Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Monroe, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.










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Love this trail but rode today between Riley and Brigham County Park and found the trail to be in extremely rough shape on either side of Mt. Horeb. Lots of ruts, giant holes and loose sand. Slow your roll and pay attention to utility flags and sticks identifying some of the bigger holes. Stay safe!
We took this trail from the Wild Goose trail but had no idea we would be on so many roads. As you got closer to Watertown, you are also on the road. We personally try to avoid roads as much as possible so we didn’t like this part. We only went to Watertown from the North so I am not sure what the rest of the trail is like. The actual bike paths are great.
Not scenic by any means, but the quality of the trail is nice as of May 2026. 1/3 Asphalt, 1/3 Limestone, 1/3 Sand. I would say they fixed most problematic surface issues that any other review complained about but like any other track with multiple mediums, always be mindful for chipmunk holes and washout. The path from the park in Richland Center to the start of the main path is a little confusing because it’s not clearly marked, and you do go through a busy intersection so make sure to map it out if unfamiliar. Enjoy!
We prefer paved trails and the Great Sauk Trail is among the best we've ridden! Ride it again last Saturday and the trail has been extended on the NE end since last time we rode it. Take a detour and check out Thoelke Cemetery for a bit of history; sites dating back just after WI became a state in 1848! Great eats at Gym Bar in Sauk and outstanding mojitos on the deck at Queues Bar right along the river just south of the Hwy 60 bridge in Prairie du Sac!
Beautiful multi-use trail. It is the only trail open to ATV/UTV’s in Southern WI
Sept. 27, 2025 / Incredibly wonderful temps inspired us to make the 1 1/4 hr. Drive to Sauk City for one of our favorite trails. We started at the southern end and rode the length to the trail head near Devils Lake State park. While the trail would really be enhanced if it would end within the state park, my wife and I find it a wonderful ride. Interesting mile markers, lots of areas with benches for rest stops, beautiful scenery along the way; and the trail has been always maintained to perfection.
Some really pretty parts but a lot of road riding. Started from Cattail Slough Boat Launch (free parking as long as you don’t have a boat trailer attached to your car), rode to Mississippi Pallisades State Park and camped. Rode back the next day. Campground was fantastic and Krumpets Bakery in Fulton should not be missed. The actual trail portions were nice and the Thomson Recreational Area was nice. In Northern Illinois you have to know that there’s going to be a lot of long distance straight sections but this was excessively so. Maybe 35% was trail and 65% road. Happy to say I’ve ridden it but won’t return.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
Started in Brodhead, and rode to Monticello and back on Labor Day weekend. First mile is right down 3rd avenue, which is fairly wide and marked for bike traffic, and car traffic was slow, and passed with plenty of distance. The trail itself starts on the north end of Brodhead, and overall was pretty good, packed crushed stone / fine gravel. We had no issues with our hybrids. The trail was relatively flat and an easy ride. There is one spot where the trail takes some sharp turns around a country club, and leaves the former railbed. The trail was a little soft in this part, and the curves little iffy, but still totally manageable on our bikes. 6 miles to Albany with decent scenery and shade. Crossing Hwy 59 on the north end of Albany was a little intimidating, but drivers were courteous and stopped to let us cross. Next up - 9 miles from Albany to Monticello. The scenery between Albany & Monticello was wonderful as you're either travelling in a protected wildlife area or right next to the river. The bridges looked tired, but posed no issues. Overall, saw a fair number of other bikers, maybe 2 dozen over the course of 4 hours? So definitely nice and quiet. Flush toilets and water fountains in Monticello & Albany, Pit toilet and water fountain in Monticello. 32.5 miles round trip for this section. Would definitely return to this one, it would probably be fantastic for fall colors.
Really nice trail but walker be careful. So many rude riders not letting you know they are coming behind you. 3 simple words “on your left”. When riding I always give walkers and other riders plenty of warning when passing, plus always slowing down.
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