The best road cycling routes around Holmen

Holmen is situated in the unique 'Driftless Area' of Wisconsin, offering a diverse landscape for road cyclists. You'll find routes that traverse scenic river landscapes, bluffs, and prairies. While some routes, like the Riverside Park loop from Taylor & Hamilton, feature relatively flat sections with minimal elevation gain, others, such as the Roadbike loop from Medary, include more significant ascents, providing a good challenge with over 300 meters of climbing.

While our current selection of dedicated road cycling routes are all rated as moderate, Holmen is well-connected to an extensive network of paved and finely crushed limestone trails that are excellent for families. The Halfway Creek Trail, for instance, is a scenic 3.4-mile paved route that connects to the Great River Bike Trail, offering a gentler experience away from road traffic. For a shorter, less strenuous road cycling option, consider the Roadbike loop from Apple Blossom Overlook Park, which is rated easy and covers about 15.8 km.

The road cycling routes around Holmen vary in length and duration to suit different preferences. You can find routes ranging from approximately 15 kilometers, like the Roadbike loop from Apple Blossom Overlook Park, which takes about 50 minutes, to longer rides around 38 kilometers, such as the Roadbike loop from Medary, typically requiring just over an hour to complete.

Holmen's road cycling routes offer glimpses of the region's natural beauty and historical sites. You might encounter the scenic Halfway Creek, bluffs, and prairies. North of Holmen, the Roadbike loop from Van Loon Wildlife Area takes you near the nearly 4,000-acre Van Loon Wildlife Area, a bottomland forest rich in wildlife. Within this area, you can also find the historic McGilvray “Seven Bridges Road”, a series of steel bridges dating back to the early 1900s.

Yes, all the road cycling routes we feature around Holmen are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the Riverside Park loop from Taylor & Hamilton and the Roadbike loop from Apple Blossom Overlook Park, providing convenient options for your cycling adventures.

Parking is generally available at various access points for trails and parks in Holmen. For instance, Halfway Creek Park in the heart of the village offers a trailhead with parking. For specific road cycling routes, you can often find parking near the suggested starting points, such as Medary or Apple Blossom Overlook Park. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended parking locations.

The best time for road cycling in Holmen is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer offers warm temperatures, and fall showcases beautiful foliage. Winter can be challenging due to snow and ice, making many routes less suitable for road cycling. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While specific facilities directly on every road cycling route may vary, the broader interconnected trail system around Holmen does offer amenities. For example, the Great River Bike Trail, which connects to trails near Holmen, has designated rest stops, such as the Rest Stop on the Great River Trail in Onalaska. Holmen itself has parks like Halfway Creek Park and Deer Wood Park, which may offer restrooms and picnic areas. For more information on local facilities, you can visit the Holmen Parks & Recreation directory.

Holmen is an excellent destination for road cyclists due to its strategic location within the 'Driftless Area' and its access to an interconnected trail system. The region offers a variety of routes with diverse terrain, from river landscapes and bluffs to prairies, catering to different skill levels. The presence of scenic byways and natural attractions like the Van Loon Wildlife Area and the historic McGilvray Bridges adds to the appeal, providing both challenging rides and picturesque views.

Currently, komoot features several road cycling routes around Holmen. We have curated 4 distinct routes, all rated as moderate, offering a good range of options for exploring the area on your road bike. These include loops starting from Medary, Riverside Park, Van Loon Wildlife Area, and Apple Blossom Overlook Park.