MOUNTAIN BIKING NEAR DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK

Mountain Biking at Devil’s Lake State Park

The Upland Trail loop is the only opportunity for riding a mountain bike within Devil’s Lake State Park. The trail provides about 4 miles of beginner-level, double-track mountain biking. The terrain isn’t technical, but does involve some steep climbs and rugged double-track through a mostly forested landscape. 

The Upland Trail is open to hikers and their pets as well, so remember you are sharing the trails with slower users and take care to yield right of way. A State Trail pass is not required for bikers 16 years and older.

Mountain Biking Near Baraboo, WI

Most of the mountain biking options in the local area are located in and around the city of Madison, but there is one option closer to Devil’s Lake. 

Devil’s Head Resort

Total Miles of Trail: 5

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 8 miles/15 minute drive

Find a trail map here.

Devil’s Head Resort has hosted events like the Red Bull Rampage in the past, but the maintenance of the trails has been inconsistent over the years. A local group has committed to the maintenance, but it’s probably best to have slightly lower expectations when visiting this set of trails. 

Devil’s Head is a small scale ski resort, so you’ll be riding up to the top of the hill and then you’ll have various options for downhill, flowy routes back to the starting point.

You need to purchase a trail pass from the front desk of the resort. $7/day, $75/season. More information from Devil’s Head Resort here. 

Mountain Biking Near Madison, wI

The majority of the more well-known mountain biking trails in this area are located in and around the city of Madison.

Cam-Rock County Park

Total Miles of Trail: 11

Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 65 miles/1:15 drive

Find a trail map and current conditions here.

Good variety of trails for beginner to advanced riders with a mix of machine built jump lines and some trail features. Most trails are one-way unless signed otherwise.

Popular loop: CamRock Park Area 3 Trail - Intermediate, 6.2 miles. Loop description and map here.

For a cooldown ride, explore the crushed gravel bike trail that connects the small towns of Cambridge and Rockdale and runs through the park.

All riders must purchase a Dane County Trail Pass ($16 annually or $5 daily). Passes can be purchased at the park kiosks or online under the "Trail Permits" section, here.

Getting There

The charming town of Cambridge, WI is a great example of a quintessential small town in this part of the state. We recommend taking Highway 12 (instead of Interstate 90) to and from Cambridge for a more scenic ride through the Driftless area of Wisconsin. 

The highway will take you through scenic towns like Prairie Du Sac, over the Wisconsin River and right by Middleton and Madison. 

Other Fun Activities Nearby

After riding the trails, you can grab a glass of award-winning Wisconsin wine at the Cambridge Winery. They also have a food menu that features appetizers, pizza, weekly specials and a Friday Fish Fry.

The driving route along Highway 12 will also travel along the westside of Middleton and Madison, where there are plenty of opportunities for food and drink to make it a full day adventure.

Downtown Middleton features some of our favorite places like Capital Brewery and Longtable Beer Cafe, Barriques Coffee and Grace Coffee.

Closer to Devils Lake in the town of Prairie du Sac you can stop at Wollersheim Winery, Distillery and Bistro for drinks and dinner or a local beer on the expansive patio overlooking the Wisconsin River at Vintage Brewing Company. 

Quarry Ridge

Total Miles of Trail: 3.3 

Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Find a trail map and current conditions here. Cross Country Loop here.

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 50 miles/1 hour drive

This is a small mountain bike park packed full of trails to accommodate all skill levels. Advanced riders will find jumps and other trail features to keep things interesting. Beginner and intermediate riders will find lots of options to bypass the more technical sections.

Some trails are directional and multi-use; cyclists counterclockwise and pedestrians clockwise.

Beginner/Family Loop - 1.3 miles; Cross Country Loop - Green to Black, 3.3 miles

Getting There

We recommend taking Highway 12 (instead of Interstate 90) to and from Cambridge for a more scenic ride through the Driftless area of Wisconsin. The highway will take you through scenic towns like Prairie Du Sac, over the Wisconsin River and right by Middleton and Madison.

See the Cam-Rock Country Park trails section for our favorite food and drink options near this area.

Blackhawk Country Club

Total Miles of Trail: 6

Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Find a trail map and current conditions here.

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 38 miles/50 minute drive

Lots of machine built trails that feature some technical jump lines and plenty of beginner to immediate trails that take advantage of the natural elevation of the ski hill area. 

This is a private club that’s open to the public for mountain biking with a Summer Mountain Biking & Hiking membership. The Summer Season is from April 1 through October 31. The membership fee is $25 student/$45 single/$90 family. Visit the Blackhawk Ski Club website to become a member.

Optional connector to the Middleton Bike Park/Pleasant View (description below) to extend your ride.

Getting There

We recommend taking Highway 12 (instead of Interstate 90) to and from Cambridge for a more scenic ride through the Driftless area of Wisconsin. 

The city of Middleton features a walkable downtown Main Street with lots of options for food, drinks and shopping. See our favorites in the Cam-Rock County Park trails section.

Middleton Bike Park/Pleasant View

Total Miles of Trail: 3

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Find a trail map and current conditions here.

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 35 miles/ 45 minute drive

Fun, flowy trails through mostly wooded areas with occasional dips into the prairie. Pretty basic with minimal features. Highly recommended to combine with Blackhawk Country Club Trails (pass required).

Getting There

We recommend taking Highway 12 (instead of Interstate 90) to and from Cambridge for a more scenic ride through the Driftless area of Wisconsin. 

The city of Middleton features a walkable downtown Main Street with lots of options for food, drinks and shopping. See our favorites in the Cam-Rock County Park trails section.

Blue Mound State Park

Total Miles of Trail: 13

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Find a trail map and current conditions here.

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 38 miles/ 50 minute drive

Mostly technical, rocky climbs with some fast downhill lines. Some recently built flow trails add to the fun of this challenging and scenic state park trail system. A Wisconsin State Park Trail Pass is required and can be purchased at the park entrance. All trails begin at the mountain bike trailhead, located in the swimming pool lot.

Mountain Biking Near Milwaukee, WI

If you’re traveling to Devil’s Lake from an eastern location like Chicago, consider stopping for a ride at one or both of the trails systems in Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit

There are two trail systems in this part of the State Forest with a 6 mile connector trail joining them.

Emma Carlin Trail System

Total Miles of Trail: 9

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Find a trail map here.

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 100 miles/1:45 drive

The outer 6 mile Green loop offers plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting in a beautiful woodland setting. There aren’t many technical features to this trail, but the plentiful ups and downs keep your heart pumping.

Don’t forget to stop and take in the scenery at the overlook. If you want to add in a few more miles you can take the one way, 6 mile connector trail from the overlook. It crisscrosses the return trail, so it’s easy to turn around at any point.

John Muir Trail System

Total Miles of Trail: 19

Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Find a trail map here.

Distance from Devil’s Lake: 100 miles/1:45 drive

There are plenty of options to choose from in this system with loops ranging from 1 to 12 miles and all levels from beginner to advanced. If you’re a more experienced rider try out the popular 12 mile blue loop. Kids will love the Brown loop and skills course.

Both trail systems are directional and also allow hikers and dog walkers. Parking, water and vault toilets are available.You'll need a state trail pass in addition to a vehicle admission sticker. Daily trail passes are $5; yearly passes are $25. Vehicle Admission stickers are $28/year or $8/day for Wisconsin residents and $38/year or $11/day for non-residents.