The best road cycling routes in Baraboo Hills State Recreation Area

There are 6 road cycling routes available in the Baraboo Hills State Recreation Area, all rated as moderate difficulty. These routes offer a challenging experience due to the region's unique unglaciated topography.

The Baraboo Hills are known for their unglaciated, hilly terrain, which resisted ancient glaciers. This results in constant elevation changes, steep climbs, and sharp descents, providing a rigorous workout. Routes can feature ascents of up to 300 feet, making them ideal for experienced riders seeking a demanding ride.

Yes, several loop routes are available. For instance, the Devil's Lake Loop is a 15.5-mile route offering scenic views and challenging hills. Another option is the Devil's Lake State Park – Devil's Lake State Park loop from Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area, which covers 16.5 miles through varied terrain.

The Baraboo Hills are remnants of one of North America's most ancient rock outcrops, primarily composed of durable Baraboo quartzite. You'll encounter rugged terrain with ancient quartzite bluffs, deep gorges, and extensive deciduous forests. These features create dramatic scenery, especially around areas like Devil's Lake State Park and Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area.

Road cycling in the Baraboo Hills is particularly scenic during the autumn when the deciduous forests, featuring oak, hickory, and maple woodlands, display vibrant fall colors. The weather is generally pleasant during spring and fall, offering comfortable riding conditions.

Yes, the Baraboo, Merrimac, and Lodi loop via the Ferry is a moderate 43.9-mile route that connects several towns and includes a ferry crossing, offering diverse scenery and a unique experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging yet rewarding terrain, the dramatic scenery, and the sense of accomplishment from tackling the significant elevation changes.

Many routes wind through protected natural areas, offering views of significant landmarks. You can expect to see the ancient quartzite bluffs of Devil's Lake State Park and pass near Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area, known for its deep gorge and towering sandstone formations. The region's extensive forests also provide picturesque views.

While the broader Baraboo Hills region offers ample opportunities, some areas immediately around Devil's Lake State Park can experience heavier traffic and have narrow shoulders, which might make direct loops around the lake less enjoyable for some road cyclists. However, many county roads wind through less congested areas.

The Baraboo Hills are primarily known for their challenging, hilly terrain, making most road cycling routes more suitable for experienced riders. While some paved campground roads within Devil's Lake State Park might be suitable for casual riding, dedicated family-friendly paved road cycling routes with minimal elevation are less common in this specific area.

Parking is generally available at various access points to the state parks and natural areas within the Baraboo Hills, such as Devil's Lake State Park or near Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area. Always check specific park regulations and signage for designated parking areas and any potential fees.

While specific permits for road cycling itself are typically not required on public roads, a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker may be necessary if you plan to park your car within Devil's Lake State Park or other state park facilities. It's always advisable to check the Wisconsin DNR website for the latest regulations.