6. Great River State Trail

Onalaska To Trempealeau (Southwestern Wisconsin)

 24 Miles Of Crushed Limestone

This former Chicago-Northwestern railroad converted trail, the Great River State Trail, takes you through the prairies and backwaters of the upper Mississippi River valley. It crosses through two wildlife refuges and includes a 287-foot trestle bridge. We saw an eagle’s nest, lots of birds, and butterflies on this trail in late July.

Pro-Tip: Want more? Add the connecting 22-mile La Crosse River State Trail to your plans.

7. Red Cedar State Trail

Menominee To Downsville (Western Wisconsin)

14.5 miles Of Crushed Limestone

We love the Red Cedar State Trail. Round trip, it’s a great 29-mile ride and especially beautiful in the fall. Variety is the name of the game here, as you pedal past steep rock walls, forests, farmland, over bridges, and through the usual charm of Wisconsin small towns. This trail ends at the beautiful bridge at the Dunnville Wildlife Area, a great place to pull up a sandbar for swimming, fishing, or exploring.

Pro Tip: Want more biking? Just past this bridge, the trail connects to the 30-mile Chippewa River State Trail.