With miles and miles of trails to explore, Eau Claire, Wisconsin is a popular destination for cyclists eager to get out and ride! From smooth, flat trails to steep inclines to rough terrain, there’s a little of everything to satisfy every kind of rider and skill level. It’s all woven through beautiful natural landscapes that everyone will appreciate. Here’s our top list of places to ride in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Ride Spot App: Find Local Eau Claire Trails!
Below are some of our favorite trails around Eau Claire—but first we want to introduce you to Ride Spot. Ride Spot is an app you can download for free that features easy-to-follow local routes with on-screen navigation and/or audible turn-by-turn directions. It’s a great resource to find fun rides in your area, connect with other riders, and even begin logging your favorite rides to share with friends.
We have curated routes from our staff on Ride Spot made for all different skill levels. Simply search for and follow “ERIK’S – Eau Claire” to see our local shop-created rides.
And now, here are the top Eau Claire, Wisconsin trails to go check out…
Lowes Creek County Park Mountain Bike Trail
With 13 miles of singletrack and five miles of doubletrack, Lowes Creek County Park Mountain Bike Trail is a favorite among mountain bikers. Extending across the 250-acre park, the various gravel trails offer every level of rider something fun to experience. Cyclists can also enjoy par-course workout stations, picnic shelters, and a trout stream, so pack a lunch and bring your fishing gear if you feel inspired!
Learn more about Lowes Creek County Park Mountain Bike Trail.
Old Abe State Trail
The Old Abe State Trail is a relatively flat, paved, 20-mile long, family-friendly trail that boasts an abundance of nature, wildlife, and historical sites to enjoy along your ride. It is also part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System, making it super easy to hop on a variety of other trails and expand your cycling pleasure to 80+ miles of scenic riding.
Learn more about Old Abe State Trail.
Putnam Trail
Putnam Park is a gorgeous 230-acre area owned by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It features a beautiful bike trail that weaves along Garfield Avenue, making it easy to stop by shops and restaurants on your ride. Plus, with half of the park considered Wisconsin state natural area, you’ll have plenty of scenic spots to enjoy as well.
Learn more about Putnam Trail.
Chippewa River State Trail
This 30-mile smooth trail is part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System and extends from Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire south along the Chippewa River. Cyclists will enjoy a wide variety of habitats riding along the trail, including river bottoms, sandstone bluffs, prairies, and wetlands.
Learn more about Chippewa River State Trail.
Pinehurst Park Trail
Calling all mountain bikers! This bike park in the summer and snowpark in the winter features progressive mountain bike trails and dirt jumps, as well as a hockey rink, skating rink, sledding hill, hiking trails, a snowboard terrain area, and cross-country ski trails. When it gets too cold to bike, there’s plenty of other fun to be had!
Learn more about Pinehurst Park Trail.
Red Cedar State Trail
The 14.5-mile Red Cedar State Trail is one of Wisconsin’s earliest rail-to-trail conversions. The gravel trail offers a serene ride from Menomonie to Peru, traversing peaceful riverside corridors, forestland with wildlife galore, and farmland. The final stretch gives vistas of the Dunnville State Wildlife Area and crosses over a spectacular trestle on the Chippewa River.
Learn more about Red Cedar State Trail.
Stage Coach Bicycle Route
Gather the family and head on over to the Stage Coach Bicycle Route! This scenic, paved, 21-mile bikeway flows along a lightly traveled road through beautiful farmland, forest areas, and Amish country, where many folks enjoy a pit stop to shop the Amish baked goods, crafts, and furniture.
Learn more about Stage Coach Bicycle Route.
Eau Claire High Bridge
The High Bridge, once a railroad bridge traversed by Union Pacific trains, provides a bicycle connection between the northwest side of Eau Claire and downtown. It is 80 feet tall and approximately 900 feet in length and features five scenic overlooks. It’s a perfect tourist stop to add to a fun day of cycling around the city.
Learn more about Eau Claire High Bridge.
Northwest Park
The Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association (CORBA) worked with park developers in 2008 to create a system of mountain bike trails at this 120-acre site near the North Crossing and the Chippewa River. It’s a favorite mountain biker destination, offering challenging and fun singletrack and superb winter fat-biking.
Learn more about Northwest Park.
Let’s Go Ride!
For more ride ideas in the area, don’t forget to download the Ride Spot app and search for and follow “ERIK’S Bike Shop – Eau Claire” to see our rides created by store staff. And when you’re ready to get out there and explore, swing by ERIK’S in Eau Claire first. We’ll get you set up with everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and fun ride. Tag us on your adventures using #EriksBikeBoardSki (Instagram) and #eriksbikeshop (Facebook)!
