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Bicycling
Bicycling |
Canoeing |
Camping |
Fishing |
Hiking
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About
Crawford
County
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(PDF 688kb)
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Located in the heart of
the Driftless area of Southwest Wisconsin, Crawford County awaits your visit
as one of the truly undiscovered bicycle experiences in the Midwest. Graced
with challenging and picturesque terrain, secluded hide-a-ways, spectacular
overlooks, and hospitable communities, the county boasts one of the most
varied bicycle tours one could desire. Three major river valleys – the
Mississippi on the west, the Wisconsin to the south, and the Kickapoo
through the center – and a legion of connecting tributaries knit the region
into an assortment of lofty ridge tops and low-lying river bottoms.
Although challenging to bicyclists who cross valley boundaries, the more
leisurely bicyclist may choose to stay at one elevation, electing to cruise
the ridges with valleys cascading to either side, or skim the bottoms along
roads that parallel the rivers. The system utilizes “roads as routes” – a
combination of county and township roads – which enables the bicyclist to
experience firsthand the tranquil settings and pastoral landscapes of our
rural community. Enjoy a memorable ride amid the Driftless topography of
Southwest Wisconsin, an experience that will surly merit another visit and
another route.
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Bicycle
Co-sponsors |
Kickapoo
Valley Association
Bluedog Cycles
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Wauzeka Corridor
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42 miles; 86% paved*;
parking at boat landing
The Kickapoo River will
be your companion for much of the way on this unforgettable ride along the
back roads that parallel the river. Before you saddle up in Wauzeka, a
quiet community located at the confluence of the Kickapoo and Wisconsin
Rivers, you’ll want to visit Kickapoo Indian Caverns, a natural treasure
carved by underground rivers. Beginning in Wauzeka, your journey upriver
into the throat of the Kickapoo Valley will take you through some of the
most scenic stretches in the Midwest. Entering this magical valley, you
will soon lose your troubles along winding roads that bend to the whims of
the river, which judging by its convoluted path, seems at times to lose its
way. No matter, for your own path follows the lay of the land, from
secluded natural prairies with blooming wild flowers, sedate farmsteads with
grazing cattle, then back to lazy stretches of river. The route is long,
but not overly challenging; the roads tend to stay near the river, with
sections that climb briefly from the valley, but quickly return. Smaller
communities greet you along the way, with plenty of opportunities to stop
and contemplate the “crookedest river in the world.”
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DeSoto Loop
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35 miles; 60% paved*;
parking at ball field
The DeSoto loop is not
for the faint of heart, with a challenging climb at the end rewarded by a
heart-stopping overlook of the Mississippi River. We recommend that you
take this route in a counterclockwise direction, as Lawrence Hill Road above
DeSoto is best enjoyed descending in a cool breeze rather than ascending in
a warm sweat. Your ride south along Highway 35 takes you along a scenic
stretch of the Mississippi River, then left into Rush Creek Natural Area –
about 4 miles south of DeSoto – which features a pristine goat prairie on
the slopes above the limestone cliffs, accessible by walking trail. County
B out to Rising Sun is a bit of a rollercoaster, but levels out eventually
into a spectacular view. Then it’s back onto Rush Creek Road, a gravel road
that runs along the creek bed, framed on either side by gurgling water and
limestone outcroppings. Coulee Creek Road takes you on a more gradual, but
lengthy climb to the bluff overlooking DeSoto, where a sliver of the
Mississippi can be seen glistening down in the river valley. Besides the
dramatic overlook and picturesque bluffs, DeSoto also offers a bit of
history at Black Hawk Recreation Area. Located right on the banks of the
Mighty Mississippi, the park features riverside camping and a historical
marker commemorating the spot where
Chief Black Hawk and his band of Sauk followers made their historic stand
against the U.S. infantry.
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Ferryville Loop
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44 miles; 93 %
paved*; parking at Sugar Creek Park south of town
In Ferryville,
overlooking one of the widest stretches of river on the Upper Mississippi,
you’ll find plenty of hospitality and opportunities to satisfy your appetite
for food and drink. On Saturdays, Sugar Creek Park comes to life with the
Market in the Park, featuring crafts make by regional artists. Your tour
begins on Buck Creek Road, a gradual ride upward through the ravine with
Buck Creek meandering downward on your right. At the crest of the hill,
Boma Road rambles through rolling farmlands accented with barns and ball-top
silos. Crossing Highway 27 at Fairview, a fair description of the scenery
visible from this lofty town, Johnstown Road takes you on a rollercoaster
ride into Johnstown Valley. Stop at the Blackhawk-Kickapoo Watershed
Project, a floodwater retention dam that dominates the valley topography.
Turning right on County B, the landscape broadens into the stunning Kickapoo
Valley. Then left on River Road, where the road weaves and winds with the
river, offering several overlooks for photographs. Norwegian Hollow Road
offers an easy frolic through the valley bottom before ascending to the top
– northern border, that is – of Crawford County. Latham Road is one of the
most secluded stretches of this tour, winding through a relatively
unpopulated and unvisited portion of the county. County B straddles the
peak between Crawford and Vernon Counties, presenting a spectacular view of
the Driftless Region of Southwest Wisconsin.
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Seneca Loop
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33.1 miles; 100 %
paved*; parking on street or at town hall
Your route begins in
Seneca, featuring Johnson’s One Stop, a rural variety store that lives up to
its name; Greener’s Corner, where you can get a quick snack; and a view of
the surrounding river valleys that will never tire. Riding west along Short
Cut, Oak Grove Ridge, and Kettle Hollow roads, you will drop gradually into
the confines of the Mississippi River Valley. Kettle Hollow Road is gravel,
but you’ll be rewarded with an enjoyable ride through a canopied coulee. A
left onto Highway 35 will take you along the wide expanse of the
Mississippi, where you may want to stop at the Historic Marker (one mile
off-route, south of Lynxville) commemorating rafting on the Mississippi.
Then its back up to the ridge along Bernhardt Ridge Road, notched into the
hillside with the valley unfolding to your right. After crossing Highway
27, Burns Road takes you on catwalk through the cornfields atop the ridge,
before plunging headfirst into the grassy bottoms of Pine Creek Valley along
Duha Ridge Road. You’ll briefly encounter moderate traffic along State
Highway 171 and County E, before escaping into one of the most enjoyable
segments of the route; Citron Valley Road, which zigzags across the secluded
valley and around the “Hogsback,” a unique geologic formation maintained by
The Nature Conservancy. Next, it’s up to Taylor Ridge Road, a wooded
ridgeline that opens into an expansive panorama of farmland dotted with
farmhouses and barns, before returning to Seneca.
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Eastman Loop
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39 miles; 92% paved*;
parking on street
Eastman, the
quintessential farming community, welcomes you to its unsurpassed ridge-top
scenery, and to a route that takes you into the heart of the landscape that
makes Crawford County so special. Traveling east along the ridge extending
from Eastman, you will view the spectacular breadth of the Kickapoo Valley
before dropping into its midst. The route parallels the boundary of the
Kickapoo Valley State Wildlife Area, where you’ll see first-hand the
intertwining ravines and native prairies that make the Kickapoo Valley a
refuge of tranquility. After joining the Kickapoo River Corridor route that
takes you through Wauzeka, you will once again ascend to the ridge, this
time to stop and appreciate the expansive Wisconsin River Valley that opens
to the south. Then it’s over the ridge along Limery Road into the
Mississippi River Valley – the third and most spectacular river valley on
your tour. Be sure to stop at Shihata’s Orchard for some home-grown apples
or delicious preserves. Your final leg will take you along the river
bottoms and backwaters of the Mighty Mississippi, before glimpsing the old
river herself and climbing back to Eastman.
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Prairie du Chien Loop
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22.3
miles; 93% paved*; parking at St. Feriole Island Ball Field
The route
begins on historic St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien, next to Lawler
Park on the Mississippi riverfront, and near the Villa Louis Historic Site,
billed as “one of the most authentically restored Victorian house museums in
America.” Travel north along the tranquil backwaters of the Mississippi,
then east through picturesque Limery coulee before climbing the ridge
overlooking the river valley. The ride eastward along the ridge top
meanders through the high country checkered with dairy farms as deep ravines
cascade toward the river on either side. Be sure to stop at the
intersection of Bouska and South Ridge roads for a spectacular view of the
Wisconsin River Valley, before descending back to Prairie du Chien. Along
your return route, you will find the Ft. Crawford Museum, site of the
reconstructed Fort Crawford Hospital where Dr. William Beaumont performed
his famous experiments on the human digestive system. As Wisconsin’s
second-oldest community, Prairie du Chien possesses a wealth of historic and
natural attractions, as well as a variety of dining and lodging selections
to complete your day along the Mighty Mississippi.
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Mt. Zion Loop
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28.4 miles; 98%
paved*; parking at Mt. Zion Bar
It seems that Mt. Zion is a preferred
destination for riding bicycles – and riding lawn mowers. This small town
of 35 people was the last stop for Alvin Straight, and a filming location
for the 1999 movie, “The Straight Story,” about a 73 year-old man who rode
300 miles on a lawn mower to see his ailing brother. Whether by mower or
bicycle, this 28 mile loop will charm you with its exceptional scenery and
challenging terrain. After traveling north on Highway 61, County S descends
from ridge top to valley bottom, before Remington Hill rises steeply back to
the peak. You’ll encounter about one-half mile of gravel on West Ridge
Road, but on level ground. North
Irish Ridge has nice views and is fairly level until it drops down a steep
hill – about one-half mile – back to Highway 61. Spring Valley Road passes
by St. Isaacs Skete, site of an Eastern Orthodox Christian Monastery with a
bookstore and gift shop. Spring Valley and Haney Ridge offer a gradual,
rolling climb; a pleasant ride that passes several old cemeteries worthy of
investigation. Juddy Smith Road drops down quickly to Highway 131 and
Petersburg (no facilities). County S and Highway 61 return to Mt. Zion,
where you may want to catch a beer after a long, rewarding ride – just as
Alvin did after 300 miles on a lawn mower.
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Gays Mills Loop
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18 miles; 84 %
paved*; parking at Museum of the Kickapoo near the river
Gays Mills, with a
population of around 600 people nestled along the Kickapoo River, boasts
some of the best apple orchards in the Midwest. Site of the Crawford County
fairgrounds, Gays Mills also has restaurants and retail shops to enjoy
during your stopover. West River Road takes you along the pastured river
bottoms of the Kickapoo, then left on Sand Hill Road before sending you
upward along Bell Center Road to the wood-lined top of the ridge, which
opens up to a wide panorama of the valley and creek bed below. The rolling
ridge of Bell Center Road leads eventually to the tree tunnel, a phenomena
surely to invite a stop and a photograph. Then it’s on to Rolling Ground,
with the topography to match, and Murphy’s Tavern, a good spot to stop for a
drink or a bite to eat. Nearby are Hillcrest Apple Orchard, an old
cemetery, and a nice wayside with bathrooms. Sand Creek Road, a narrow and
heavily wooded road that gradually opens to old farms and rock outcroppings
jutting out along the creek, takes you down to West River Road and back to
Gays Mills.
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Soldiers Grove Loop
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14.5 miles; 100%
paved*; parking at Beauford T. Anderson Memorial Park
Your journey begins in
Soldiers Grove, site of Solar Town (America’s first solar village), the
Veteran’s Memorial and Region 5 Medal of Honor Wall, and opportunities for
dining and lodging. Beauford T. Anderson Park, site of the 2007 Driftless
Area Art Festival, offers riverside camping along the banks the Kickapoo, as
well as shelters for picnics and group outings. Ride north on Highway 61 to
Trout Creek Road, where this quiet valley road will treat you to interesting
rock outcroppings, reclusive farm settings, and the easy wanderings of Trout
Creek herself. McDaniel Road takes you upward on a long winding climb
through quiet Amish farms and hillside pastures. A rolling ridge top ride
will greet you at the top, affording a memorable view of the Driftless
landscape, before descending once again into the valley. Dull Road offers a
steep descent – about a mile long – rewarding you with a long glide back
down North Clayton Road to Highway 61, and back to Soldiers Grove.
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*Warning*
Beware of
increased traffic on state and county highways. Some paved roads are seal
coated, which may contain loose gravel.
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