Editor's Note: The following sponsored content was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Ride full-speed into summer with Wisconsin as your terrain. Unlike regular road cycling, mountain biking opens up a limitless world of scenic options, from peaceful forest trails to rocky hills. Mountain biking also connects you closer to nature (and friends) with off-road adventures that create inside looks at lush landscapes and more varied terrain. Strap on your helmet and check the storage on your smartphone for scenic overlook pictures – you’ll want to remember this.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve Trail – La Farge
Dubbed the most crooked river in the state, Kickapoo River in southwestern Wisconsin paves the way for the most beautiful and winding bike trails. The great workout of long climbs pays off even more with picturesque views of the grand valley and breathtaking overlooks. With 8,569 acres, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve is the state’s newest outdoor recreation property that also offers plenty of opportunities to canoe, hike, horseback ride and more.
WinMan Trails – Winchester
A network of silent sports trails near Winchester, WinMan Trails spans 1,300 acres of varied terrain, including technical downhills, flowy trails, berms and bridges. Perfect for a pack of friends with mixed skill levels, the trails range from beginner to expert. With trail names like "Roller Creek" and "Jump Man," you’ll want to share stories – and a beer – after your long trek with friends or a partner.
CAMBA Trails – Cable
CAMBA Trails is one of the top mountain bike trails systems in the country, featuring 28 trails and more than 300 miles of riding. With much of it located in the big and beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the system is perfect for beginners and intermediates with a few challenging options. Most beloved is the Namekagon trail, meandering through peaceful streams, bogs and tamarack forests, with plenty of resorts and restaurants nearby that your group will want to check out.
John Muir Trail System – Whitewater
Located within an hour of vibrant Madison and Milwaukee and only two hours from Chicago, the John Muir Trail System rests on the gorgeous terrain of Kettle Moraine State Forest. These scenic trails are the most popular in the state, with ample nearby attractions and rugged dips and hills. If you need an outdoor escape to reconnect with your partner, this particular system feels almost private with one-way trails and minimal passersby.
Blue Mound State Park – Blue Mounds
Not a mountain, but it’s close. Blue Mound State Park sits on the highest part of southern Wisconsin. At 1,719 feet, to be exact, this state park also includes a challenging-yet-breathtaking 10-mile mountain biking trail system. Small but mighty, these trails take advantage of twists and turns and elevation changes. Ideal for a truly adventurous novice-or-above bunch, the park also has a swimming pool to cool off with your friends and plenty of space for hiking and taking in the scenic views.
Wisconsin is home to some of the most scenic and dynamic mountain biking trails in the country, and the outdoor recreation options don’t stop there. From budget-conscious camping to hidden wildlife gems, the time to start plugging away on your itinerary is now. Visit Travel Wisconsin for even more ideas on how escape the city and make this the best summer yet.
