Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Portage, 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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Storm last night, tree across trail at 5.25. I'm contacting dnr now
Closed between CT H TUNNEL ROAD AND HOFF ROAD FOUNTAIN TOWNSHIP WI
We rode the Hillsboro Trail today and fully enjoyed it. It was our third ride in three days. A post had mentioned the gravel that caused instability but we had no problems other than for 2/10 to 3/10th of a mile so virtually nothing. Possibly, the gravel is more settled than when first placed. We rode onto the 400 trail a little ways as well. Our only disappoint of the ride was that the brewery wasn’t open on Mondays which was today. We would recommend this ride especially if you are looking for a short out and back.
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!
This trail has everything for the biker. Plenty of shade, plenty of wildlife, small town rest stops, tunnels, near-by biking services. Best during the Autumn when the trees are changing colors. A total pleasure.
We’ve been enjoying this trail for 40 + years but have been noticing a decline in maintenance. Vegetation closing in on some sections and grading needed in others. Please help keep this treasure going for our future generations!
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.
This is a really nice gravel trail that is basically flat for its entire length. It offers a really nice ride that can be enjoyed by riders of all skill levels.
On this is a trail, you'll have a chance to pass through a few towns and cross quite a few bridges, most of which will rattle your teeth due to their rugged surfaces. You can expect there to be a mix of trees and scrub along a lot of the trail with open areas reveal whole lot of Wisconsin farmland. The trail has several access points along its route, so you can pick a distance that works for you.
One of the nicer things experienced along the trail was a little cooler with ice water for you to enjoy as you leave the town of Reedsburg. It's just an example of cool people doing cool things.
I actually rode beyond the Elroy on up to Sparta, which I highly recommend if you're looking for a longer ride. I spent the night in a hotel then made it a round trip the next morning.
Other than that, this was a really nice ride.
The short version of my review is that it's a pretty great trail that probably has something for everybody, except pavement, and that's a good thing (says me).
This is basically a trail through rural Wisconsin where you'll have a chance to pass through 3 tunnels, a few towns and cross a bridge about every mile or so. The two southernmost tunnels are basically dry (in September), but the one to the north drips a whole lot of water and there is no chance you'll come out the other side dry. The tunnels are also very dark, so you will absolutely need a good light to get through them safely.
Trees and scrub grow along a lot of the trail and the more open areas reveal whole lot of Wisconsin farmland. The trail has gradual climbs and descents along its length, but nothing that would cause the average rider any difficulty.
One of the nicer things experienced along the trail was a little table of apples and baked goods place by an Amish family. It is totally run on the honor system. I enjoyed one of their apples!
I actually started this ride in Reedsburg on the 400 State Trail, which I highly recommend if you're looking for a longer ride.
The only thing I can think of to improve the trail would be a little more signage. I totally rode right by the start of the trail in Elroy, but was quick to correct the error of my ways. The signs at the tunnels could use a "little love" as well.
Other than that, this was a really nice ride.
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.
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