The best traffic-free bike rides in Eau Claire County

There are several dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in Eau Claire County. This guide features 7 carefully selected routes, with 6 of them being easy and 1 moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Yes, Eau Claire County offers many easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Bridge across Eau Claire River – Boyd Park loop from Seymour is an easy 11.3 km ride. The region's extensive paved trail system, including the Lakeshore Trail and parts of the Chippewa River State Trail, are known for their gentle gradients and scenic views, making them very family-friendly.

The no traffic road cycling routes in Eau Claire County offer a diverse Midwestern medley of terrain. You'll primarily find smooth, paved surfaces traversing river valleys, expansive prairies, and farmlands. Routes often follow the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, providing picturesque views, and some sections may feature sandstone bluffs and woodlands.

Yes, several routes in this guide are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the Bridge across Eau Claire River – Phoenix Park Bridge loop from Memorial High School is a 31.9 km loop, and the Chippewa River Bridge – Owen Park loop from Practice Green offers a 28.9 km circular ride.

Many routes pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You can expect to see attractions like Phoenix Park, a central hub in downtown Eau Claire, and the scenic Bridge across Eau Claire River. The Chippewa River Bridge and Owen Park are also frequently encountered, offering pleasant stops and views along the waterways. The region is also home to natural features like sandstone bluffs and river bottoms.

Parking is generally accessible near the trailheads and parks that serve as starting points for these routes. Many of the featured routes begin near public parks or schools, such as Memorial High School or Seymour, which typically offer parking facilities. For specific parking information, it's advisable to check local park websites or detailed route descriptions.

The best time to enjoy no traffic road cycling in Eau Claire County is typically from spring through fall. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscapes are vibrant, offering beautiful views of prairies, river valleys, and woodlands. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, and dedicated snow removal on all paths is not guaranteed.

Yes, many of the traffic-free routes are conveniently located near urban areas or pass through towns, providing access to amenities. Downtown Eau Claire, particularly around Phoenix Park, offers various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Routes like the Putnam Park Loop, while scenic, also weave near Garfield Avenue, where you can find places to eat and refresh.

Absolutely. The diverse ecosystems of Eau Claire County, including river bottoms, prairies, and woodlands, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Cyclists on trails like the Chippewa River State Trail and Old Abe State Trail often report seeing various birds, deer, and other local fauna, especially during quieter times of the day.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Eau Claire County, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's extensive network of smooth, well-maintained, and traffic-free paved trails, the scenic beauty of the river valleys and diverse landscapes, and the ease of connecting different trails for longer rides. The bike-friendly infrastructure and access to amenities are also frequently highlighted.

While most routes in this guide are easy, the Owen Park – 3 Ponds Park loop from Seymour offers a moderate challenge, spanning over 51 km with a decent elevation gain. For even longer rides, the interconnected Chippewa Valley Trail System, which includes the Chippewa River State Trail and Old Abe State Trail, allows experienced cyclists to combine multiple segments for extended, traffic-free adventures.

Eau Claire County boasts an impressive interconnected trail system, allowing for extensive rides. The Chippewa River State Trail, for example, connects to the Red Cedar State Trail, and the Old Abe State Trail links Chippewa Falls to Cornell. This network means you can easily combine segments of various trails to create much longer, varied, and traffic-free cycling experiences, offering over 80 miles of scenic riding.