Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Portage, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding 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.
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.
Second long trip for me and the first trip that was mostly rail trail one quarter of which was the Elroy Sparta. Beautiful trail and the safety of being away from most automobile traffic made the trip way less stressful
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.
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.
Rode this trail end-to-end yesterday. The asphalt is in like-new condition and the scenery is beautiful. While we greatly prefer shaded trails in the hot summer, the lengthy stretches of sun on this trail were tolerable due to temps in the high 70’s and a light breeze. Can’t wait to ride this again in the fall. I’m sure the autumn colors near the northern half will be spectacular.
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
It’s a beautiful trail … well maintained! Quite a bit of shade for the most part we started In Fond du Lac off rolling meadows rd. Biked to the Horicon Marsh loop. I would recommend stopped at Katy’s Log Cabin in Oakfield for a good bloody and/or a great lunch !
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.
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