Bicycling & Paddling

Land & Water noteworthy trails

CYCLING

Barista’s Epic Coffee Ride

Distance: 46 mile loop Elevation: 1,268 ft

Cycle from La Crosse, over the Mississippi and climb five rolling hills in rural Minnesota. Make a pit stop halfway for a quick treat and a cup of joe! Journey back through the flat bottom of the Root River Valley until you return to downtown La Crosse.

Apple Blossom Loop

Distance: 35 mile loop Elevation: 1,240 ft

Follow along Apple Blossom Scenic drive for breathtaking blufftop views. Start in La Crosse and travel past a handful of La Crescent’s many apple orchards. The loop contains a single gradual climb and a sweeping descent into La Crescent.

L-N-L Gravel Grinder

Distance: 65 mile loop Elevation: 4,068 ft

This is the first established gravel cycling route in the Driftless region. This mixed-surface loop is no joke with five steep climbs and six gravel sections. The Gravel Grinder is based on the European classic Liège–Bastogne–Liège, minus the cobblestones of course.

@rhianna_the_rad

HIKING & BIKING

Wisconsin State Bike Trails

400 Wisconsin State Trail (22 miles, Reedsburg-Elroy) Elroy-Sparta State Trail (32 miles, Elroy-Sparta) La Crosse River State Trail (21.5 miles, Sparta-Onalaska) Great River State Trail (24.5 miles, Onalaska-Trempealeau)

Four rail-bed trails spanning nearly 101 miles from Reedsburg to Marshland, WI, offer some of the best hiking and biking in the region. The trails take you through marshes and valleys, along the rivers and offer access to several community parks, and recreation areas including Perrot State Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and the La Crosse River Prairies Natural State Area The Wisconsin State Park System requires users of the trails to hold state trail passes. Passes are required for anyone age 16 or older biking on the trails. Children under the age of 16 can bike the trails for free. Walking and hiking on state bike trails are free.

Leuth Park

The new Leuth Park bike playground and paved pump track add 25,000 square feet of trails. Warm-up before you hit a loop or try your hand at some new tricks!

Upper Hixon Forest Trails

Upper Hixon is for all user types and skill levels, from parents who want to explore nature with their children to the hardcore mountain biker, and even the first-timer. With nearly 20 multi-purpose trails, you’re sure to find a favorite!

Lower Hixon Forest Trails

These singletrack multi-use trails crisscross the wooded bluffs on the eastern edge of La Crosse over nearly ten miles (and counting). Biking is allowed on Rotary Vista, Trail of Champions, and Bicentennial. Check out the new Miller Bluff Trail which is the first trail to make a direct connection from Lower to Upper Hixon Forest.

Norskedalen Trails

For loads of outdoor family fun, head to the Norskedalen Nature Trails just outside of La Crosse. This 10 mile trail system is designed for any skill level. Venture through woodlands or prairies and find a spot for a picnic. Norskedalen is aiming to have 3 new trials completed by Summer of 2022!

Eagle Bluff Trails

Located in La Crescent, MN, Eagle Bluff Park hosts a 9-mile trail system. With specific paths for mountain bikers, explore the entirety of Eagle Bluff from woodlands to prairie. Stop for a look at the iconic Swing Bridge and see tri-state views.

PADDLING

Goose Island Campground & Park

Just a few miles south of Downtown La Crosse lies Wisconsin’s largest county campground. The canoe trail boasts 7 miles of moderate paddling that can be conquered in 4 to 5 hours. Half of the trip will be spent paddling against the current, and strong currents are possible when the water is high. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the Goose Island County Park.

Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail

Follow the Mississippi backwaters to the scenic views of Lake Onalaska. From Lytle’s Landing, it is an easy 4 miles to Fred Funk Landing or 7 miles to Mosey’s.

Long Lake Trail

Relax on these 5 easy miles through the Mississippi backwaters. Enjoy this 3 to 4 hour trip and keep an eye out for bald eagles!

La Crosse River

The La Crosse River is a hidden gem for paddling enthusiasts. Paddle through the Onalaska area to Riverside Park in La Crosse with 6 conveniently spaced boat landings situated below Lake Neshonoc. For a leisurely paddle to Riverside Park, launch at Holiday Heights and meander past the bluffs and through marshlands.

Brown’s Marsh Canoe Area (Lytle’s Landing)

This inlet of the river pools into a shallow lake, making it an easy paddling area. Aquatic vegetation is thick and water can be shallow in some areas. This is a designated Electric Motor Only area.