The best road cycling routes around Lake Tomahawk

There are several road cycling routes around Lake Tomahawk, with komoot featuring 6 distinct tours. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy rides to more moderate challenges.

The road cycling routes in Lake Tomahawk are characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, and numerous lakes. Many routes utilize resurfaced old railroad beds, providing stable, off-road recreation. While some routes offer easy rides on mostly paved surfaces, others feature greater elevation gains and can include unpaved segments, offering a diverse experience.

Yes, Lake Tomahawk offers family-friendly paved bike trails. The newly developed Lake Tom Link, a 1.7-mile paved trail, connects the town to Indian Mounds and Clear Lake Campgrounds. This links seamlessly with the 5.5-mile paved Clear Lake Trail, which extends to Highway J in Woodruff, providing a beautiful and safe forested ride.

The region around Lake Tomahawk is rich in natural beauty. Routes often wind through the Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest, offering pristine forest views. You might also encounter the Tomahawk Lake Hemlocks State Natural Area, known for its mature hemlock and yellow birch forests, or pass by numerous other tranquil lakes like Horsehead Lake and Wind Pudding Lake. The clear waters of Lake Tomahawk itself are a significant natural feature.

Yes, several loop routes are available. For instance, the Paradise Lake – Little Gypsy Lake loop from Town of Lake Tomahawk is a popular 37-mile option. Another favorite is the Little Gypsy Lake loop from D L Lake, an easier 16.2-mile path. You can also explore the Netties Lake – West Spider Lake loop from Roy Fredrich Lake, which is 23.6 miles long.

The best time for road biking in Lake Tomahawk is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. This period offers pleasant temperatures and allows you to fully enjoy the lush forests and lake views. While some bike trails are snowmobile-friendly in winter, road cycling is generally not recommended during the colder months due to snow and ice.

Parking is generally available at various access points for the trails. For example, the Lake Tom Link connects directly from the heart of the town, and parking can often be found near trailheads or in town centers. Specific parking information for trails like the Clear Lake Trail or the Bearskin State Park Trail (near Minocqua) can usually be found locally or on detailed trail maps.

The region is committed to biking, and you can find bike repair stations and maps of suggested routes available locally. While specific shop names are not provided, the presence of these facilities indicates support for cyclists in the area.

The dense forests and natural areas around Lake Tomahawk provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot deer, turkeys, and ruffed grouse. The numerous lakes and waterways also attract various bird species, and bald eagles are a frequent sight, especially around the Rainbow Flowage.

While many routes offer easy to moderate experiences, the Lake Tomahawk area does provide options for more challenging rides. Routes like the Lake Creek – McGrath Lake loop from Lake Tomahawk, at over 50 miles with significant elevation gain, offer a more demanding experience for seasoned road cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse range of routes amidst the scenic natural beauty, including dense forests and numerous lakes. The availability of both easy, paved trails and more challenging options also contributes to its appeal.

Some state trails in Wisconsin may require a state trail pass. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Wisconsin DNR website for specific permit requirements for the trails you plan to use. For example, the Bearskin State Park Trail near Minocqua is part of the state trail system.