Glacial Drumlin State Trail

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail offers a delightful ride through Wisconsin's varied landscapes, showcasing the region's unique glacial history. As you cycle, you'll pass through tranquil farmlands, dense woodlands, and expansive wetlands, often spotting wildlife like deer and sandhill cranes. The route features impressive crossings over the Crawfish and Rock Rivers, and you'll even traverse a quarter-mile-long bridge over Rock Lake near Lake Mills, providing picturesque views.

Planning your trip is straightforward, but remember that a state trail pass is required for cyclists aged 16 and older. While mostly off-road, there's a 1.5-mile on-road section northeast of Jefferson that requires using public roads, so be mindful of traffic and some gentle hills there. The trail connects numerous small towns, providing convenient access to food and facilities, making it easy to refuel and relax along your journey.

This easy road cycling route spans 30.1 miles (48.5 km) with a minimal 628 feet (191 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 56 minutes to complete. It's built on an abandoned railway corridor, which explains its flat profile and the presence of original wood-planked bridges. The varied surface, from paved asphalt to crushed limestone, means a hybrid or cross bike might be more comfortable, though road bikes can certainly manage, especially on the eastern paved sections.

The Glacial Drumlin and Lake Country Trail Loop offers road cyclists a delightful tour through southeastern Wisconsin's diverse landscapes. This easy 21.6-mile (34.8 km) route, with 798 feet (243 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 26 minutes, combines the unique glacial formations and wetlands of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail with the scenic lake views of the Lake Country Trail. You'll encounter everything from tranquil farmlands and dense woodlands to the impressive quarter-mile bridge over Rock Lake, making for a varied and engaging ride. The Lake Country Trail also provides stunning vistas of lakes like Silver Lake and Nagawicka Lake, along with the notable Veterans Memorial Riverwalk in Delafield. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a rewarding, accessible road cycling route.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with numerous trailheads offering parking and amenities along both the Glacial Drumlin and Lake Country Trails. The loop connects seamlessly at Delafield via Cushing Park Road, making navigation simple. While generally an easy ride, be aware of some gentle grades and a few short, punchy climbs on the Lake Country Trail. The best time to enjoy this loop for road cycling is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the trails are in prime condition.

What makes this loop truly stand out is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, tracing former railroad beds through areas shaped by glaciers. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is named for the distinctive drumlins, offering a unique geological backdrop, while the Lake Country Trail provides glimpses of Wisconsin's beautiful lake country. Both trails are part of a broader network, hinting at future connections and making this loop a central piece of the region's cycling infrastructure. It's an excellent option for family-friendly cycling, offering a mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces that cater to various preferences.

The Glacial Drumlin State Trail loop from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Waukesha offers a delightful road cycling experience through southeastern Wisconsin's varied terrain. You'll glide along paved sections that give way to crushed limestone, passing through tranquil farmlands, dense woodlands, and vibrant wetlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including sandhill cranes, as you cross old railroad bridges and enjoy the gentle curves of this scenic route. It's a fantastic way to explore the region's natural beauty on two wheels.

Starting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Waukesha, you can easily access the eastern trailhead at the Fox River Sanctuary. This 23.8-mile (38.3 km) loop, with its easy difficulty and 815 feet (248 metres) of elevation gain, is a manageable ride for most, taking approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes. Just be sure to have your Wisconsin State Trail Pass ready, as it's required for all cyclists aged 16 and above.

This trail is named for the distinctive teardrop-shaped drumlins, geological formations left behind by glaciers, which shape the surrounding landscape. Following the path of an abandoned railway, the route connects several small towns, offering glimpses into the area's history and potential stops for refreshments. It's a perfect choice for a relaxed outing, blending natural beauty with a touch of local heritage.