
Shawano County Highway Department, tel. 715-526-9182.
Wausau/Marathon County Park Department, tel. 715-261-1550.
www.mountain-baytrail.org
Caution
Horses are allowed to be ridden on the Shawano County Section.
Oak Leaf Trail
Variety is what cities are all about, and you'll find plenty along this route (formerly the 76 Bike Trail/Tour). Culture, industry, entertainment, historic sites, architecture, and lovely parks are all part of the package. From Juneau Park, where city founder Solomon Juneau built his trading post, a rail bed trail follows the river to the Kilbourn Town House historic site.
Stately mansions line Newberry Boulevard, Wahl, and Terrace Avenues. The lake parks have their own trasures: the North Avenue lighthouse, soaring Gothic water tower, and streamlined McKinley Park Beach House are priceless. Along the lakeshore you'll find people, food, kite-flying, boating and ethnic festivities on almost any summer weekend. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
64.5 miles for the outer loop. 5.4 miles for the Lake Loop. 1.6 miles for the Lincoln Creek Spur Loop. 2.6 miles for the Whitnall Loop. 13.7 miles for the East-West Connector.
Trailhead Locations
The trail is accessible at numerous locations throughout Milwaukee County.
Fees
None for the trails.
For More Information
Milwaukee County Parks, 414-257-6100
VISIT Milwaukee, tel. 414-273-3950.
Caution
Sections of the route are on public streets open to motor vehicle traffic. The trails are also used by walkers, runners, and skaters. Always yield to pedestrians.
Omaha Trail
Anyone who has traveled I-90/94 will remember the rowering roadside sandstone bluffs at Camp Douglas and nearby Mill Bluff State Park. Now Juneau County has connected the scenic town with a bike trail that will take you to Elroy, the trailhead for two state trails. On the way you'll visit the quaint village of Hustler and pass through a tunnel, the only other trail tunnel in the state besides those on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. The Omaha Trail tunnel is short -- less than two blocks long. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
13 miles from Camp Daouglas to Elroy Commons.
Trailhead Locations
In Camp Douglas next to the Target Bluff store on U.S. Hwy. 12/16, .2 miles east of the I-90/94/Cty C exit for Camp Douglas and Volk Field. At the Elroy Commons at Main and Franklin streets, Juneau County.
Fees
Daily or seasonal Juneau County bike sticker required.
For More Information
Elroy Area Advancement Corp., tel. 608-462-2410.
Omaha Trail, tel. 608-847-9389.
Caution
Dismount and walk bikes through the tunnel. A short on-street section must be ridden in Elroy to reach Elroy Commons.
Old Plank Road Trail
Wooden planks made the best roads in the mid-1800s. Wood was plentiful on the frontier and by laying down planks, all weather roads were built. Floods of immigrants headed west from Wisconsin's lake shore ports kept their feet and wagon wheels out of the mud thanks to plank roads.
The new Old Plank Road Trail parallels Hwy. 23 -- the original plank road route. It's paved and seldom flat making for more interest and exertion than many other trails. It stretches from the City of Sheboygan to the village of Greenbush, where you can tour the Wade House, a restored stagecoach inn from the plank road days. Along the way, the trail skirts Plymouth which has a lovely downtown hictoric district. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
17 miles.
Trailhead Locations
In Sheboygan at the west end of Erie St., 0.5 mile west of Memorial Mall. Near Greenbush at the junction of Hwy. 23 and Plank Rd, Sheboygan County.
Fees
Local fee paid through self-serve boxes at trailhead locations. ($2.00?)
For More Information
Sheboygan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, tel. 800-457-9497, ext 500.
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, tel. 920-893-0079.
Ozaukee Interurban Trail
The route of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail is based on the Interurban railway that connected Ozaukee County to the City of Milwaukee. Today, the Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a 30-mile paved trail that spans the entire length of Ozaukee County. The majority of the Trail is off-road and perfect for family enjoyment. The Trail connects the Ozaukee communities of Mequon, Thiensville, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington and Belgium by using the existing right-of-way owned by We Energies. The Trail can be used as a commuter route for employment, businesses, industry, and commerce.
The Trail route connects historic downtowns with natural landscapes. Views along the Trail include hardwood woodlands, wetlands, farmlands, Cedar Creek, the Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan and it is designated as a "Great Wisconsin Birding Trail."
Distance
30 miles.
Trailhead Locations
• Logemann Community Center, 6100 N Mequon Rd, Mequon
• Municipal Lot on Buntrock Ave, West of Main Street, Thiensville
• Community Center Gym, next to City Hall, W63 N643 Washington Ave, Cedarburg
• Veterans Memorial Park, along Milwaukee River off HWY 60, 1000 Thirteenth Avenue, Grafton
• Meadowbrook Park / Family Aquatic Center, pool parking lot, 649 North Green Bay Road, Grafton
• Ozaukee County Justice Center, 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington
• Lions Comfort Station, South Wisconsin Street, Next to Sauk Creek, Port Washington
• Ozaukee County Park & Ride, Exit #100 off I-43, Off of Seven Hills Road (County HWY LL), Port Washington
• Town Hall, 3715 Highland Road, Town of Port Washington
• Village Park on HWY D, 106 Beach Street, Corner of Beach & Main Street, Belgium
Fees
None for the trail.
For More Information
Ozaukee Interurban Trail tel. 877-875-7795,
Ozaukee County Tourism tel. 877-875-7795.
Red Cedar State Park Trail
The popular Red Cedar State Park Trail has lured bicyclists for decades. The Red Cedar River was once a water highway that floated logs and lumber from Wisconsins "pineries." In the last century great stands of pines to the north were cut to feed the nations appetite for building material. The lumber-era prosperity built the city of Menomonie. The ornate Mabel Tainter Theater is a romanesque masterpiece dedicated to the memory of a lumber baron's daughter. While the past can be savored at area museums in the city or along the route, a journey on the trail is more like the experience Native Americans and early explorers would have found.
Near County Y, a few mouldering foundations are all that is left of the steamboat stop of Dunnville, once the county seat. The boisterous lumber boom is gone and the valley has a primeval air. Eagles soar over the river eyeing surfacing fish. Deer bound through wild flower meadows. The west wind sings once again in the pine boughs.
The great stressed iron bridge at the south end of the trail now joins it with the new Chippewa River State Recreational Trail forming a continuous route of 37 miles between the cities of Menomonie and Eau Claire. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
14.5 miles.
Trailhead Location
The Depot on 11th Ave (Hwy 29) in Menomonie.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Menomonie Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-283-1862.
Sugar River State Park Trail
The rural landscape of Green County is soothing for everyone; red barns and green pastures dotted with Holsteins line the Sugar River Trail.
The route also takes you through America's Little Switzerland.The unique village of New Glarus, with its lovely chalet-style buildings and European charm, anchors the north end of the trail. In the trail you'll roll through a romantic reconstructed covered bridge just north of Brodhead. Though there's little shade in the open farm country, swimming pools in theee trail towns offer welcome respite. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
22 miles including the on-street segment in Brodhead.
Trailhead Locations
In Brodhead at Exchange St and W 3rd St, two blocks west of Hwy 11 (Center Ave); in New Glarus at the New Glarus Depot/Sugar River Trail Headquarters, one block north of Hwy 39 (6th Ave) on Railroad St.
Fees
Daily or annual State Trail Pass for ages 16 and over.
For More Information
Sugar River State Park Trail, tel. 608-527-2334.
Brodhead Chamber of Commerce, tel. 608-897-8411.
New Glarus Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-527-6838.
Caution
The trail is also used by hikers. Always yield to pedestrians.
Sunset Trail, Peninsula State Park
The Sunset Trail is short, but you can easily make a wonderful afternoon out of this roll through the fragrant cedars that line Green Bay. The limestone shore is accessible in several spots; pleasant places to watch the sailboats going in and out of Fish Creek Harbor. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Museum preserves the legacy of Door County's maritime past. If your legs are up for a 179-foot climb on park roads, the view from Eagle Observation Tower is fantastic. If flat is where it's at, the swimming beach at Nicolet Bay may be your destination. Whatever you do, don't miss the sunset. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
4.4 miles for the Sunset Trail itself; 6.3 miles if park roads are ridden to the Eagle Observation Tower.
Trailhead Location
Sunset Trail parking lot near the Peninsula State Park office, Door County.
Fees
Daily or annual State Park vehicle admission.
For More Information
Door County Chamber of Commerce, tel. 800-52-RELAX.
Peninsula State Park, tel. 920-868-3258.
Caution
The eastern portion of the route os on park roads that are open to motor vehicle traffic.
Wild Goose State Trail
The Wild Goose Trail is the place to be if you love birds. Every autumn endless V-shaped formations of Canada geese traverse the sky. The vast expanse of Horicon Marsh is an annual stop for all sorts of migratory waterfowl. In summer trailside trees and brush teem with song birds.
For an interestiong look at the history of Horicon Marsh, stop at the Marsh Haven Nature Center. You'll learn about the glacier that created the marsh the wildlife that live here, the Native American tribes who loved it, the pioneers who drained it, and the conservationists who restored it. You'll also get a fantastic "bird's eye view" of the marsh from the center's observation tower. Click here to buy an individual bike map for this trail
Distance
34 miles.
Trailhead Locations
Juneau City Park and Oakfield Village Park, Dodge County.
Fees
None for the trail.
For More Information
Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, tel. 800-937-9123.
Horicon Chamber of Commerce, tel. 920-485-3200.
Juneau Chamber of Commerce, tel. 920-390-4407.
Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce, tel. 920-324-3491.
Caution
Several busy highways must be crossed. Several bypasses around undeveloped rail bed sections are on public roadways. The trail is also used by hikers and horseback riders. Always yield to pedestrians and horses.
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