Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Onalaska, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We rode this stretch out and back on September 15, 2025. The trail is flat and in good shape except for the numerous bridges (10 or 12) which are in pretty bad shape. It’s obvious that a few repairs were recently attempted, but those amount to replacement of a few boards in each bridge. Some bridges are very long and all are super bumpy. If you have an older bike I’d suggest walking it across the longer bridges. Otherwise the scenery is nice and there’s great rest areas with flush toilets in LaValle, Wonewoc and Elroy.
We rode from Lanesboro to Fountain and back. Trail was in great condition 95% of the time with lots of shade and numerous interesting views. We started down the Harmony-Preston spur but turned back after a couple miles. It had lovely scenery but the condition is not up to par with the rest of the trail. From Lanesboro to Rushford the trail was A+, but slipped down to a B+ around Rushford. Happily after that area the trail went back to A++. The incline between Rushford and Houston is a bit challenging but so much fun on the downslopes!
The Tank Creek Bridge is out due to a fire in May, 2025. We detoured onto Highway 35 (almost 5 miles) then to County XX (about 6 miles) to reach Midway and the trail. XX starts out paved then gravel and old asphalt until you near Midway. The trail is gorgeous! Might need to come during fall foliage.
We rode Sparta to Norwalk, through tunnel 3. Two of our group had ridden the entire length in the early 70s, so it was a nostalgic day. They recalled seeing farmland and we saw a little of that, but trees have grown up and it’s mainly a nice, shaded, flat ride.
well maintained trail. scenic views of farmland, small towns, wildlife along the trail.
Trail is flat, mostly shaded, and well maintained. Bridge crossings often rough/bumpy due to repairs to damage from snowmobiles. (Thus 4 stars not 5)Legion Park in Wonewock is a great place to camp plus it is an interesting historic town.
A 5 star is really stretching this. I get the history of this being the 1st rail to trail and the cool tunnels, but the very narrow gravel path is not much to desire. The landscape doesn’t change much and the overgrown weeds and trees prevent much scenery. Occasional stream is a welcome sight on this boring path. America’s bicycle capital is needing a little update to encourage us to return. Glad we had headlamps for the almost two mile long tunnel raining on us. Riding, rather than walking was our choice to speed it up but if you’re not steady - then walk.
The tunnels on the trail are nice, cool bluffs and overall very nice trail
This trail would be an absolute gem for the state of Minnesota if they would get it together and maintain this trail which runs through the beautiful driftless area of southern Minnesota. The trail is hard on the bike and the body as it has a plethora of cracks, roots, bumps, holes and generally failing asphalt everywhere. The area it goes through is as beautiful as you’ll find however. What a shame. Next time we consider this trail, we’ll have to decide if we have enough ibuprofen first…..
We ride trails. We love trails. No pavement required. We embrace the crushed surface. We love to bike. The Omaha trail is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It begins and ends in friendly towns. It was strewn with debris the day after a storm, yet we were undeterred. You can bike around debris. Sadly, you can’t miss the ridges, ruts and roughness of a once paved trail. Omaha stole our energy and joy of riding. We rode on because we don’t quit. But it wasn’t enjoyable and was only memorable for the relief of finishing and knowing we won’t ride Omaha again. It’s unfortunate. The 400 is nearby. It is a far better choice, as is just about any other trail.
Rode round trip, including Rushford to Preston plus the spur to Fountain and back. Well maintained, beautiful trail with wonderful trail towns pleasantly spaced. I stayed in Lanesboro and would highly recommend it!
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