1.
Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Mount Horeb
57.3km
02:50
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The best road cycling routes around Mount Horeb
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 4, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Mount Horeb, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many routes crisscrossing this beautiful region, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best, saving you the guesswork.
Road cycling around Mount Horeb means embracing the unique, unglaciated terrain of the Driftless Area. Expect a beautiful mix of rolling hills, quiet farmlands, and wooded hollows, with low-traffic roads that range from gently undulating to seriously challenging climbs. This area truly offers something for every road cyclist, from moderate spins to difficult, long-distance efforts with significant elevation gain.
For a fantastic moderate ride that offers a great taste of the area, we'd start with the Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Mount Horeb, a 35.6 miles (57.3 km) route that’s perfect for a rewarding day out. If you're looking for a bigger challenge and want to push your limits, the Fat Cat Coffee Works – Brix Cider loop from Mount Horeb, at 64.2 miles (103.3 km), delivers a difficult ride with plenty of climbing. With more than 400 road cyclists having explored Mount Horeb with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and discover your next favorite route!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Mount Horeb | 57.3 km | 740 m | Moderate |
| Fat Cat Coffee Works – Brix Cider loop from Mount Horeb | 103 km | 1,130 m | Hard |
| The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub – Donald Rock loop from Mount Horeb | 48.8 km | 450 m | Moderate |
| Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Mount Horeb | 127 km | 1,280 m | Hard |
| The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub – Brix Cider loop from Mount Horeb | 32.2 km | 390 m | Moderate |
2.
Fat Cat Coffee Works – Brix Cider loop from Mount Horeb
103km
05:10
1,130m
1,130m
Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure through southwestern Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Area, where the landscape unfolds with rolling hills, vast farmlands, and pockets of wooded state parks. This 64.2-mile (103.3 km) loop is a true test of endurance, featuring 3718 feet (1133 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes of riding. You'll navigate quiet rural roads, enjoying the varied terrain and the beauty of the Wisconsin countryside, with the promise of unique local stops along the way.
To tackle this difficult route, plan an early start from Mount Horeb, especially if you intend to make the most of the charming stops. The roads are generally well-maintained and experience low traffic, making for a pleasant, albeit demanding, ride. Ensure you carry enough water and nutrition for the duration, as this is a substantial day out on the bike.
This route stands out for connecting two beloved, cyclist-friendly establishments: Fat Cat Coffee Works in New Glarus and Brix Cider in Mount Horeb. Fat Cat Coffee Works offers a perfect mid-ride refueling spot with coffee and pastries right on the Sugar River State Trail. Brix Cider, known for its artisanal ciders and farm-to-table food, provides an excellent post-ride reward, showcasing local Wisconsin flavors.
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3.
The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub – Donald Rock loop from Mount Horeb
48.8km
02:11
450m
450m
Embark on a scenic road cycling adventure through Wisconsin's unique Driftless Area with The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub – Donald Rock loop from Mount Horeb. This route offers a delightful mix of rolling hills, expansive farmlands, and wooded hollows, culminating in the striking natural landmark of Donald Rock within Donald County Park. You'll experience frequent ascents and descents, providing a good challenge while soaking in the picturesque rural landscape.
This moderate 30.3-mile (48.8 km) road cycling route, with 1490 feet (454 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes. The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub in Mount Horeb is a cyclist-friendly spot, perfect for parking and starting your journey, or for a well-earned refreshment stop. The rural roads are generally low-traffic, making for a pleasant and safer ride.
The route showcases the distinctive geology of the Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers, resulting in its characteristic steep hills and deep valleys. Donald Rock itself holds historical significance and offers impressive views. This loop is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty and unique terrain of the Mount Horeb area, combining a good workout with charming small-town hospitality.
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4.
Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Mount Horeb
127km
06:12
1,280m
1,280m
Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure through the scenic Driftless Area with the Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Mount Horeb. This route takes you through a captivating landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and diverse scenery, from lush woods and wetlands to expansive prairies and farmlands. You'll encounter consistent elevation changes, making it a rewarding ride for those who appreciate a good workout amidst picturesque views.
This difficult 79.2-mile (127.5 km) loop involves a substantial 4214 feet (1284 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring around 6 hours and 12 minutes to complete. The rural roads around Mount Horeb are generally well-maintained and feature low traffic volumes, making for a pleasant cycling experience. Plan to start your ride early to maximize daylight and allow ample time to enjoy the local establishments.
What truly sets this route apart is the opportunity to integrate the culinary and cultural highlights of Mount Horeb into your ride. The loop connects Brix Cider, known for its artisanal hard ciders and farm-to-table food, with The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub, a popular spot for local brews and hearty meals. These establishments provide perfect bookends to your cycling journey, offering unique local flavor in the heart of the charming Trollway village.
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5.
The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub – Brix Cider loop from Mount Horeb
32.2km
01:35
390m
390m
This road cycling route, connecting The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub and Brix Cider, offers a quintessential experience of the Driftless Area's unique topography. You'll navigate rolling hills and deep valleys, passing through expansive farmlands and wooded hollows, with sweeping vistas of the unglaciated landscape. The 20.0-mile (32.2 km) loop features a significant 1284 feet (391 metres) of elevation gain, making it a moderate ride that takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the rural roads around Mount Horeb are generally well-maintained and have low traffic. Both The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub and Brix Cider are excellent spots to start or end your journey, offering a welcoming atmosphere to refuel. While specific parking isn't designated for the loop, you can usually find convenient parking in Mount Horeb near either establishment.
What makes this route truly special is its blend of challenging terrain and charming local culture. The area's unglaciated landscape provides a distinct cycling experience, while the culinary destinations like The Grumpy Troll (known for craft beers) and Brix Cider (artisanal hard cider) offer perfect mid-ride breaks. The route also immerses you in Mount Horeb's Scandinavian charm and whimsical 'Trollway'.
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Tips from the Community
Harald
May 22, 2023, Fat Cat Coffee Works
A coffee shop right on the bike trail. The outdoor patio overlooks the trail at this popular destination for cyclists and non-cyclists.
2
0
Harald
May 31, 2021, Brix Cider
Great selection of ciders and tasty (albeit not inexpensive) food selection, right on the bike trail. Good outdoor seating, from where you can watch all the people biking by. I stop here almost every time I ride through
1
0
Harald
July 5, 2020, Donald Rock
You can see this landmark from the highway. A prominent rock face from St. Peter sandstone, towering above Highway 92. It is part of Donald County Park, which is worth a visit (though biking is not allowed in almost all of the park).
0
0
cactusgarrett
July 13, 2019, The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub
Great place to stop for a decent pint and better food.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Mount Horeb?
There are over 50 road cycling routes around Mount Horeb, offering diverse experiences through the Driftless Area. These routes range from moderate to difficult, catering to various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Mount Horeb?
Road cycling routes near Mount Horeb feature the unique unglaciated terrain of the Driftless Area. You can expect rolling hills, expansive farmlands, and wooded hollows. The roads are generally rural with low traffic volumes and well-maintained surfaces, providing both challenging climbs and leisurely stretches.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, Mount Horeb offers routes with significant elevation gain for experienced riders. For example, the The Turtle Watch Bridge – Blue Mounds loop from Middleton Junction is a difficult 59.6-mile trail that leads through challenging terrain near Blue Mounds, often completed in about 4 hours 40 minutes.
What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic views of the Driftless Area's rolling hills. You can find observation towers with panoramic views at East Tower and West Tower (Sunset) in Blue Mounds State Park. The Blue Mound Scenic Overlook also provides stunning vistas. Additionally, the The Turtle Watch Bridge is a notable feature on some routes.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling options in the Mount Horeb area?
While many road routes involve rolling hills, the Military Ridge State Trail, which passes directly through Mount Horeb, offers a relatively flat and smooth surface built on a former railroad corridor. This 40-mile trail is ideal for cyclists of all levels, including families, and connects to other trails like the Sugar River State Trail for extended, gentler rides.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Mount Horeb?
The best time for road cycling in Mount Horeb is typically from spring through fall. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant. The region's rolling hills and farmlands are particularly beautiful in late spring and early autumn. Winter conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice.
Where can I find places to eat or drink after a ride in Mount Horeb?
Mount Horeb's vibrant downtown offers several options for refreshments. The Grumpy Troll Brewpub is a popular spot for cyclists to relax and refuel. You'll find various cafes and restaurants perfect for a mid-ride break or a post-ride meal.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes available?
Yes, Mount Horeb is a great starting point for longer rides. The Ice Age Trail Junction Area – Barlow Road climb loop from Shorewood Hills is a substantial 63.8-mile route, and the Donald Rock – Brix Cider loop from Town of Vermont covers 59.2 miles, both offering extensive cycling experiences through the region's scenic landscapes.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Mount Horeb?
The road cycling routes in Mount Horeb are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet rural roads, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the stunning views of the Driftless Area's unique topography.
Are there any loop routes for road cycling around Mount Horeb?
Yes, many road cycling routes around Mount Horeb are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Brix Cider – The Grumpy Troll Brew Pub loop from Middleton Junction, which is a moderate 46.2-mile ride.
Is it possible to access road cycling routes using public transport?
The Military Ridge State Trail, which passes through Mount Horeb, connects to Fitchburg and eventually to Madison. This connection can facilitate access to the area's cycling network via public transport options available in Madison, allowing you to reach the trailheads without a car.
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