Mountain Biking Paradise: 11 Top Trails In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has become one of the most exciting places for mountain biking with its variety of terrain and extensive trail systems. Many of our popular routes have been around for decades, and more and more communities are adding new trails throughout the state’s picturesque landscapes.

Test your skills or simply work on having fun with friends at these impressive Wisconsin mountain bike rides! And keep up-to-date on the latest conditions with the Wisconsin Trail Report.

CAMBA Trail System – Cable and Hayward

Traverse the stunning forests of northern Wisconsin by exploring the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) Trail System. With more than 300 miles of signed and mapped trails, you and your crew can ride singletrack, gravel and groomed winter trails here. This extraordinary trail system was given “Ride Center” status by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), a designation only awarded to several dozen destinations around the world.

Visit in September for the annual Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival which includes off-road races, live music, food trucks and more.

John Muir and Emma Carlin Trails – Eagle

West of Milwaukee, the popular John Muir and Emma Carlin trails are flowy and fast and offer more than 30 miles of color-coded loops for riders of all abilities. The geological features of the Kettle Moraine State Forest give riders a variety of terrain to experience. With many challenging trails and welcoming communities nearby, this area makes for an unforgettable mountain biking adventure.

Levis Mound – Clark County

Are you looking for some elevation and dramatic scenery on your ride? If so, head to Levis-Trow Mound Recreation Area in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. More than 25 miles of singletrack wind through a variety of terrain with the highlight being a 200-foot climb to the top of a sandstone bluff with amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

With trail names like Select Cut, Dead Turkey and Pile Driver, your biking adventures here are sure to be challenging and memorable.

WinMan Trails – Vilas County

The WinMan Trails span over 1,300 acres near Wisconsin’s northern border. Here, you and your buddies can ride over rolling hills and through pine and hardwood forests.  

You’ll also find a technical downhill, berms and bridges on this evolving system. In winter, bring out your fat tire bike and enjoy miles of groomed, snow-covered trails.

Nine Mile Forest – Wausau

Eleven loops of singletrack offer riding from mild to wild at this central Wisconsin popular riding destination near Wausau. Some of Nine Mile Forest's signature obstacles include low berms and log piles to test your mountain biking skills and add extra fun. You’ll be amazed by the scenery as the singletrack snakes over the side of a steep 140-foot high ridge, enough elevation to get anyone’s heart pumping.

Silver Lake Park – Kenosha County

Some of Wisconsin’s newest singletrack can be found at Silver Lake, an easily accessible Kenosha County park near the state’s Illinois border. Ten miles of winding trails have been constructed in this 274-acre park.

Trails were designed for every riding ability – from a kid’s loop to fast and flowy trails like Yeti, Rudie’s Ridge and Barbwire. Get your workout on the trail and then cool down at the area’s favorite swimming beach, located on the west side of the park.  

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours – Lake Geneva

Don’t mind the zip-liners as they move through the trees at this heavily forested 100-acre riding park located just north of Lake Geneva. This trail system offers riders more than 12 miles of tight and technical trails to play on.

Riders will emerge from the forest to breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside on one of Walworth County’s highest points.  Climbing ladder bridges, jumps and switchbacks will allow you to perfect your technical skills at this fun riding destination.

Blue Mound State Park – Blue Mounds

Blue Mound State Park just west of Madison offers more than fifteen miles of challenging singletrack riding. At 1,719 feet of elevation, the top of Blue Mound is the highest point in all of southern Wisconsin. Plenty of rocks, roots and climbing will keep riding interesting and fun at this area-favorite biking destination.

Lowes Creek Trail – Eau Claire

Lowes Creek Trail is located just outside Eau Claire and offers a variety of riding levels to choose from. Six miles of trail are classified as challenging and wind through forest and creek beds, reaching all corners of the park. 

Nicolet Roche Trail – Langlade County

Ride over the giant boulders that dot the floor of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northeastern Wisconsin. Beyond the boulders, you’ll also find some steep sections with both climbs and drops as you meander through the wooded countryside on the Nicolet Roche Trail.

This trail system is located close to the Boulder Lake Campground – a great place for a refreshing swim after your ride.

Human-Powered Trails – La Crosse

Located in the beautiful bluffs above the city of La Crosse, the Human-Powered Trails offer riders some tough obstacles like log and rock piles as well as tight switchbacks.

The tamer intermediate trails offer plenty of hills to climb in addition to breathtaking vistas overlooking the Mississippi River.