The best MTB trails around La Crosse

Komoot features 7 mountain bike routes around La Crosse, offering a variety of experiences. These include trails ranging from moderate to difficult, primarily within the Hixon Forest area and near Grandad Bluff.

La Crosse is situated in the unique Driftless Region, an area untouched by glaciers, resulting in a rugged topography of steep bluffs, deep coulees, and river valleys. This creates a diverse landscape with challenging climbs, technical singletrack, and panoramic views, particularly from iconic bluffs like Grandad Bluff.

The prime season for mountain biking in La Crosse is typically from spring through fall, when trails are dry and weather conditions are favorable. The region also offers winter biking opportunities for fat-tire enthusiasts when snow covers the trails.

While many trails offer technical challenges, there are options for less experienced riders. The Gateway Trails at Grandad Bluff, for instance, include family-friendly limestone trails at the top of the bluff. For a moderate option, consider the Hixon View – Upper Hixon Forest loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, which is 7.5 miles long.

For advanced riders, Hixon Forest offers trails like 'Vader' and 'JEDi' with high-speed berms, mandatory gap jumps, drops, and rock lines. The 'War Eagle' trail at Gateway Trails near Grandad Bluff is also an advanced, technical route following exposed limestone cliff bands with steep sections and optional drops. The Hixon View – Lookout Prairie loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a difficult 16.7-mile route with varied terrain.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in La Crosse are designed as loops. Examples include the difficult Hixon View – Lookout Prairie loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the moderate Grandad Bluff Road loop from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Hixon Forest, an expansive 850-acre area, features 34 miles of trails, with Upper Hixon being a primary mountain bike system. Riders can expect diverse terrain, including tight and twisty singletrack with log obstacles, as well as trails designed with jumps, berms, and rollers like 'Nerfherder'.

Absolutely. The newly completed Gateway Trails at Grandad Bluff offer just over 5 miles of shared-use trails with three vista overlooks. These trails provide an excellent experience for various skill levels, including the advanced 'War Eagle' trail and family-friendly limestone paths at the bluff's summit.

Yes, the Gateway Trails at Grandad Bluff are noted for their family-friendly limestone trails at the top of the bluff, offering an accessible experience with scenic overlooks. These are a great starting point for families looking to enjoy mountain biking together.

Many trails offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding Driftless Region. Notable viewpoints include Grandad Bluff Viewpoint and View from Tortoise Rock. You might also encounter unique natural formations like Mushroom Rock. The La Crosse Trailhead is also a key point of interest for many routes.

Mountain bikers frequently praise the diverse and challenging terrain offered by the Driftless Region, particularly the technical singletrack and rewarding climbs in areas like Hixon Forest. The panoramic views from the bluffs, especially Grandad Bluff, are also a consistent highlight for those exploring the area.

While Hixon Forest and Grandad Bluff are popular, exploring areas slightly further afield like Sidie Hollow County Park or Levis/Trow Mound Recreational Area might offer a quieter experience. Sidie Hollow provides nearly 10 miles of multi-use trails, and Levis/Trow Mound has over 24 miles of singletrack with varied difficulty levels.