Plan Your RIDE
Every great gravel adventure starts with good planning.
Discover the apps, maps, and resources you need to explore Wisconsin's seven unique regions safely and confidently. From route planning to trail etiquette, we've got you covered.
Helpful Apps
Biking apps take the guesswork out of riding and let you focus on the fun. Many offer powerful free features like route tracking, ride stats, and easy-to-follow maps, with optional upgrades for things like offline access and advanced planning. Apps such as Google Maps and Ride with GPS deliver plenty of functionality at no cost. With a biking app on your phone, exploring new routes feels effortless—you can follow mapped trails, see elevation and distance, and discover nearby stops like parks, cafés, and repair stations along the way. It’s like having a trail guide in your pocket, so you can ride with confidence and just enjoy the adventure.
Ride with GPS
Detailed planning, turn-by-turn, good for long-distance riders and sharing. Trails are presently mapped in RWGPS.
Komoot
Creates cycling-friendly routes,
discoverable paths, great for touring/bikepacking.
Strava
Offers extensive route planning and navigation with many user-generated options.
Google Maps
Simple, reliable for casual city riding and basic navigation, with real-time traffic, rerouting, and familiar landmarks.
Helpful Apps
Biking apps take the guesswork out of riding and let you focus on the fun. Many offer powerful free features like route tracking, ride stats, and easy-to-follow maps, with optional upgrades for things like offline access and advanced planning. Apps such as Google Maps and Ride with GPS deliver plenty of functionality at no cost. With a biking app on your phone, exploring new routes feels effortless—you can follow mapped trails, see elevation and distance, and discover nearby stops like parks, cafés, and repair stations along the way. It’s like having a trail guide in your pocket, so you can ride with confidence and just enjoy the adventure.
Ride with GPS
Detailed planning, turn-by-turn, good for long-distance riders and sharing. Trails are presently mapped in RWGPS.
Komoot
Creates cycling-friendly routes,
discoverable paths, great for touring/bikepacking.
Strava
Offers extensive route planning and navigation with many user-generated options.
Google Maps
Simple, reliable for casual city riding and basic navigation, with real-time traffic, rerouting, and familiar landmarks.
Gravel Biking in Wisconsin -
Safety and Etiquette
Practice good body positioning
Keep your weight centered to slightly back, engage your core, and have a slight bend in your knees and arms.
Stay on designated paths
Avoid trespassing by staying on roads or marked trails and avoiding fences or private property.
Respect landowners
Be mindful of the environment and avoid causing damage or disruption to private property.
Be aware of other road users
Be cautious around vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists, and follow road rules.
Ride defensively
Keep your weight centered to slightly back, engage your core, and have a slight bend in your knees and arms.
Maintain proper bike setup
Ensure your seatpost and handlebars are tightened and reduce speed when approaching corners or rough terrain.
Carry necessary gear
Bring a bike bag with tools, spare tube, water, and food, as well as appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
Be aware of your surroundings
Use lights for visibility, especially on longer rides, and be aware of potential hazards.
Yield to uphill riders
Always allow uphill riders to maintain their momentum and pass safely.
Leave no trace
Pack out all trash and stay on designated trails to preserve the environment.
Follow traffic laws
Obey signs, lights, and rules as you would on a road bike.
Other Resources
CVB
Your go-to resource for local lodging, dining, events, and outdoor recreation in the Wausau area.
IRONBULL
A gravel racing resource sharing event updates, route info, and key race details in Wisconsin.
Wheelers
A cycling community promoting group rides, events, and rider resources across Central Wisconsin.
The NXRTH
A Midwest adventure resource sharing outdoor events, trail stories, and guides for riders and explorers.
CWOCC
Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition
A trail advocacy group supporting off-road cycling through trail building, maintenance, and community involvement.
CORBA
Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association
A trail organization dedicated to building, maintaining, and promoting multi-use biking trails across the Chippewa Valley.
Ready to Ride?
Wisconsin's gravel trails are waiting and we're here to help you discover the ride of a lifetime.
Find Trail Regions
Browse our regions to discover routes perfect for your skill level.
Plan your visit
Download trail guides, check conditions, and find lodging.
Explore Events
Check out gravel biking events across the state.