The best gravel rides in La Crosse County

La Crosse County offers a diverse network of gravel bike trails. You can find at least 4 distinct routes, ranging from easy to difficult, with many more options to explore across the unique Driftless Region landscape.

The terrain in La Crosse County is defined by its unglaciated "Driftless Region" landscape. Expect a mix of challenging climbs up towering bluffs, winding routes through steep-sided coulees, and scenic paths through river valleys and prairies. Routes often combine gravel roads with paved sections and sometimes even single-track trails.

Yes, there are options for less experienced riders. The Gravel loop from Brice Prairie is an easy 18.7-mile (30.2 km) route with minimal elevation gain, leading through open areas near the Mississippi River. It's often completed in under two hours.

For a more demanding experience, consider the State of Minnesota loop from Hokah. This difficult 43.4-mile (69.9 km) path features significant climbing, with over 900 meters of elevation gain, and offers diverse scenery as it crosses into Minnesota. The region is known for its "Driftless monster" climbs.

Absolutely! La Crosse County is rich in scenic beauty. Many routes offer breathtaking vistas, especially from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. You can find stunning viewpoints like Grandad Bluff Viewpoint and Rim of the City Viewpoint. The area also features unique natural monuments such as Mushroom Rock.

Yes, many gravel routes in La Crosse County are designed as loops. For example, the Sparta Train Depot – Tunnel Watchman's rest stop loop from Sparta is a popular 26.4-mile (42.6 km) circular trail offering varied terrain and elevation gain.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking in La Crosse County. The fall, in particular, provides stunning foliage views across the bluffs and valleys. While some trails are suitable for fat-tire biking in winter, general gravel biking is best outside of heavy snow and ice conditions.

While many routes feature significant climbs, some sections and flatter trails can be suitable for families. The developing Bluffland Traverse, for instance, aims to connect communities using a combination of road, gravel bike paths, and shared-use trails, offering potentially gentler sections. Always check the route's elevation profile and distance to ensure it matches your family's skill level.

Parking is generally available at trailheads and in nearby towns. Many routes start from community parks or designated trail access points. For example, the La Crosse Trailhead is a key access point for various trails in the area.

La Crosse County's uniqueness for gravel biking stems from its location within the "Driftless Region." This unglaciated area boasts a distinctive landscape of towering bluffs, deep coulees, and scenic river valleys, providing a challenging and picturesque backdrop unlike anywhere else in the Upper Midwest. The extensive network of gravel roads and varied terrain has earned it a reputation as a premier cycling playground.

The gravel biking routes in La Crosse County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the diverse scenery, the challenging climbs, and the unique natural features of the Driftless Region that make for memorable rides.

Elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route. Easier loops, like the Gravel loop from Brice Prairie, have minimal climbing (around 45 meters). More challenging routes, such as the State of Minnesota loop from Hokah, feature substantial elevation gains, exceeding 900 meters, due to the region's steep bluffs and coulees.