The best cycling routes in Winnebago County

The Loop the Little Lake Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience around the lower half of Little Lake Butte des Morts, connecting several Wisconsin communities. You'll glide along mostly paved paths, enjoying wide lake vistas and diverse scenery that includes open spaces, residential areas, and even glimpses of paper mills. The highlight of this 8.4-mile (13.5 km) route is undoubtedly its four distinctive trestle bridges, which offer unique viewpoints and opportunities for birdwatching, especially on the Slough Trestle where you might spot herons or egrets. With only 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, this easy ride can be completed in about 47 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit to the Loop the Little Lake Trail is straightforward, as the route is designed for accessibility. You'll find various parks along the way equipped with restrooms, pavilions, and even bike repair stations, which are handy for any unexpected needs. While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, the presence of these amenities suggests easy access points throughout the communities it connects. This trail is ideal for a casual spin after work or a gentle start to your day, offering a pleasant experience without requiring extensive preparation.

What makes the Loop the Little Lake Trail truly stand out among popular routes in the region is its clever use of converted railroad trestles, like the Fox Cities Trestle, to bridge waterways and link communities. These structures not only provide stunning lake views but also serve as crucial recreational and commuting arteries. The trail also connects to other significant paths, such as the Friendship State Trail, offering options for longer rides and making it a central part of the local cycling network.

The Friendship State Trail – Grant Park loop from Fox Crossing offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending natural scenery with smooth riding. You'll pedal through a mix of small forests and open farmland, with the terrain shifting between crushed limestone and well-maintained paved asphalt. The standout feature is undoubtedly the 1,600-foot Trestle Trail Bridge, providing sweeping views over Little Lake Butte des Morts, making this an easy 11.3-mile (18.1 km) ride with just 122 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 2 minutes.

When planning your visit, consider starting from Fritse Park in Fox Crossing, where you'll find convenient restrooms. The trail itself is well-equipped with park benches and covered rest areas, perfect for a quick break. Keep in mind that the crushed limestone portions are multi-use, so you'll be sharing the path with walkers and other users, especially if you're looking for family friendly cycling trails Fox Crossing.

This route holds a bit of history, as parts of the Friendship State Trail follow old Chicago and Northwestern Railroad lines. It also boasts excellent connectivity, linking up with other regional paths like the Wiouwash State Trail and the Fox River State Trail, allowing for longer adventures if you wish. The Trestle Trail Bridge is not just scenic; it's also noted as the longest pedestrian bridge in Wisconsin, adding a unique landmark to your ride.

The Friendship State Trail – Grant Park loop from Heckrodt Wetland Reserve offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, blending rural Wisconsin scenery with notable engineering. You'll cycle through a mosaic of small forests and farmland, with the impressive 1,600-foot trestle bridge over Little Lake Butte des Morts standing out as a major landmark. This easy 17.6-mile (28.4 km) route, with a minimal 175 feet (53 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for a leisurely ride, taking about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors without strenuous effort.

To plan your ride, note that while the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a beautiful natural area, its internal trails are strictly for pedestrians, so your cycling loop will navigate around it. Parking is generally available near the reserve, providing a convenient starting point. The trail surface varies between smooth paved asphalt and crushed limestone, so be prepared for different riding conditions. This route is best enjoyed during the warmer seasons, offering pleasant weather for a relaxed cycling adventure.

This custom loop connects you to the wider network of the Friendship State Trail, a multi-use rail-trail known for its accessibility and scenic views. The trail's rail-trail nature means mostly level terrain, making it suitable for all ability levels, including those on touring bikes with skinny tires. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the wetland areas and enjoy the peaceful countryside as you pedal through this charming part of Wisconsin.

The Friendship State Trail loop from Neenah offers a delightful touring bicycle experience, primarily following the "Loop the Little Lake" trail. You'll enjoy varied scenery, from the stunning vistas of Little Lake Butte des Morts as you cross impressive trestle bridges, to the tranquility of wetlands like the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, where birdlife abounds. The route combines paved asphalt, crushed stone, and on-road segments, providing a smooth, easy ride through Neenah, Menasha, and Fox Crossing.

This easy 6.5-mile (10.5 km) cycling route has a negligible 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 37 minutes to complete, making it ideal for beginner cyclists or a relaxed outing. You'll find amenities like restrooms in parks along the way, such as Jefferson Park. While generally well-maintained, some crushed limestone sections can be rough, so checking conditions is wise. The best time to cycle Friendship State Trail Neenah is during the spring or fall for optimal weather.

This loop is notable for its connectivity, linking several communities and providing access to the larger Friendship State Trail, which follows former railroad corridors. The Fox Cities Trestle, one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Wisconsin, is a highlight, offering expansive lake views and even fishing platforms. It's a fantastic option for family friendly cycling, combining natural beauty with urban convenience and a touch of local history.