The best traffic-free bike rides in Kettle Moraine State Forest- Loew Lake Unit

There are 6 curated no-traffic road cycling routes in and around the Kettle Moraine State Forest- Loew Lake Unit, specifically designed for a peaceful experience away from busy roads. These routes range from easy to moderate difficulty.

The Kettle Moraine State Forest- Loew Lake Unit is characterized by its unique glacial landscape, featuring rolling hills, kettles, and moraines. While the unit itself doesn't have dedicated road cycling trails, the surrounding area offers scenic, mostly paved roads with varied elevation, providing an engaging experience for road cyclists. You'll encounter curving forested roads and open stretches that showcase the region's natural beauty.

Yes, there are 4 easy routes available. For a relatively gentle ride, consider the Merton Millpond and Bark River – Bark River Bridge loop from Town of Merton, which covers about 30 km with minimal elevation gain. Another easy option is the Merton Millpond and Bark River – Bark River Bridge loop from Merton, offering a similar experience over 35 km.

For a more extended ride, the Bark River Bridge – Merton Millpond and Bark River loop from Golf Cart Return is a moderate route spanning over 58 km with significant elevation gain, offering a good workout. Another moderate option is the Monches Millpond 38 – Friess Lake loop from Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, which is about 34 km with notable climbs.

While cycling the quiet roads around the Loew Lake Unit, you'll experience the distinctive glacial landscape. The area features the winding east branch of the Oconomowoc River, which flows into the serene Loew Lake. You might also spot wetlands, conifer plantations, hardwood forests, and prairies. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also traverses the unit, offering glimpses of its path.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. This makes planning your ride and parking more convenient.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for road cycling. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers warm weather, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for potential rain or strong winds.

The routes often start from various points in nearby towns like Merton or near landmarks such as Holy Hill National Shrine. Specific parking information for each route can be found on its individual komoot tour page. For general information on the Loew Lake Unit, you can visit the Wisconsin DNR website.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in this area, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 23 ratings. Cyclists often praise the quiet roads, scenic views, and the opportunity to enjoy nature away from traffic.

While the Loew Lake Unit itself is primarily natural, the routes often pass through or near small towns like Merton and Hartford, Wisconsin. These towns typically offer amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores where you can refuel and refresh during or after your ride.

Absolutely. The Kettle Moraine State Forest- Loew Lake Unit offers a variety of low-impact recreational activities. You can combine your ride with hiking on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, or enjoy boating, canoeing, or kayaking on Loew Lake and the Oconomowoc River. For more details on other activities, refer to the Wisconsin DNR's recreation page for Loew Lake.