The best MTB trails around Onalaska

This guide features 6 mountain bike trails around Onalaska. These routes primarily explore the diverse terrain of the Hixon Forest area, offering a mix of moderate and difficult options for riders.

While this guide focuses on moderate to difficult mountain bike trails, there are 4 routes classified as moderate, which might be suitable for confident beginners or those looking for a less strenuous ride. For example, the Hixon View – Upper Hixon Forest loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a moderate 7.5-mile trail that takes about an hour to complete.

Onalaska's mountain bike trails are characterized by the unique Driftless Region landscape, featuring rugged bluffs, valleys, and coulee systems. You'll encounter rolling hills, challenging ascents, and flowy singletrack, particularly within the Hixon Forest area. The natural coulee systems help trails dry quickly after rain, making them accessible even in wetter conditions.

The mountain bike trails around Onalaska vary in length and duration. For instance, the longest route, Hixon View – Lookout Prairie loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, is 16.7 miles (26.9 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 33 minutes. Shorter, moderate routes like the Grandad Bluff Road loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse can be completed in about 1 hour.

While the trails in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the region offers other options for families. The Great River State Trail, a 24-mile crushed limestone rail-trail, is excellent for family cycling, offering flat terrain and scenic views along the Mississippi River's backwaters. It's a great way to experience the area's beauty on two wheels with children.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley and the surrounding bluffs. For example, the Lookout Prairie – Hixon View loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides expansive vistas. You can also find unique geological formations like Mushroom Rock and various viewpoints such as Grandad Bluff Viewpoint and Rim of the City Viewpoint near some of the trails.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for mountain biking in Onalaska. The region's coulee systems help trails dry quickly after rain, making them enjoyable even after wet weather. Fall provides particularly scenic rides with vibrant foliage across the bluffs and valleys.

Yes, all the mountain bike routes featured in this guide are loop trails, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Hixon View – Lookout Prairie loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the moderate Hixon View – George's Point loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The heavily wooded bluffs and nature preserves around Onalaska, such as Greens Coulee and French Road, are home to diverse wildlife. While riding through these areas, especially in the quieter parts of Hixon Forest, you have a good chance of spotting various birds and other local fauna.

Mountain bikers often praise the diverse terrain and scenic beauty of Onalaska's trails. The mix of challenging climbs and flowy singletrack within the unique Driftless Region, combined with expansive views of the Mississippi River Valley, makes for a rewarding experience. The quick-drying nature of the coulee trails is also a frequently appreciated feature.

Absolutely. After your ride, you can visit Lake Onalaska, known as the 'Sunfish Capital of the World,' for boating or fishing. The Great River Landing offers beautiful views of Lake Onalaska and the Black River, and it's a hub for various activities. You can also explore Riverside Park in nearby La Crosse or the International Friendship Garden.