3 minute read
Fat Biking Hot Spots
Andrea Zani
Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Biking in winter? In the snow, in the cold – in Wisconsin? Let’s go!
With the proper clothing layers, preparation and the right kind of fat-tire bike, cycling on snow-covered trails can be an exhilarating experience. So where to go for the fun?
It depends on the conditions, of course. Much like cross-country skiing, the best locations at any given time will be wherever there’s an open trail.
Riding is generally prohibited on groomed ski trails and snowmobile trails, so stick to designated biking trails. Here’s the skinny on several spots for fat-tire fun this winter.
CAMBA Trails
The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, or CAMBA, grooms and maintains more than 70 miles of trails for winter biking in Cable, Hayward, Seeley and Bayfield. That’s the largest network of mountain bike trails in the Midwest.
Options include singletrack trails, wider wooded roads, challenging runs for experienced riders and an easy beginner’s loop. The association's website has details and a link to updated trail conditions.
WIKI Trails
Willow River and Kinnickinnic state parks are booming for fat-tire biking, with about 31 miles of trails now open in the two parks and opportunities for all riding levels. The Willow Kinni Mountain Bike Club maintains the trail network for year-round use.
No state trail pass is needed to ride the trails, but vehicles entering the parks will need a state park vehicle admission sticker. The club's website offers more information on the WIKI trails, including a trail status link.
Central Wisconsin
The Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition maintains miles of mountain bike trails in conjunction with the Marathon County Landfill, Merrill City Parks System, Lincoln County and the Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.
Many of the trails are groomed for winter riding when conditions permit, including Nine Mile, Big Eau Pleine, Underdown, Ringle Trails and Prairie Dells. The coalition's website offers more information and trail conditions.
NEWT Trails
Northeast Wisconsin boasts numerous winter fattire opportunities thanks to North East Wisconsin Trails. NEWT maintains trail systems in seven counties, including nearly 10 miles of singletrack trail at Hartman Creek State Park.
Originally developed by the Cronies Trail Crew, the Hartman Creek trail is popular for beginner and intermediate riders. Winter access is at the end of Windfeldt Lane near the group camp, and a state trail pass is required for riders age 16 and older. For more about NEWT and the trails it maintains in winter, visit the organization's website.
And There's More!
Many other locations offer winter fat-tire biking opportunities, many on extensive groomed trails. When the ground freezes and snow flies, it’s time to hit the trail!
