BIKING

Whitewater is the perfect choice for on-road and off-road biking. Famous throughout the Midwest, bike enthusiasts flock to Whitewater for a chance to experience this unique terrain. Surrounded by many opportunities the Whitewater area provides the optimal adventure for the weekend warrior.
For on-road bike enthusiasts, the Whitewater area presents you with several options. Three loops stem from the inner city out into the rolling countryside. Or within a 5-10 minute drive you will discover the Glacial River Trail and many miles of bike trails amidst the Kettle Moraine.

For off-road bikers, the Kettle Moraine State Forest is packed full of steep slopes, zigzags, rolling hills and spectacular views. Spend an exhilarating day peddling through the forest and a relaxing evening in Whitewater. Whether you’re in the mood for a short trek or an all-day outing, Whitewater is your retreat.

Several biking events take place in the area. Trek bicycle plant (located in Whitewater) and the Wisconsin Off-Road Biking Association sponsor many biking events starting in the spring and ending in fall. Check out our Calendar of Events for specific dates and times of upcoming events.

For a map of biking trails click on the following link: Bike Map

Upcoming Events:

April, Pedal for Proceeds (FLAT), UW Whitewater
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June, 12 Hours at John Muir, La Grange, WI, Mountain Race, WEMS
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Jul, UWW Road Race, WI, Road Race, WCA
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Aug., Act 7 Ride, Whitewater, WI
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Aug., Best Dam Bike Tour, MS 150 Mile, Multi-Day Road Tour
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Aug., Cowalunga Bike Tour
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Sept., Fall Color Festival, John Muir Trail
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Sept., Kettle Moraine Optimist Ride, Whitewater, WI
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On-Road Biking
For those interested in the less vigorous bike ride, there are several bike trails and county roads that are great for a leisurely afternoon ride. Brewery Hill Bike Path (also known as "Whitewater Creek Path"), which begins on E. North Street on the West side of Whitewater Creek, offers a relaxing ride through the outskirts of Whitewater. Less traveled, county roads also provide a beautiful ride through the rolling countryside.

Stop by the Whitewater Tourism Office for more information on some of the best routes to travel. You may also contact the Whitewater Tourism Council toll free at 1-866-4WW-TOUR (1-866-499-8687) or locally at 262-473-4005.

Off-Road Biking
Bike trails are just 5 minutes from Whitewater, and not for the faint of heart. Located in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, all trails return to the parking lot… So Park and Play! The Emma F. Carlin and John Muir State trails are extremely popular because of their challenging rides -- be prepared for a workout!

Contact the Whitewater Tourism Council toll free at 1-866-4WW-TOUR (1-866-499-8687) or locally at 262-473-4005.

Trail Information:

Emma F. Carlin Trail
Surface Type: Hard pack forest floor, extremely rocky & rooted on steep slopes.
Difficulty: Extremely difficult sections cannot be avoided.

• Red Loop - 2 miles
  Along this journey you will enjoy the splendor of a glacial sand plain and hardwood forests; accented by steep razorback rides.
• Orange Loop - 2.4 miles
  Originally a logging trail back in 1977, this loop takes you further into the hardwood forest. Be sure to watch your step as a segment of this loop takes you through a big dip in the terrain.
• Green Loop - 4 miles
  The north side of this loop is a mixture of open and wooded areas. According to the DNR, when the season is right you will be treated by a scent of walnut and apple.

John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail extends the bike enthusiasts’ experience with the addition of 5 loops that connect to the Emma F. Carlin Trail. Spectacular ambiance surrounds you as you peddle through the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Surface Type: Grassy Cross Country trails with hard pack track, forest floor, and crushed limestone over plastic-grid artificial trail stabilizing material.
Difficulty: Some easy riding on the red loop, but most trails will be difficult for novice riders.

• Red Loop - 2 miles
  Along this journey you will enjoy the splendor of a glacial sand plain and hardwood forests; accented by steep razorback rides.
• Orange Loop - 2.4 miles
  Originally a logging trail back in 1977, this loop takes you further into the hardwood forest. Be sure to watch your step as a segment of this loop takes you through a big dip in the terrain.
• Green Loop - 4 miles
  The north side of this loop is a mixture of open and wooded areas. According to the DNR, when the season is right you will be treated by a scent of walnut and apple.
• White Loop - 4 miles
  The first half of this loop winds through many open areas scattered with mature pines. While the second half of your trip is full of zigzags in and out of hardwood and pine plantations. You can’t miss the crane’s eye view of our forests largest leaf bog. Intermediate riding for a beginner!
• Blue Loops - 10 miles
  The southernmost blue loop that looks like a squirrel on a map, takes you 3.1 miles deep into a mature hardwood forest. Don’t miss the spring display of Jack-in-the-pulpits.

For trail conditions, contact:

Kettle Moraine State Forest- Southern Unit
S91 W39091 Hwy 59
Eagle, WI 53119
262-594-6202


For bike repairs, sales, rentals, supplies or weekly group ride information stop by:

Backyard Bike and Ski Shop
LaGrange General Store, Cafe & Deli
Highway 12 and County H
Whitewater, WI 53190
262-495-8600

BicycleWise
1130 W. Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
262-473-4730

Lady Flyers
Weekly group rides only for women.
Meet at LaGrange General Store
Highway 12 and County H
262- 903-0019 or
262- 495-8600

Quiet Hut Sports
186 W. Main Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
262-473-2950

UW Extension Cooperative Extension
100 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn WI 53121
262-741 - 4951

Your Guide to Bed, Breakfast and Biking (The Bike/Hike Guide) lists bike-friendly B&B's and inns along or near the bike trails and byways throughout the state of your choice. The innkeepers along the bike trails offer hospitality and respite for travelers. They will be happy to help you plan a trip using their B&B as a base or as one of several stops on your biking (or hiking) vacation.  Our local B&B's will be listed soon!

Trailville

For bike trails in Jefferson County please visit their website.