The best traffic-free bike rides in Sauk County
4.5
(4)
77
riders
12
rides
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling in Sauk County, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many roads and trails, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the good stuff, not endless guesswork.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so this guide is your curated shortcut to the best road cycling in Sauk County. We've sifted through the noise to bring you a shortlist of routes that are truly worth your legs, saving you the hassle of planning.
Road cycling here is defined by a fantastic mix of landscapes. Expect challenging climbs and dramatic rock formations in the ancient quartzite Baraboo Hills, scenic rolling hills along the Wisconsin River Valley, and peaceful stretches through picturesque farmlands. It's a region that offers everything from moderate loops to more demanding rides, ensuring there's something for every ability level.
If you only do one ride, make it the Sauk County loop. This 51.8 miles (83.3 km) route is a fantastic introduction, showcasing diverse terrain and significant elevation gain. For a slightly shorter, yet equally rewarding experience with rolling hills and rural views, the Cedar Hill loop at 27.7 miles (44.5 km) is a local favorite. Ready to explore? More than 60 road cyclists have already used komoot to discover Sauk County's varied terrain, and now it's your turn.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
10
riders
83.3km
04:31
770m
770m
The Sauk County loop offers a diverse road cycling experience, guiding you through a landscape that transitions from the tranquil banks of the Wisconsin River to the expansive rolling farmlands. You'll enjoy distant views of the Baraboo Hills and pass through historic towns like Prairie du Sac, adding a cultural layer to your ride. This moderate 51.8-mile (83.3 km) route, with its 2526 feet (770 metres) of elevation gain, provides a balanced challenge that typically takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes.
For planning your visit, you can find convenient parking in towns such as Sauk City. If your ride includes parts of the Great Sauk State Trail, remember that a state trail pass is necessary for cyclists aged 16 and older. This trail also provides useful amenities like rest areas and bike repair stations, ensuring a smoother journey.
What makes this route stand out is its blend of natural beauty and community connection. You'll have opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially bald eagles along the Wisconsin River, and experience the region's past as you cycle through historic communities. The route cleverly combines smoothly paved rail-to-trail sections with local roads, offering varied Sauk County cycling terrain and a dynamic experience.
4
riders
44.5km
02:09
200m
200m
The Cedar Hill loop offers a diverse road cycling experience, winding through a unique landscape where tallgrass prairie meets the rugged Balcones Escarpment. You'll pedal past wooded areas, open prairies, and catch scenic views of Joe Pool Lake, especially along sections like the Mansfield Road Trail. The route features a pleasant mix of flat stretches and elevation changes, providing a dynamic and engaging ride on well-maintained paved surfaces.
This moderate 27.6-mile (44.5 km) loop, with 654 feet (199 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete. While specific parking information for the entire loop isn't detailed, Cedar Hill boasts an extensive network of paved trails, so finding an access point is generally straightforward. It's a great option for cyclists looking for a varied workout and scenic beauty without extreme challenges.
Cedar Hill is actively expanding its trail system, aiming for over 120 miles of multi-use trails, making it a prime destination for road cyclists in the DFW area. The trails often highlight the natural features of the Balcones Escarpment and connect to various nature preserves, offering a deeper connection to the local environment. This loop is a good example of the city's commitment to providing quality cycling routes for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
2
riders
73.0km
03:38
400m
410m
The Reedsburg loop offers a rewarding road cycling experience through Wisconsin's picturesque rural landscape, skirting the edge of the Driftless Area. You'll navigate rolling to hilly terrain, particularly as the route winds through the Baraboo Hills, providing a consistent workout. The scenery is characterized by expansive farmland and charming small towns like Reedsburg, making for a pleasant journey on mostly well-paved asphalt surfaces.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route primarily uses public roads. Reedsburg, the starting point, is well-equipped with cafes, restaurants, and shops, perfect for stocking up or unwinding after your ride. Hay Creek Park in Reedsburg is also a convenient stop with facilities. This moderate 45.3-mile (73.0 km) loop, with 1327 feet (404 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 37 minutes, so plan for a half-day adventure.
This dedicated road cycling route is distinct from nearby crushed limestone trails like the 400 State Trail, ensuring a smooth ride for road bikes. It's an excellent option for cyclists seeking a moderate challenge and scenic vistas, offering a taste of the region's natural beauty and local amenities. The route's proximity to the Baraboo River adds to its charm, providing a sense of place within the broader Sauk County area.
1
riders
67.2km
03:02
280m
280m
The Portage loop in Wisconsin offers a delightful road cycling journey through the scenic floodplains of the Wisconsin and Baraboo Rivers. You'll encounter pleasant rural landscapes and gentle rolling hills, making for a consistent yet manageable ride. Keep an eye out for the natural beauty surrounding the Pine Island State Wildlife Area as you cycle, providing a lovely backdrop to your adventure.
This moderate 41.8-mile (67.2 km) route, with 930 feet (283 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option for a longer ride, typically taking around 3 hours and 2 minutes. It's suitable for all skill levels, including beginners, as it avoids exceptionally steep climbs. The route is primarily paved, ensuring a smooth experience for most road bikes.
Historically, the area was rich in white pine trees, harvested in the early 20th century, adding a layer of natural heritage to your ride. Its accessibility and varied scenery make it a notable choice for a longer road cycling excursion in the region, offering a blend of exercise and natural immersion.
63.4km
03:42
820m
820m
Embark on the Loganville/Natural Bridge loop, a moderate road cycling adventure near Sauk City, Wisconsin, that promises a delightful mix of natural beauty and engaging terrain. As you pedal, you'll traverse peaceful oak woods, expansive open fields, and stretches of prairie, with picturesque views of rivers unfolding around you. The route often incorporates sections of the Great Sauk State Trail, providing smooth, paved asphalt surfaces that make for an enjoyable ride through diverse landscapes.
This 39.4-mile (63.4 km) route, with its 2684 feet (818 metres) of elevation gain, is designed for touring bicycles and takes approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete. You'll find convenient amenities and places to rest or resupply in the towns of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, which the loop passes through. Starting your ride earlier in the day is a good idea to fully appreciate the scenery and allow for leisurely stops.
What makes this route particularly appealing is its blend of accessibility and challenge, offering a substantial workout without being overly technical. The paved surfaces and varied scenery, from woodlands to river views, create a dynamic cycling experience. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a longer, scenic ride in the Sauk County area, providing a genuine taste of Wisconsin's rural charm and natural environment.
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Tips from the Community
It's a small remote park, but worth a stop, the hike into the natural bridge is only a quarter mile, so a half mile round trip.
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The Great Sauk Trail is an old railway that runs north along the Wisconsin River up past the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area. Here you can see the old railroad bridge that used to run across the water and south through Mazomanie.
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The Pine Island Preserve lies in the floodplains of the Wisconsin and Baraboo Rivers and also includes several Wisconsin River islands. The name seems strange because you will see few pines. This has not been the case in the past. The white pine trees found on the banks of the Wisconsin River and on its islands were harvested at the beginning of the 20th century by settlers for the construction mainly of their houses and barns.
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This church was built in 1895 and later served as the schoolhouse for the Hillside School. Apart from that, not much else is known about its history.
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North Freedom, a small village along the Baraboo River, is the home of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
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Natural Bridge State Park is a 530-acre park known for its natural sandstone arch. The bridge is 25 feet high and 35 feet wide, with a rock shelter directly underneath that was used by native people over 10,000 years ago.
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Reedsburg sits on the banks of the Baraboo River and consists of rolling farmland on the edge of the state's Driftless region. The town is also known as the "Butter Capital of the World" due to a time when Reedsburg's milk-processing plant was producing more butter than anywhere else in the world.
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A small park at the intersection of county F and county K . It has shade and a picnic table, no water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in Sauk County?
This guide features 12 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Sauk County. These routes offer a mix of terrain, from easy, flat paths to more challenging, hilly sections, ensuring a suitable ride for various skill levels.
Are there any paved, car-free trails suitable for families in Sauk County?
Yes, the Great Sauk State Trail is an excellent option. This 11.4-mile paved asphalt trail follows the Wisconsin River, offering picturesque views and a safe, car-free environment perfect for families and casual riders. It's designed to be extended and connect to other major trail systems in the future.
What are the typical distances of the no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes in this guide vary significantly in length. For example, the Cedar Hill loop is about 44 km (27 miles), while the Sauk County loop extends to over 83 km (51 miles). You'll find options ranging from shorter, relaxed rides to longer, more enduring tours.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic road cycling routes?
Access points for trails like the Great Sauk State Trail typically offer designated parking areas in towns such as Prairie du Sac and Sauk City. For other routes, parking is often available near the start points, especially in smaller towns or at trailheads. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.
Are there any challenging car-free cycling options in Sauk County?
While many car-free trails are generally flatter, some routes in this guide incorporate significant elevation changes. For instance, the Loganville/Natural Bridge loop features over 800 meters (2,600 feet) of ascent, providing a more strenuous experience for road cyclists seeking a challenge away from traffic.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along the no-traffic routes?
Sauk County is rich in natural beauty. While cycling, you might encounter stunning geological formations like Devil's Doorway Rock Formation or Balanced Rock. The region also boasts unique areas such as Parfrey's Glen, a gorge with towering sandstone cliffs, and the scenic Wisconsin River Valley, especially along the Great Sauk State Trail.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic road biking in Sauk County?
Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for road biking in Sauk County. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer provides warm weather, and fall showcases vibrant foliage, especially in areas like the Baraboo Hills. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about no-traffic cycling in Sauk County?
The komoot community rates the routes in Sauk County highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists often praise the peaceful, car-free environment, the diverse scenery ranging from river views to rolling farmlands, and the well-maintained surfaces of trails like the Great Sauk State Trail.
Are there any circular no-traffic bike routes available?
Yes, many of the routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. Examples include the Reedsburg loop and the Portage loop, offering varied distances and elevations.
Can I connect to other rail-to-trail systems from Sauk County?
Sauk County serves as a gateway to broader rail-to-trail adventures. The Great Sauk State Trail is planned to connect north to Devil's Lake State Park, the 400 State Trail, and the Elroy-Sparta Trail, and south to Dane County trail systems, expanding your car-free cycling options significantly.
Are there any specific requirements or passes needed for the trails?
For trails like the Great Sauk State Trail, a trail pass is required for bikers aged 16 and older. It's always advisable to check the official Wisconsin DNR website for the most current information on pass requirements and trail conditions before your ride. You can find more details on the Wisconsin DNR website.
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