The best gravel rides in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers an incredibly vast network for gravel biking, covering 1.5 million acres. You'll find quiet gravel roads, challenging two-track paths, and well-maintained mountain bike trails. The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) alone provides over 200 miles of mapped gravel routes, in addition to more than 135 miles of singletrack suitable for gravel bikes.

The terrain is diverse, shaped by glacial periods, featuring rolling hills, dense mixed hardwood and coniferous forests, and numerous lakes and streams. Riders can expect a mix of quiet gravel roads, challenging rough two-track paths, and some well-maintained mountain bike trails. Routes often include short, steep climbs and exhilarating descents, with occasional short sections of paved roads or ATV trails.

Yes, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers routes for various skill levels. While there are no easy routes listed in this guide, you'll find 5 moderate and 4 difficult routes. Moderate options, like the Bear Lake loop from Laona, provide a good challenge without extreme difficulty, while routes such as the Bear Lake – Harper Lake loop from Laona are considered difficult due to their length and elevation.

The autumn months are particularly spectacular for gravel biking in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, as the mixed hardwood and coniferous forests transform into a vibrant display of fall colors. Spring and summer also offer excellent conditions, with lush greenery and pleasant temperatures, though you should be prepared for potential insects.

The forest is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter thousands of small lakes and streams, dense forests, and wetlands. Notable features include glacial erratics (large boulders left by receding glaciers) and numerous serene lakes like Bear Lake, Laura Lake, and Lost Lake. You might also pass by segments of the Ice Age Trail: Lake Eleven Segment or the Namekagon Trail — Patsy Lake Segment.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is home to abundant wildlife. While gravel biking, you might spot black bears, deer, wolves, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, grouse, and turkeys. There's also a chance to see elk, particularly the Clam Lake herd, making for a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Yes, many of the popular gravel biking routes in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the The Cable Yurt loop from Town of Cable and the Smith Lake – The Cable Yurt loop from Home Base at Telemark Village, which offer diverse scenery and return you to your starting location.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of quiet gravel roads, the challenging yet rewarding terrain, and the immersive experience of riding through dense forests and past numerous serene lakes. The opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the varied landscapes is a common highlight.

Yes, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers ample opportunities for camping. You'll find numerous established campgrounds, such as Bear Lake Campground and Twin Lakes, many of which are situated by water, perfect for fishing or cooling off after a ride. Dispersed camping is also permitted in many areas, providing a more secluded experience.

Beyond gravel biking, the forest supports a wide array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing in the many lakes and streams, kayaking or canoeing on the waterways, and hiking on extensive trail systems. The rugged roads are also popular for overlanding adventures, and seasonal foraging is another unique activity to explore.

Absolutely. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is characterized by thousands of small lakes and streams. Many gravel routes will take you past beautiful water features, such as Bear Lake, Harper Lake, Long Lake, and Lost Lake. These offer scenic views and opportunities for a refreshing stop.

The longest gravel bike route featured in this guide is the Harper Lake – Long Lake loop from Town of Wabeno. This difficult path spans 75.1 miles (120.8 km) and offers extensive gravel sections through the forest with significant elevation gains, typically taking over 11 hours to complete.