La Crosse's Cycling Paradise: The Ultimate Guide to the City's Premier Mountain Bike Trails

Quick Overview

• Distance: 9 miles
• Level: Intermediate
• Route Type: Network
• City: La Crosse
• State: Wisconsin

A Network of Trails to Feed Your Adrenaline

Tucked away in the scenic folds of La Crosse, Wisconsin, this network of mountain bike trails offers everything from lung-burning climbs to technical descents. Brimming with tight, twisty singletracks, log obstacles, and occasional root and rock interruptions, the trails offer challenges for riders of all skill levels.

Trail Characteristics

• Tight Singletracks: Trail sections that test maneuverability and control.
• Natural Obstacles: Rock and log interruptions, specifically placed to test your skills.
• Elevation: Hills guaranteed to make you break a sweat.
• Route Variety: Everything from fast flow trails to technical, old-school tracks.
• Trailhead Amenities: A pump track near the NOAA station offers additional fun.

Trail Navigation and Accessibility

Getting to the trails is straightforward. From I-90, take exit 5 and head south into La Crosse. The road eventually turns into Losey Blvd. Continue on for approximately 4 miles until reaching Main St. Take a left and go straight up the bluff, where Main turns into Bliss Rd. Finally, make a left onto County Rd FA, and you'll find a gravel parking lot next to a weather station.

Community Involvement: The Backbone of the Trails

The LaCrosse VELO club has done a fantastic job with trail maintenance and development. Local volunteers are continuously at work, which is particularly evident in the construction of new flow/downhill trails, transforming the area into one of the state's best mountain biking locations.

Points of Contention

While there's a lot to rave about, some cyclists have noted that these trails have their flaws. Some sections don't 'flow' as smoothly as one might expect, due to tree roots and rock placements. The route layout can also be a tad confusing; although most intersections are marked, the absence of a map may have you repeating sections unintentionally. Also, there's a lack of designated trails for fat biking, which could be an area for improvement.

Verdict

Call it 'Disneyland on dirt,' if you will. Whether it's fast-paced berms and jumps you're after, or tight, technical singletrack, this 9-mile network of trails has it all. The diversity of the trails, community involvement, and the sheer adrenaline factor make it a must-visit destination for any mountain biking enthusiast in Wisconsin. With enough variety to satisfy riders for months on end, it's no wonder that many consider these the best trails in the state.