The best road cycling routes in Willow River State Park

There are over 30 road cycling routes available in and around Willow River State Park. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 23 classified as easy and 11 as moderate.

The road cycling routes in the Willow River State Park area are predominantly easy to moderate. You'll find 23 easy routes and 11 moderate routes, making it accessible for a wide range of cyclists. There are no routes classified as difficult.

While there are no routes classified as 'difficult,' experienced riders can find moderate challenges. For instance, the Coons Hill – Hop and Barrel Brewery loop from I-94 & Carmichael Rd (St. Croix Co) covers 36.7 miles with over 365 meters of elevation gain, offering a more demanding ride. Another option is the Twin Lakes loop from I-94 & Carmichael Rd (St. Croix Co), which is 38.5 miles long with similar elevation.

While road cycling, you'll encounter rolling countryside, prairie remnants, and dense woodlands. Routes often provide views of the Willow River Gorge and connect to notable landmarks like the Stillwater Lift Bridge and the St. Croix Crossing Bridge. The magnificent Willow Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall, is a central feature of the park, though direct road cycling access to its immediate vicinity is limited to park roads which can be challenging for road bikes.

Many routes in the surrounding area offer scenic views, particularly those that follow river valleys or connect to bridges. For example, the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop from I-94 & Carmichael Rd (St. Croix Co) provides scenic river views as it connects to the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge. The park's main roads also offer glimpses of the diverse landscape, including prairie remnants and woodlands.

Within Willow River State Park, the paved Little Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile multi-use path suitable for families and children, running from the Little Falls Dam to the campground. For longer road cycling, routes originating from nearby towns like Hudson, such as the Roadbike loop from Hudson, are generally easy and can be suitable for families comfortable with road riding on shared roads.

The best time for road cycling is typically from spring through fall when the weather is mild and trails are clear. Spring brings lush greenery, while fall offers vibrant foliage. While cycling is possible year-round, park roads can have exposed rock, loose gravel, or wet leaves, especially outside of peak seasons. Winter road cycling is generally not recommended due to potential snow and ice.

Parking is available at Willow River State Park, though a vehicle admission sticker is required. For routes originating outside the park, such as those from Hudson or Stillwater, you can typically find parking in those towns. Always check local regulations for specific parking areas and fees.

Public transport options directly to Willow River State Park or specific road cycling trailheads are limited. Most visitors access the park and surrounding routes by car. Cyclists often start their rides from nearby towns like Hudson or Stillwater, which may have more localized transport services.

Within Willow River State Park, dogs are generally allowed on trails and in most outdoor areas, provided they are on a leash no longer than 8 feet. However, they are not permitted in certain areas like the beach or nature center. When cycling on public roads outside the park, standard leash laws and local ordinances apply. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and does not interfere with other cyclists or traffic.

The road cycling experience in the Willow River State Park area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from rolling countryside to river valleys, and the ability to connect to scenic landmarks like the Stillwater Lift Bridge. The mix of easy and moderate routes also makes it appealing to a broad range of cyclists.

While Willow River State Park itself has limited amenities, the nearby towns of Hudson and Stillwater offer a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Many popular road cycling routes originate from or pass through these towns, making it convenient to find refreshments or a meal before or after your ride.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Roadbike loop from Hudson and the Stillwater Lift Bridge – Stillwater Lift Bridge loop from I-94 & Carmichael Rd (St. Croix Co), which offer convenient circular journeys.