THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
Wisconsin is a beautiful state. Between lakes, forests, rivers, and high bluffs, scenic views are everywhere. If you’re thinking of visiting Wisconsin to check out the scenery, then bring some bikes along! Biking is a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. And Wisconsin State Parks have some of the best views in the state. Whether you’re camping in the parks for the week or just visiting for the day, it’s best to have your bike with you. This list of the best 17 Wisconsin State Parks with bike trails will give you plenty of options to see some beautiful state parks!
Table of Contents
Which Wisconsin State Parks have bike trails?
Here are my top picks of the best 17 Wisconsin State Parks with bike trails!
- Brunet Island State Park
- Peninsula State Park
- Lakeshore State Park
- Perrot State Park
- High Cliff State Park
- Blue Mound State Park
- Governor Dodge State Park
- Hartman Creek State Park
- Mirror Lake State Park
- Copper Falls State Park
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Kohler-Andrae State Park
- Newport State Park
- Yellowstone Lake State Park
- Wyalusing State Park
- Potawatomi State Park
- Lake Wissota State Park
Paved Biking Trails
Brunet Island State Park
Brunet Island State Park in Northwestern Wisconsin is an incredibly beautiful park with a ton of options for activities like hiking, kayaking or canoeing, fishing, and biking. Biking is encouraged on the park roads with a designated biking lane on the main road in the park.
Bikes are allowed on most of the trails in the park. The only trail where bikes are not allowed is the Jean Brunet Nature Trail.
If you want to explore the area outside of the park on a bike, you do have a great option on the Old Abe State Trail. Close to the park entrance, you’ll find a one-mile-long link that connects to the Old Abe State Trail. The Old Abe State Trail is a 20-mile-long paved bike trail that connects Brunet Island State Park with Lake Wissota State Park.
A State Trail pass is required to use the Old Abe State Trail.
Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park is one of the nicest state parks in Wisconsin. Located in Door County with 8 miles of shoreline on Green Bay, this State Park will keep you busy for days, there is seriously so much to do here. Along with the normal activities you might find at a state park like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing, Peninsula State Park also has golfing, a theater, a lighthouse, and more!
You’ll also find bike trails. There are 12 miles of off-road cycling, along with 9.6 miles of paved bike trails on both back roads in the park, and trails with a fine gravel surface that can be shared with wheelchairs.
The gravel/paved bike trail is named Sunset Trail. This beautiful trail will take you to the lighthouse, with stunning views of the bay, through a marsh and hardwood forest.
If you need to rent a bike, there is a bike rental in the park by the beach and a bike rental outside of the park in Fish Creek called Edge of Park
Lakeshore State Park
This small State Park in the middle of Milwaukee has beautiful views of Lake Michigan and access to many different bike trails. The main multi-use trail in the Lakeshore State Park connects to the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Oak Leaf Trail.
The Hank Aaron State Trail is a 12-mile trail that includes cycling on some city streets. This trail connects cyclists to some popular spots in Milwaukee including American Family Field which is where the Brewers play, the Ward Theatre, and Pettit National Ice Center.
The Oak Leaf Trail consists of 135 miles, with many miles running alongside Lake Michigan. The neat thing about the Oak Leaf Trail is that there are 7 “branches” that will take you all around the area. Two of the branches will take you along Lake Michigan. Other trails follow old rail lines and take you through the city on off-street trails. Some of the branches have you cycling on the streets. This is just a great option if you want to explore the city on a bicycle.
Perrot State Park
Perrot State Park in Western Wisconsin has 1,200 beautiful acres to explore. In the park, you’ll find the junction of the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers. You’ll enjoy views of steep cliffs and deep valleys.
One of the more popular ways to explore the park is by bike. Visitors have access to the Great River Trail, which is a 24-mile-long trail. If you’re looking to put more miles on your bike than that, then you’re in luck! The Great River Trail is part of the Mississippi River Trail, which follows the Mississippi River and traverses through multiple States.
Mountain Biking Trails
High Cliff State Park
In Eastern Wisconsin, close to Green Bay is High Cliff State Park. This State Park, on Lake Winnebago, has 1,187 acres to explore. Lake Winnebago is the largest inland lake in Wisconsin and the park offers incredible views of the lake.
If you want to explore the park on your bike, then you have a few options. Biking is allowed on all park roads and there are a couple of trails for mountain biking. The Red Bird Trail offers a 3.4-mile mountain bike loop with gorgeous views of Lake Winnebago. It’s a mostly-level trail.
The other trail that allows bikes is the Bike/Horse Trail which is 7.5 miles long and will take you through grassland and a hardwood forest.
Blue Mound State Park
In Southern Wisconsin, where the tallest hill in the Southern part of the state is located, is a beautiful State Park. Blue Mound State Park has 1,153 acres of lush forests, two observation towers, river views, and plenty of off-road cycling trails.
Blue Mound State Park offers cyclists 15.5 miles of singletrack, difficult off-road trails. This is one of the more challenging trails in the state, and it has amazing views also!
If you’re looking for a less challenging bike ride at Blue Mound State Park, then check out Military Ridge State Trail. It’s a 40-mile trail that’s mostly level with a smooth limestone surface. This trail crosses streams, goes through farmland, and meanders through prairies.
A State Trail pass is required to use the Military Ridge State Trail.
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park in Southwestern Wisconsin has 5,350 acres featuring bluffs, lakes, a waterfall, and stunning views of the landscape. It also has off-road biking trails perfect for any mountain biker.
There are 8 off-road biking trails over two designated biking trails. Meadow Valley Trail is a 5-mile loop that goes through the park. There are some hills on this trail, and you might have to share sections of it with horses. You’ll make your way through prairie, forests, and along ridges.
The second designated off-road bike trail is the Mill Creek Trail. It’s the shorter of the two trails, coming in at 3.3 miles. This trail also has some steep hills, but the majority of the trail is fairly flat. This trail has views of two lakes and takes you through valleys and meadows.
Governor Dodge State Park also has a trail that connects with the 40-mile long Military Ridge State Trail.
A State Trail pass is required to use the bike trails at Governor Dodge State Park and the Military Ridge State Trail.
Hartman Creek State Park
Hartman Creek State Park in Central Wisconsin is a smaller park, coming in at 1,417 acres. Even though this is a smaller State Park, there is still plenty to do here. Between hiking, swimming, fishing, and biking, there’s something here for everyone.
The off-road bike trails are especially fun. There are 12 miles of off-road bike trails, with some of the trails being hike/bike. However, there is also a 6-mile section that is singletrack and has options based on your expertise. There are easy, moderate, and more difficult trails. As you make your way on the trails, you’ll find lots of curves, some hills that get harder as the trails get harder, and on the hardest trail, you’ll encounter two man-made features. All with beautiful hardwood forest views.
A State Trail pass is required to use the off-road biking trails.
Mirror Lake State Park
Mirror Lake State Park, close to the Delles in Central Wisconsin, is a fun park to explore. The lake is a destination with its sandstone cliffs and calm water. It’s a no-wake lake, so kayaking and canoeing are very popular here. There are plenty of hiking trails and while there are no singletrack bike trails, there are nine miles of trails open to off-road cyclists.
The off-road biking trails have different surfaces including grass, wood chips, and even sand. The trails are pretty wide. Bikers also enjoy biking on the paved roads in the park.
Mirror Lake State Park is also on my list for best Wisconsin lakes for kayaking. Check it out here!
Copper Falls State Park
Copper Falls State Park in Northern Wisconsin is known as one of the most scenic State Parks in the state. Here you’ll find deep gorges, stunning waterfalls, hardwood forests, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Visitors have plenty of activity options from hiking, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, swimming, and biking.
For off-road cyclists, there are two singletrack trails. Both trails are rather short, with the longer trail coming in at 2.5 miles long. Takesson Trail has a 2.5-mile-long trail with two loops. The 1.6-mile inner loop is easier and flatter than the outer loop. The outer loop is 2.5 miles and has some hills to conquer.
The other off-road biking trail is Vahter Trail which is 1.7 miles long. This trail also has two loops. The inner loop is 1.2 miles and is easier than the outer 1.7-mile-long loop. The outer loop is hilly, including one of the park’s more moderate hills.
Biking is also allowed on the park’s paved roads.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is the most popular State Park in Wisconsin. Located in Southern Wisconsin by Baraboo, you’ll find close to 10,000 acres in the park. With huge bluffs along the lake, cool rock formations, and just all-around scenic views, this park is one of a kind.
While biking is allowed on the park roads, some of the roads are dangerous for biking with narrow shoulders, guardrails, and hilly terrain. There are four miles of off-road biking trails, but zero singletrack trails. The trails are shared with hikers.
Kohler-Andrae State Park
This small State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan has 988 acres. Though small, Kohler-Andrae State Park is unique and definitely worth a visit! The two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in the park contain beautiful beaches and sand dunes. The park has boardwalks and cordwalks to help visitors explore the sand dunes without damaging the area.
For people wishing to explore the park on bike, bikes are allowed on the park roads and one of the trails in the park. The 2.5 miles long Black River Trail is a great option for off-road cyclists. The trail will take you through an open field area and a forest. You’ll be sharing the trail with horses.
Newport State Park
In Door County Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find Newport State Park. With 2,373 acres and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, there’s plenty to see here. As a result, not only is it a designated Wilderness Area by the Wisconsin DNR, but it’s also a Dark Sky Park. If you stay overnight in one of the 17 backpack-in sites in the park, you’ll have the opportunity to see the night sky like few people get to see it.
For the off-road cyclist, there are plenty of trails here to explore the park on your bike. There are 17 miles on 4 different trails. Though none are singletrack, and you’ll have to share the trail with hikers, the trails are a great option for those wanting to get out on their bikes. The trails are hard-packed dirt with few obstacles like roots and rocks therefore, the trails are pretty level and great for beginner off-road cyclists.
Yellowstone Lake State Park
Yellowstone Lake State Park in Southern Wisconsin is part of the larger Yellowstone Lake State Wildlife Area. The 968 acres that the park is composed of are centered around Yellowstone Lake. One of a few lakes in Southern Wisconsin, this lake can get pretty busy during the summer months with fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.
If you’d rather explore the park on a bike, then you have a few options. Biking on park roads is allowed, however, bikers might find the park roads dangerous due to how busy they are.
Other biking options are using biking/hiking trails in the park. There are 4 miles of off-road bike trails in the park on 3 trails. Unfortunately, they’re all pretty short trails with the longest one coming in at 2.1 miles long. All 3 trails have some steep hills that might make it a struggle on a bike.
Wyalusing State Park
In Southwestern Wisconsin, you’ll find one of the oldest State Parks in Wisconsin, Wyalusing State Park. At 2,628 acres, there’s plenty to see and do here. With 14 miles of hiking trails, views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, high bluffs, Native American mounds, excellent bird watching, and biking, there’s something for everyone.
Off-road cyclists have 7 miles of trails in 2 loops in the park to explore. The Whitetail Meadows Trail offers views of prairie land and forests, while the Mississippi Ridge Trail offers views of the high bluffs and the Mississippi River. Both trails are relatively easy and good for beginner off-road cyclists, however the trails are shared with hikers.
Potawatomi State Park
With over 1,200 acres in Door County in Western Wisconsin, Potawatomi State Park offers visitors options of hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and biking. There are over 8 miles of off-road cycling trails in the park. The trails are best for intermediate off-road cyclists with a few steep hills and obstacles like roots and rocks. Views of Lake Michigan are rare from the bike trail.
Biking on the park roads is also an option and Shoreline Road has better views of the lake if that’s what you are after.
Lake Wissota State Park
Lake Wissota State Park in Northwestern Wisconsin has a lot of possibilities when looking for activities to do when visiting. Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and more. There’s something for everyone.
Cyclists that are visiting Lake Wissota State Park have plenty of options when it comes to biking. Bikers that are looking for a paved trail can enjoy a ride on the 20-mile-long Old Abe State Trail that connects to Brunet Island State Park. Off-road cyclists have the option of biking on hiking/biking trails or horse/bike trails in the park. They’ll find 7 miles of trails on the hiking/biking trails and 9 miles of trails on the horse/bike trails.
Conclusion
State Parks have some of the best views around. And the State Parks in Wisconsin are absolutely beautiful. There is so much to see, and bikes are the perfect way to make sure you don’t miss anything. Plus, bikes are just fun. Who doesn’t enjoy the wind in their face as they are going down a hill on a bike after a tough climb up a hill? It’s the best feeling!
That’s why biking, if possible, if so great at State Parks. With this list of the best 17 Wisconsin State Parks with Bike Trails, hopefully you’ve found some parks to explore on bicycle.
