The best cycling routes around Lake Ripley

There are 5 touring cycling routes available in this guide for the Lake Ripley area. You'll find 3 easy routes and 2 moderate routes, making it accessible for various skill levels. The landscape, shaped by glacial activity, offers varied terrain from quiet country roads to restored wetlands.

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The Camrock Trails – Cambridge Market Café loop from Rockdale and the Cambridge Market Café – Camrock Trail loop from Cambridge are both easy, shorter loops perfect for a relaxed family outing. Additionally, the annual Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride offers an 18-mile family-friendly option.

The region boasts a unique landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring a natural kettle lake. You'll cycle through quiet country roads bordered by farmland and can explore areas like the Lake Ripley District Preserve, a 244-acre conservancy with restored wetlands, woodlands, and native tall-grass prairies. These habitats are home to diverse wildlife, including frogs, turtles, sandhill cranes, blue herons, and wood ducks. The nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest also adds to the varied terrain.

For those looking for a bit more distance, the Elm Point loop from Bean Lake State Natural Area is a moderate 29 km route. Another moderate option is the Elm Point loop from Deerfield, covering nearly 27 km. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail, a 47.2-mile path converted from a former railway, also offers opportunities for longer rides, such as the Glacial Drumlin State Trail loop from Hope Lake.

The region's quiet country roads and natural preserves are enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing new growth and fall showcasing vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, a notable event is the annual Cambridge Lake Ripley Ride. This fully supported event features three distinct routes: an 18-mile family-friendly option, a scenic 40-mile route, and a challenging 62-mile metric century route. It includes rest stops, a sag wagon, and a post-ride celebration.

These picturesque towns, through which many cycling routes pass, offer various amenities. You can expect to find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. Cambridge, in particular, is a hub for the annual Lake Ripley Ride and likely has services catering to cyclists.

While specific parking locations for each route trailhead are best checked on the individual komoot tour pages, general public parking is available in the towns surrounding Lake Ripley, such as Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, and Lake Mills. Ripley Park, on the western shore of the lake, also offers public access and likely parking facilities.

Public transport options directly to the trailheads around Lake Ripley may be limited. It is generally recommended to drive to a starting point in one of the nearby towns like Cambridge, Rockdale, Deerfield, or Lake Mills, or to a designated park area, and begin your ride from there.

Beyond cycling, Lake Ripley offers a variety of outdoor activities. Ripley Park provides a sandy beach, tennis/pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a disc golf course. The Lake Ripley District Preserve has interpretive trails for hiking and nature observation. Popular hiking trails include the Dorothy Carnes Park East Loop and the Upper Prairie Loop. The lake itself is great for water activities like boating and fishing for Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.

The Lake Ripley area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene experience of cycling on quiet country roads through picturesque farmland, the well-maintained cycling infrastructure, and the opportunity to explore unique glacial landscapes and restored natural areas rich in wildlife.