Best Bike Trails in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

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. And, 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 RIDES!

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 on your phone 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 ride 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 single track and 5 miles of double track, Lowes Creek County Park Mountain Bike Trail is a winning favorite amongst 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!

OLD ABE STATE TRAIL

Old Abe Trail is a relatively flat, paved, 20 miles long, family-friendly trail that boosts 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 expanding your cycling pleasure to 80+ miles of scenic riding.

PUTNAM PARK 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.

CHIPPEWA RIVER STATE TRAIL

This 30-mile smooth trail is part of the Chippewa Valley Trail System and it extends from Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire and travels 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.

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!

RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL

The 14.5-mile Red Cedar State Trail is one of Wisconsin’s earliest rail-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 Dunnville State Wildlife Area and cross over a spectacular trestle on the Chippewa River.

STAGE COACH BICYCLE ROUTE

Gather the family and head on over to the Stage Coach Bicycle Route! This scenic, paved, 21-mile bike-way flows along a lightly traveled road through beautiful farmland, forest areas, and Amish county where many folks enjoy a pit stop to shop the Amish baked goods, crafts, and furniture.

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.

NORTHWEST PARK

Calling all mountain bikers! The Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association 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.

---

Let’s go ride!

For more ride ideas in the area – don’t forget to download the app Ride Spot 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 exploring, 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)!