The best traffic-free bike rides in La Crosse County

There are several dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in La Crosse County, offering a range of distances and difficulties. This guide features 4 routes, with options for easy, moderate, and difficult rides.

La Crosse County is part of the unique Driftless Region, meaning you'll encounter a diverse landscape of bluffs, deep coulees, and river valleys. While many no-traffic routes offer gentler gradients, the broader region is known for challenging climbs and scenic routes, so be prepared for varied terrain even on dedicated gravel paths.

Yes, there are options for beginners. For a relatively flat and easy ride, consider the Gravel loop from Brice Prairie, which covers about 30 kilometers with minimal elevation gain.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You might encounter stunning river views, especially along the Mississippi River, and the unique bluffs of the Driftless Region. Specific highlights include the Grandad Bluff Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas, and the A Triple Confluence of Rivers where the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers meet. Many trails also pass through areas like the Holland Sand Prairie State Natural Area.

For a more challenging experience, the State of Minnesota loop from Hokah offers a difficult 70-kilometer ride with over 900 meters of elevation gain, providing a significant workout and scenic views across the river into Minnesota.

The komoot community highly rates the trails in La Crosse County, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders frequently praise the stunning natural scenery, the quiet and traffic-free nature of many routes, and the diverse terrain that caters to various skill levels.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Sparta Train Depot – Tunnel Watchman's rest stop loop from Sparta, which is a moderate 42.5-kilometer circular route.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking in La Crosse County. The fall foliage provides particularly stunning views. Winters can be cold with snow, making some gravel trails less accessible or requiring specialized equipment.

While many trails connect to urban areas, direct public transport access to specific trailheads might be limited. It's often best to plan your trip with a car for parking near trail access points, or consider routes that start from central locations like Riverside Park in La Crosse, which offers good connectivity.

Many sections of the interconnected state trail system, such as parts of the La Crosse River State Trail, are suitable for families due to their generally flat and well-maintained surfaces. The Gravel loop from Brice Prairie is also an easy option that could be suitable for families looking for a shorter, less strenuous ride.

The La Crosse River Trail Prairies are a designated State Natural Area known for their diverse flora. They offer opportunities for recreation and can be accessed via the La Crosse River State Trail. More information can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website: Wisconsin DNR.