The best road cycling routes around Coon Valley

Coon Valley is situated in Wisconsin's unique Driftless Region, meaning you'll encounter a distinctive 'coulee' landscape. This features narrow, twisting valleys and ravines carved out of high bluffs, resulting in significant elevation changes. Expect challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, with routes traversing rolling hills, green pastures, and wooded bluffs.

Yes, there are routes suitable for various skill levels. For those new to road cycling in the area, the Roadbike loop from Chaseburg offers an easy, gentle introduction to the rural roads, covering 14.6 miles (23.4 km).

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation gains. The Runge Hollow Lake 30 loop from Viroqua is a difficult 55.9-mile (89.9 km) trail that leads through demanding Driftless Area terrain. Additionally, the Coon Valley Coulee Express route, while not a specific komoot tour in this guide, is known for climbs like the County YY up Highway 33 ridge and the 'Driftless monster' climb up Sveum Ridge Road, featuring grades as steep as 17-18 percent.

Yes, Coon Valley offers options for longer rides. The Roadbike loop from La Crosse is a moderate 53.6-mile (86.3 km) path with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Riverside Park loop from La Crosse, which covers over 63 miles (102 km) and also features substantial climbing.

The routes showcase the dramatic landscapes of the Driftless Area, including deep valleys (coulees), steep bluffs, and winding ridges. You'll pass through rolling farmland, dense forests, and restored prairies. Coon Creek and its tributaries are prominent features, and the Coon Creek Cliffs, a State Natural Area, are notable for their large, north-facing sandstone cliffs. You can learn more about the Coon Creek Cliffs at Wisconsin DNR.

The diverse scenery of Coon Valley, with its green pastures and wooded bluffs, makes it picturesque throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides lush landscapes. Cyclists should be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the season.

Yes, Coon Valley is recognized as an excellent outdoor activity destination, particularly for road cycling. It's part of the broader La Crosse area, which is globally recognized for its cycling opportunities. The unique Driftless Area geology provides a challenging and visually stunning riding experience, supported by dedicated cycling infrastructure and a wide array of routes curated by local volunteers.

The Driftless Region is known for its challenging climbs. The Coon Valley Coulee Express route, for instance, includes the County YY climb up the Highway 33 ridge and the 'Driftless monster' climb up Sveum Ridge Road, both famous for their steep grades and scenic switchbacks. These sections offer a rigorous workout amidst stunning scenery.

Our guide features 4 highly-rated road cycling routes around Coon Valley, ranging from easy to difficult. These routes have been explored by over 15 road cyclists using komoot, showcasing the best of the region's diverse landscape.

The Driftless Region is unique because it was bypassed by glaciers, unlike much of the Midwest. This left behind a dramatic landscape of steep bluffs, deep valleys (coulees), and winding ridges. For road cyclists, this translates into significant elevation changes, providing both challenging climbs and exhilarating descents through consistently picturesque rural settings.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Coon Valley area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Chaseburg, the Roadbike loop from La Crosse, and the Runge Hollow Lake 30 loop from Viroqua.