EAU CLAIRE AREA GRAVEL GUIDE
Eau Claire, Wisconsin is located at the confluence of two beautiful rivers and is a launchpad for three distinct gravel biking adventure clusters. Discover new gravel roads, happen upon unexpected rural gathering spots, then make it a full experience with downtown Eau Claire’s vibrant city adventures.
Find more info on gravel riding, destinations, accommodations, and much more in this and other regions via our good friends at The Nxrth.
Each of these three clusters are a short drive from Eau Claire, so you’re either driving 40 minutes east or 30 minutes southwest to get on these routes. A little bit of driving simply means there’s a whole bunch of variety within the routes and Eau Claire is a beautiful spot to basecamp and enjoy the unique food, parks, and boutique downtown lodging options before and after riding.
All 4 Ingredients to perfect biking live right here:
- Deep woods,
- tangled waterways, Wisco farms,
- and a slice of the Driftless.
AUGUSTA CLUSTER
The Eau Claire forest and Clark Country forest intersect here around a patchwork of dirt. As you navigate around curious fire lanes and grab snacks on bridges over the Eau Claire river and Horse Creek, you’ll notice that the types of gravel you’re riding on are constantly changing. Just as you’re getting used to the roads, they dance away and a new partner enters for a few miles until it all changes again.
Horse Creek Goat Ranch | 30 Miles
Three of the best winding, rolling loops smashed into one short route. You’ll cross Horse Creek twice, the north and south fork of the Eau Claire river and go right by Coon Fork county park by way of Goat Ranch Road. You may see some ATVs on the weekend, otherwise these are ultra low traffic roads and ATV trails.
The Camp Globe CCC | 52 Miles
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) recruited young unemployed men to do conversation and forestry work. One of those units was Camp Globe which was founded in 1934. Up to 200 men worked from Camp Globe on fire prevention, reforestation projects, and the creation of fire lanes.
This route briefly takes you on Camp Globe Road. Throughout the area you can imagine the young men of the Great Depression era working to conserve the forests you’re riding through and helping to construct the fire lanes that we now use to explore this beautiful forest.
Christmas Gravel | 80 Miles
On the 4th of July in 1857, Augusta, Wisconsin had its first recorded celebration. The village was recently organized so to mark the occasion, an American flag was made from the aprons of village residents and a regular Christmas dinner was served.
Though this route only takes you through the outskirts of Augusta, you can get a sense of America’s small town spirit during the 1800s and celebrate the communities that still bring us together today.
The Battle of Mondovi | 25 Miles
To start this ride you’ll drive through the city of Mondovi. It was organized in 1855 and named to commemorate the battle of Mondovi, Italy where the Napoleon Bonaparte led French army defeated the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont which ultimately led to the loss of Northwest Italy.
Enjoy some long accents, constant views of nonstop hills, and hold-on-tight descents down hills like Carr Valley and Gilman Valley.
Churches | 40 Miles
In rural 19th century, communities centered around churches just as much as they centered around towns. This route passes several historic rural Norwegian and German churches and one of them is the Thompson Valley Church. It was burned down by arsonry and is now just a small, quiet cemetery on a hill. If you’re riding here on a weekend, you can imagine the gatherings, celebrations, weddings, and funerals that took place at these community centers wrapped around winding driftless valley roads.
Dunnville Dirt Dreams | 33/66 Miles for one-way or out-and-back
This is a rad route. It’s kinda janky when you’re going through the Dunnville natural area but then you ride the awesome Red Cedar Trail with constant river views and 11 converted railroad bridges, and end at the best wood-fired pizzeria and brewery ever, Lucette. You can do this route in one of three ways: a. make this a one way trip, b.) go out and back on the same route, or c.) cut the corner back to your car via paved roads. No matter how you ride it, you GOTTA stop at Lucette for pizza and drinks. Park at the trailhead lot in Carryville.
All Content & Photos courtesy of TheNxrth.com