Looking for a great bike trail in Wisconsin to explore? Look no further than the safe, scenic, and historic 400 State Trail! Considered one of the best bike trails in the region, beginner and avid cyclists will love this fun route that runs through the Baraboo Valley in central Wisconsin.
We’ve gathered all the essential information you’ll need to make your ride a success.
What Makes the 400 State Trail So Great?
One of the things that makes the 400 State Trail so amazing is the scenery. The Baraboo River winds through the countryside, and the trail follows its course. Sandstone bluffs, marshes, and river views provide multiple opportunities to appreciate nature.
Appreciating nature is all well and good, but sometimes you just want to sit down in some air conditioning and check your phone. The 400 State Trail passes through several towns: Reedsburg, La Valle, Wonewoc, Union Center, Tomah, and Elroy. Many of these towns have bars and restaurants right off the trail, like the Trail Break Pizza restaurant in La Valle, with its Kickstand Patio Bar, and the Treasure Mill antique shop, with free tours of their 1903 water turbine.
We recommend giving yourself an entire day to bike the 400 State Trail so you can really enjoy all that it has to offer!
What Is the 400 State Trail Terrain Like?
Built on the abandoned Chicago-Northwestern Railroad bed, the 400 features flat, crushed stone terrain with overpass bridges covered by smooth wood-planked floors. Overall, it’s an easy trail to navigate by bike and is ideal for new cyclists or anyone simply looking for a scenic and relaxing ride.
Where Should I Start My Bike Ride?
The 400 State Trail passes through numerous central Wisconsin towns, and there are places to hop on the trail at each of these towns. However, if you’d like to ride the entire 22 miles of trail, consider beginning at the southern trailhead in Reedsburg or the northern trailhead in Elroy. These trailheads offer parking, bathrooms, and everything else you’d expect at a State Park.
Please note: You will need to purchase a trail pass to ride the 400 State Trail. Passes are $4 a day or $20 for an annual pass. Passes can be purchased at both north and south trailheads as well as along the trail at many local stores.
Check out this map to view the entire trail and see all the trailheads and potential starting points to begin your ride.
How Will I Transport My Bike(s)?
If you live in or near any of the previous towns mentioned, you can likely easily bike to a trailhead to begin your ride.
If you don’t live nearby, you’ll need a car rack to transport your bike(s) safely and easily to the trailhead. We carry a large assortment of car racks, including hitch racks, trunk racks, roof racks, and pickup truck racks.
Check out our Car Rack Buying Guide to discover which type of rack will be best for you, your bike(s), and your vehicle.
Equipped with a good car rack, you’ll have no problem traveling to the 400 State Trail or any other amazing bike trails in Wisconsin!
What Else Do I Need to Bring with Me on My Ride?
There are several essential things to bring along on your rides to ensure you're safe and comfortable, like a bike helmet, water bottle, and bike lights. We’ve compiled a list of all of the essentials.
Additionally, check out our blog posts 5 Tips for Traveling with Your Bike and 4 Tips for Bikepacking for more helpful information on how to bring your bike on your adventures with ease!
Keep Exploring!
If you find yourself wanting more, the 400 connects to many other great trails too.
For example, if you make it all the way to Elroy, you can continue on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. This trail features three train tunnels to ride through, including one that’s almost a mile long. Headlights are recommended for the Elroy-Sparta Trail because none of the tunnels are illuminated and most of them feature curves.
Indeed, Elroy is something out of a recreational paradise, offering connections to the aforementioned Elroy-Sparta Trail as well as the Juneau County Omaha Trail. It's also close to four state recreational areas: Wildcat Mountain, Mill Bluff, Devil’s Lake, and Castle Rock.
We’re Here for You!
Stop into your local ERIK’S today, get geared up, and then get out there and ride the 400 State Trail. Our Eau Claire store and our Madison East and Madison West shops are convenient stops you can swing by not far from the north and south trailheads.