The best cycling routes around Portage

There are over a dozen touring cycling routes around Portage listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. Most of these, about 10, are considered easy, while a couple are moderate.

Cycling routes around Portage offer diverse landscapes, including scenic views along the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, rolling countryside, wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and agricultural areas. You might also encounter historical sites and charming small towns.

Yes, many routes are suitable for families. An easy option is the Atwater Loop Trail, which is about 4.9 miles (7.9 km) and takes around 40 minutes to complete. The Wisconsin River Levee Trail and Portage Canal Trail also offer smooth, asphalt paths perfect for a relaxed family ride.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Milham Road Bridge loop from Portage is an 8.7-mile (14.1 km) route that can be completed in about 50 minutes. The Columbia County Bike Loops also offer circular options through the local countryside.

You can explore various natural and historical attractions. The Al Sabo Preserve and Lillian Anderson Arboretum offer forest environments. The Wisconsin River Levee Trail provides continuous views of the Wisconsin River, where bald eagles can sometimes be spotted. The Portage Canal itself is a site of historical significance with interpretive markers.

The best time for touring cycling in Portage is generally from spring through fall. Some state trails, like the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, have tunnels that close seasonally from November 1 to April 30, which might affect route choices during those months.

For a more moderate challenge, consider the Kalamazoo and Portage loop, which spans 35.2 miles (56.7 km) and winds through varied terrain. Another option is the Glenn Allen Island Preserve – Kalamazoo Nature Center loop from Westnedge at Whites (NW Corner), covering about 34 miles (54.7 km).

Riverside Park is a popular starting point for many rides and offers convenient parking. The Kal-Haven Trailhead Red Caboose is also noted as a parking location for trail access.

The touring cycling routes in Portage are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars from nearly a dozen reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse network of trails, scenic river views, and the variety of landscapes from paved paths to rural countryside.

Yes, some routes offer cultural experiences. Columbia County Bike Loop #2, for instance, winds through farmland and an Amish community. The Portage Canal Trail provides a historical glimpse into the area's past, detailing its importance as a link between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers.

Portage acts as a nexus for connecting local trails to larger regional and long-distance cycling routes, such as the Erie Canalway Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage, though these may require longer road segments to reach.