Fantastic Fat Tire Biking in Northwest Wisconsin
When the snow starts to fall, it’s time for winter adventures in Wisconsin. Douglas, Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties’ position along the southern banks of Lake Superior contributes to a combined average of 119 inches of snowfall per season – nearly 10 feet of lake effect – and creates ideal conditions for one of Wisconsin’s favorite activities: fat tire biking.
For those looking to get out and enjoy all a northern Wisconsin winter has to offer, consider hitting the trails on an adrenaline-pumping adventure to any of these great spots!
Cable and Hayward
Our first stop is at the popular CAMBA Bike Trail System in Cable, where 50 miles of groomed fat tire trails await. Located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the CAMBA trails offer a wealth of terrain options to suit both the beginner and advanced rider, from wider tracks like the “Big Easy” and the “Tortoise Trail” to plenty of groomed singletrack.
Rentals are also available just south of Cable, in Hayward at New Moon Ski & Bike. For a more independent experience, pick up a trail map and travel a short distance to trailheads within the CAMBA system. If conditions are good, groomed trails are just two miles from the shop!
If you’re thinking of visiting later in the season, consider staying the weekend of Cable’s annual Fat Bike Birkie. Scheduled in late winter, the festival’s signature event challenges participants to a 47-kilometer fat tire bike race on the highly acclaimed American Birkebeiner Ski Trail. Just make sure to reserve your lodging in advance – nearby options like Lake Owen Resort, the Cable Nature Lodge and Staudemeyer’s Four Seasons Resort tend to fill up quickly!
Bayfield and Madeline Island
The popularity of the CAMBA system makes Cable and the surrounding towns a top destination, but its extension farther north is well worth the added mileage. In Bayfield, Mt. Ashwabay provides a shorter, more consolidated and easily navigable option. Don’t let the serene wooded landscapes fool you – the twists and turns through miles of moderate to advanced-level singletracks satisfy even advanced riders. But just in case you find leftover energy, the area offers a unique bonus experience just off the beaten path.
As long as the ice is thick and the route is safe, the road to Madeline Island is open for business! For the fearless, the two-mile “Ice Road” across Lake Superior’s frozen surface is a gateway to the historic island’s eclectic shops and charming eateries.
Just be aware of unpredictable ice conditions; be sure to consult with local officials before your ride.
Discover more winter trails designated for fat biking with the Wisconsin Snow Report.
