Explore the best rated trails in Elm Grove, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Wild Goose State Trail and New Berlin Recreation Trail . With more than 56 trails covering 754 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I did this trail on bike 2 years ago and I hated it, signage is terrible, at one point after Golf road, you literally come to an end and have to carry your bike over train tracks and active train tracks. No signs of any sort. You go through a campground that confuses you even more. I won’t do it again. To ridiculous.
Since the tornado in May 2025 there is two miles of trees down not far from Juneau. It is impassable. I rerouted from prospect onto Hwy 26 to Swan Rd.
Started at the depot in Oostburg and headed north. After a few blocks we re-checked the app and saw it was just a bike *route*, not really a trail. We turned around and went back. No idea why this is considered a trail. It’s just a bike route. I don’t mind sharing with cars for short sections but I don’t consider riding busy country roads for miles worthy of “trail” designation.
Started in McHenry and went south. Did 33 miles round trip. McHenry to Crystal Lake lots of ruts and bumpy. Just north of Crystal Lake becomes a new, very smooth trail, but is extremely hilly with lots of turns. After going through a small section of downtown Crystal Lake becomes not as hilly to Algonquin.
Can confirm that many lazy and inconsiderate dog owners leave their dog's poops right on the trail, so keep an eye out for landmnes. Also beware that many people do not have their dogs on leashes, so have protection on you and stay vigilant. Beautiful farmland scenery starting from the Vandenboom trailhead heading west. Very flat, and occasional holes in trail possibly from critters. Nice that each road you reach from the trailhead is just about 1 mile so it's easy to gauge the distance you've walked.
Late April Sunday in clear weather. Started at southern end as marked on Traillink map. There is no dedicated parking but on-street parking in surrounding residential neighborhood was without issues. Rode north to McHenry, 16 miles. Surface is newly or recently repaved and excellent, until you reach Pleasant Hill Road, then only fair, with expansion cracks every 50 60 feet, bumpy ride into McHenry but very doable. Generally pleasant, only partially shaded ride, but not the most picturesque.
2 issues around Crystal Lake, first, signage for on-road traverse of the town is inadequate in both directions. Going north, 2 blocks after crossing the railroad tracks, you have to jog East from Main Street 3 blocks to Glen Ave., then cross IL 176 onto Lorraine Dr. to reach the continuation of the trail into Sterne's Woods. Visa versa coming south. Second, be aware there are several short but steep climbs and descents going through Sterne's Woods. Seamless continuation onto Fox River trail at southern end.
It’s pretty scenic, especially with the leaf colors. Also pretty busy! There’s parking on both ends. A lot of the trail is grass, not even gravel. The spot where it’s asphalt is very minimal. It’s awesome you can stop and ride through Horicon Marsh! Lots of kitties on this trail ¿
Just kept riding. Gorgeous fall day. Started at northern trailhead. Passed a few walkers and one other biker the whole way to the end. As noted it has been extended well past 2.2 miles. Lovely scenery and immaculate trail surface with lots of peaceful farms. My new fave!
We rode about 23 miles round-trip from the Waukesha trailhead on Oct. 12. The asphalt is in pretty good condition, with just a few bumps. However, when we got to the big curve around what used to be a field east of Dousman, we discovered that the field is now a massive construction site, and the trail is closed indefinitely, with no posted detour. We don't take our tandem on roads, so we turned around at that point. I assume that the trail is open west of the construction site, but don't know exactly where.
We didn't ride on the western portion of the trail that day, but it's one of our favorites, especially the part where you bike across the lake.
New trail, is very smooth. Crossing streets is safe. Slight uphill grade west to east which makes return trip west easy!
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