The best cycling routes in Columbia County
4.7
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riders
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Touring cycling in Columbia County, Wisconsin, offers a diverse landscape characterized by state trails, river views, and varied terrain. The region features routes that combine paved paths with sections through state parks, providing a mix of challenges. Notable features include the Wisconsin River and areas around Lake Delton. This environment supports a range of cycling experiences.
Best touring cycling routes in Columbia County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Great Sauk State Trail & Devil's Lake State Park Loop…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
1
riders
71.1km
04:11
270m
270m
Embark on the Portage - Pine Island State Wildlife Area Loop, a moderate touring bicycle route spanning 44.2 miles (71.1 km) with 900 feet (274 metres) of elevation gain. This…
1
riders
70.1km
04:06
290m
290m
The Portage loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience through Wisconsin's varied rural landscapes. You'll pedal along mostly paved surfaces, encountering gentle rolling hills that provide a consistent but manageable…
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74.8km
04:41
640m
640m
This challenging touring cycling loop offers a tale of two trails, blending the smooth, paved Great Sauk State Trail with the rugged, hilly terrain around Devil's Lake State Park. You'll…
4.0
(1)
1
riders
49.2km
03:03
360m
360m
The Sauk County loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending smooth paved trails with scenic country roads. You'll pedal through varied landscapes, from the tranquil banks of the Wisconsin…
5.0
(1)
1
riders
13.8km
00:51
110m
110m
The Lake Delton loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding around the picturesque Lake Delton with constant views of its blue waters. You'll pedal along mostly paved multi-use paths…
64.3km
03:52
390m
390m
The Reedsburg loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience through the scenic Baraboo Hills, characterized by rolling farmland, dense forested areas, and impressive rock formations. As you pedal, you'll encounter…
5.0
(2)
16
riders
23.7km
01:24
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
24.8km
01:25
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a beautiful park with such cool animal themed signs for the park, the canoe launch, playground, splashpad and zipline. Great Sauk State Trail goes right through the park.
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The Wisconsin River meanders through rolling hills and lush valleys, offering breathtaking views from its banks. Sandbars, bluffs, and diverse wildlife create a picturesque landscape.
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The Great Sauk Trail passes through the town of Prairie du Sac. It is here, the trail is both close to the river and to the city.
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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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Lake Delton is a man-made freshwater lake and a popular attraction in the Wisconsin Dells. The lake was formed in 1927, and its banks are now lined with resorts and tourist attractions.
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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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At the end of the Levee trail, you arrive in the town of Portage by passing over the canal.
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This lake, which offers many hiking trails and the opportunity to observe nature, is located along the national panoramic trail of the Ice Age. Devil's Lake State Park offers magnificent views from 500-foot-high quartzite cliffs, all overlooking a 360-acre lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of touring cycling routes can I find in Columbia County, Wisconsin?
Columbia County, Wisconsin, offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes. You'll find a mix of state trails, routes with scenic river views along the Wisconsin River, and paths that venture into more rugged terrain, such as those near Devil's Lake State Park. The routes cater to various skill levels, from easy loops to more challenging rides.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Columbia County?
Yes, Columbia County has several easy touring cycling routes. For a shorter, scenic ride, consider the Lake Delton loop, which is about 13.7 km (8.6 miles) and offers pleasant views of Lake Delton. Another accessible option is the Figors Mill Flowage loop from Pardeeville, spanning approximately 26.8 km (16.7 miles).
Where can I find parking for bike trails in Columbia County?
Convenient parking for accessing touring cycling routes in Columbia County is available at Riverside Park in Portage. This location provides direct access to routes along the Wisconsin River Levee Trail and other dedicated bike loops in the area.
What are some of the longer or more challenging touring routes in the area?
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Great Sauk State Trail & Devil's Lake State Park Loop is a difficult 74.8 km (46.5 miles) route that combines a state trail with the rugged terrain of Devil's Lake State Park. Other moderate, longer options include the Portage - Pine Island State Wildlife Area Loop (71.1 km / 44.2 miles) and the Portage loop (70.1 km / 43.6 miles).
Are there any touring cycling routes that offer wildlife viewing opportunities?
Yes, the Portage - Pine Island State Wildlife Area Loop is an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts. This 71.1 km (44.2 miles) route takes you through diverse wildlife areas and offers scenic river views along Levee Road, providing opportunities to observe local fauna.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Columbia County?
The touring cycling routes in Columbia County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from state trails to river views, and the mix of challenges available.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Columbia County?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Columbia County are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the Portage loop, the Lake Delton loop, and the Portage - Pine Island State Wildlife Area Loop.
Are there any routes that feature views of lakes or rivers?
Absolutely. Columbia County is known for its scenic water features. The Lake Delton loop offers beautiful views of Lake Delton. Additionally, routes like the Portage - Pine Island State Wildlife Area Loop provide extensive river views along the Wisconsin River Levee Road.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Columbia County, Wisconsin?
There are currently 7 touring cycling routes documented in Columbia County, Wisconsin, on komoot. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore.
What is the general elevation gain like on touring routes in Columbia County?
The elevation gain on touring routes in Columbia County varies. While some easy routes like the Lake Delton loop have moderate climbs around 110 meters, more challenging routes such as the Great Sauk State Trail & Devil's Lake State Park Loop can feature significant elevation changes, reaching over 640 meters due to the rugged terrain of Devil's Lake State Park.
Are the bike loops in Columbia County well-marked?
Yes, Columbia County features dedicated bike loops with clear signage in place, making navigation straightforward for touring cyclists.
Most popular routes in Columbia County
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