The best road cycling routes around Brice Prairie

Brice Prairie offers a variety of road cycling experiences, from routes that hug the scenic Mississippi River system to those that explore the unique bluffs and prairies of the Driftless Area. You'll find routes that combine dedicated trails with quiet county roads, providing diverse terrain and views.

Yes, there is at least one easy road cycling route available. For a more relaxed ride, consider the Roadbike loop from Apple Blossom Overlook Park, which offers a gentler introduction to the area's cycling. The Great River State Trail, which passes through Brice Prairie, is also known for its well-maintained, relatively flat sections.

The Brice Prairie area is rich with scenic beauty. You can cycle past the stunning Mississippi River system, including Lake Onalaska and the Black River. Notable landmarks include the historic The McGilvray “Seven Bridges Road” with its unique bowstring arch truss bridges, and the impressive Great River State Trail Bridge over the Black River. For panoramic views, the King's Bluff Overlook offers rewarding vistas of the Mississippi River Valley.

Yes, several loop routes are available for road cyclists. For example, you can explore the Roadbike loop from Medary or the Riverside Park loop from Taylor & Hamilton. These routes allow you to start and finish in the same location, making logistics easier.

The terrain around Brice Prairie is varied due to its location in the 'Driftless Area.' While some routes, especially those along the river, can be relatively flat, others incorporate the dramatic bluffs and coulees, leading to moderate elevation changes. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Van Loon Wildlife Area features over 180 meters of elevation gain, offering a more challenging ride.

Yes, particularly along the Great River State Trail. There is a full-service Rest Stop on the Great River Trail in Onalaska, which provides amenities such as picnic tables, bike maintenance stations, and even showers, catering specifically to cyclists.

Spring and early summer are particularly beautiful, as the restored prairies are vibrant with blooming plants. The fall also offers stunning scenery with changing foliage. While cycling is possible in other seasons, these times provide the most picturesque conditions and generally pleasant weather.

Absolutely. Brice Prairie's location on the Mississippi River system, bordering Lake Onalaska and the Black River, makes it ideal for combining cycling with water-based activities like kayaking or canoeing. The area is also part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, offering opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying diverse plant and animal life.

While the individual routes listed are typically moderate distances, the Great River State Trail, which passes through Brice Prairie, is part of a larger network. This allows for extended rides by connecting to other trails or utilizing the extensive network of county and township roads in the broader 'Driftless Wisconsin' area for longer, immersive experiences.

Brice Prairie's unique appeal for road cycling stems from its location within Wisconsin's unglaciated 'Driftless Area,' offering a distinct landscape of bluffs, prairies, and wooded coulees. This, combined with its position along the Mississippi River system and dedicated infrastructure like the Great River State Trail, provides a blend of scenic beauty, varied terrain, and well-supported cycling opportunities not found elsewhere.