1.
Elm Point loop from Bean Lake State Natural Area
29.4km
01:54
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best cycling routes around Lake Ripley
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Lake Ripley, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. Sifting through countless routes to find the genuinely rewarding ones, the ones that are truly worth your legs, can feel like a full-time job. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed the best touring cycling routes in the area, and we've curated this guide to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the highlights.
Touring cycling around Lake Ripley offers a unique blend of quiet country roads, charming small towns like Cambridge and Deerfield, and a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. You'll find gentle terrain winding through farmlands, past restored wetlands, and native tall-grass prairies. It's generally accessible for various skill levels, making it a fantastic spot for a relaxed ride, though some routes offer a bit more challenge.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Elm Point loop from Bean Lake State Natural Area. At 18.3 miles (29.4 km), it's a popular choice that truly captures the essence of the region with its natural landscapes and peaceful roads. For a slightly more challenging option that still delivers on scenery, the Elm Point loop from Deerfield, at 17.3 miles (27.9 km), takes you through picturesque farmlands and small towns. With more than 30 touring cyclists having explored these routes with komoot, you can trust you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elm Point loop from Bean Lake State Natural Area | 29.4Â km | 130Â m | Easy |
| Camrock Trails – Cambridge Market Café loop from Rockdale | 8.27 km | 30 m | Easy |
| Elm Point loop from Deerfield | 27.9Â km | 70Â m | Moderate |
| Cambridge Market Café – Camrock Trail loop from Cambridge | 8.47 km | 20 m | Easy |
2.
Camrock Trails – Cambridge Market Café loop from Rockdale
8.27km
00:32
30m
30m
The Camrock Trails – Cambridge Market Café loop from Rockdale offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a diverse landscape of oak savannas, open prairies, and wooded areas. You'll frequently ride alongside and cross Koshkonong Creek, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature and the chance to spot local wildlife. The route is designed to be accessible, utilizing wider trails and gravel connectors that provide a smooth, scenic journey, rather than the more technical singletrack found elsewhere in the Camrock Trails system.
This easy 5.1-mile (8.3 km) touring cycling route, with a modest 98 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 31 minutes, making it ideal for a quick, enjoyable ride. Starting from Rockdale, the loop includes a stop at the Cambridge Market Café, a perfect spot to refuel with craft beers and food. Be sure to acquire a Dane County trail pass, which is required for riding on the Camrock Trails.
The Camrock Trails are well-known for their interconnected loop system and well-marked routes, ensuring you won't get lost. The dedication of local groups like CORP Trails volunteers keeps the trails in excellent condition. This route also offers the unique feel of being deep in the woods, even though you're never far from convenient gravel connector trails, providing a refreshing escape into nature.
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3.
Elm Point loop from Deerfield
27.9km
02:26
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.
Cambridge Market Café – Camrock Trail loop from Cambridge
8.47km
00:32
20m
20m
The Cambridge Market Café – Camrock Trail loop from Cambridge offers a delightful and accessible touring cycling experience. This easy 5.3-mile (8.5 km) route, with a mere 68 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through picturesque oak savannas, hardwood forests, and open prairies alongside Koshkonong Creek. You'll enjoy a smooth ride on a screened limestone surface, feeling deep in nature while staying close to the charming villages of Cambridge and Rockdale.
Planning your ride is straightforward; the Cambridge trailhead is just a stone's throw from the Cambridge Market Café, ideal for grabbing a coffee or a bite. The route itself is well-maintained and features amenities like picnic shelters and restrooms. Given its easy difficulty and quick 31-minute duration, it's perfect for a casual spin or a family outing, especially during pleasant weather.
This particular segment of the Camrock Trail System is notable for its gentle terrain, making it a stark contrast to the more technical mountain biking trails found elsewhere in the system. It provides a relaxed way to explore the natural beauty of Dane County, offering a peaceful escape with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy vibrant prairie blooms in season.
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Tips from the Community
Right if the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. Public parking.
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Elm Point is located at the southern end of Korth Park. In addition to paved path, open green spaces, and views of the water, there is the Elm Point pavilion. The pavilion is an ideal spot for hosting events because it can accommodate 55-75 guests and has nearby parking and restrooms.
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Harald
August 20, 2023, Cambridge Market Café
A popular rest stop for people on bikes and others. They serve breakfast, baked goods, and coffee. There's nice outdoor seating.
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Harald
August 20, 2023, Camrock Trail
Very nice gravel trail connecting Rockdale and Cambridge. In the warm season you can often see turtles and snakes.
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LadyDi
September 3, 2022, Camrock Trails
Small but top notch! The Camrock Trail System is one of the best trail systems in southern Wisconsin! You can expect fast and flowy trails as well as technical trails with rocks and roots. There is one trail in the park and this is the trailhead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Lake Ripley, and what are their difficulty levels?
There are 5 touring cycling routes available in this guide for the Lake Ripley area. You'll find 3 easy routes and 2 moderate routes, making it accessible for various skill levels. The landscape, shaped by glacial activity, offers varied terrain from quiet country roads to restored wetlands.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes near Lake Ripley?
Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The Camrock Trails – Cambridge Market Café loop from Rockdale and the Cambridge Market Café – Camrock Trail loop from Cambridge are both easy, shorter loops perfect for a relaxed family outing. Additionally, the annual Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride offers an 18-mile family-friendly option.
What kind of natural landscapes and wildlife can I expect to see while cycling around Lake Ripley?
The region boasts a unique landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring a natural kettle lake. You'll cycle through quiet country roads bordered by farmland and can explore areas like the Lake Ripley District Preserve, a 244-acre conservancy with restored wetlands, woodlands, and native tall-grass prairies. These habitats are home to diverse wildlife, including frogs, turtles, sandhill cranes, blue herons, and wood ducks. The nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest also adds to the varied terrain.
Are there any longer or more challenging touring cycling routes in the area?
For those looking for a bit more distance, the Elm Point loop from Bean Lake State Natural Area is a moderate 29 km route. Another moderate option is the Elm Point loop from Deerfield, covering nearly 27 km. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail, a 47.2-mile path converted from a former railway, also offers opportunities for longer rides, such as the Glacial Drumlin State Trail loop from Hope Lake.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Lake Ripley?
The region's quiet country roads and natural preserves are enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing new growth and fall showcasing vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any specific cycling events or rides in the Lake Ripley area?
Yes, a notable event is the annual Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride. This fully supported event features three distinct routes: an 18-mile family-friendly option, a scenic 40-mile route, and a challenging 62-mile metric century route. It includes rest stops, a sag wagon, and a post-ride celebration.
What amenities are available in nearby towns like Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, and Lake Mills for cyclists?
These picturesque towns, through which many cycling routes pass, offer various amenities. You can expect to find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Cambridge, in particular, is a hub for the annual Lake Ripley Ride and likely has services catering to cyclists.
Where can I park my car when starting a touring cycling route around Lake Ripley?
While specific parking locations for each route trailhead are best checked on the individual komoot tour pages, general public parking is available in the towns surrounding Lake Ripley, such as Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, and Lake Mills. Ripley Park, on the western shore of the lake, also offers public access and likely parking facilities.
Are there any public transport options to reach the Lake Ripley cycling routes?
Public transport options directly to the trailheads around Lake Ripley may be limited. It is generally recommended to drive to a starting point in one of the nearby towns like Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, or Lake Mills, or to a designated park area, and begin your ride from there.
What other outdoor activities can I enjoy near Lake Ripley besides cycling?
Beyond cycling, Lake Ripley offers a variety of outdoor activities. Ripley Park provides a sandy beach, tennis/pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a disc golf course. The Lake Ripley District Preserve has interpretive trails for hiking and nature observation. Popular hiking trails include the Dorothy Carnes Park East Loop and the Upper Prairie Loop. The lake itself is great for water activities like boating and fishing for Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lake Ripley?
The Lake Ripley area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene experience of cycling on quiet country roads through picturesque farmland, the well-maintained cycling infrastructure, and the opportunity to explore unique glacial landscapes and restored natural areas rich in wildlife.
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