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Let’s Get Lost (on Two Wheels)

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There’s something kind of magical about loading up your bike, picking a rough direction, and just... going. No tour bus. No itinerary. Just legs, grit, and whatever you managed to strap to your frame. It’s part meditation, part adrenaline, part “hope I packed toilet paper.”

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And Wisconsin? It’s the sleeper hit of bikepacking. Quiet gravel roads turn into rolling forest corridors. Misty lakes appear out of nowhere. Towns you’ve never heard of greet you with gas station coffee and the friendliest old guys you’ll ever meet. This isn’t a manicured tour—it’s the Midwest, raw and real, and it wants you to get a little lost.

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Best Bikepacking Routes in Wisconsin

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1. The Lil’ Drifty (Lost Travel Experience)
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This one’s not just a tour—it’s a full-on unscripted wilderness escape. Expect off-grid rivers, hidden campsites, and surprise animal sightings that no guidebook can promise. Otters? Maybe. A raccoon with zero chill? Probably. A wild version of yourself you haven’t met yet? Definitely.

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• Distance: 60+ miles over 3 days
• Best for: Off-the-grid adventure seekers
• Pro tip: Come ready to pivot—the route's beauty lies in its unpredictability.

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2. The Northwoods Adventure Loop
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‍A remote, multi-day ride through thick forests, quiet lakes, and small towns that feel like time forgot them. Expect gravel roads, fire lanes, and zero cell service (yep, that’s a perk).

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• Distance: ~160 miles
• Best season: Late spring to early fall
• Expect: Loons calling at dusk, mosquito swarms, and total solitude

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3. Elroy-Sparta + Kickapoo Valley Connect
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Old railroad tunnels. Rolling farmland. The kind of Midwest scenery that feels like a warm memory. This one’s beginner-friendly but still rewarding.

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• Distance: ~100 miles if combined
• Highlights: Three iconic rail tunnels, Amish farms, wildflowers in June
• Watch out for: Tunnel bats and the creepy echo factor

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4. The Driftless Ramble

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This one isn’t official—but that’s kind of the point. Mix county roads and old ATV paths through the Driftless region and camp wherever your legs give out.

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• Distance: Build-your-own (avg. 80-100 miles)
• Terrain: Rolling hills, river valleys
• Best for: Riders who see "detour" as an invitation

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5. Black River State Forest Overnighter
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A perfect “dip-your-toes-in” loop. Just hard enough to make you earn your s’mores, but chill enough to do on a weekend whim.

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• Distance: ~35 miles
• Camping: Plenty of designated sites
• Ideal for: First-timers or folks with limited PTO

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What to Pack (Don’t Worry, We Got a List)

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Packing for bikepacking is a weird balance. You're aiming for “minimalist monk” but still need to survive rain, cold, hunger, and that one flat tire that always happens when you're 10 miles from anywhere.

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Pro tip: Prioritize warmth, calories, and water. Skip that third shirt. Bring duct tape. And don’t forget that the most underrated tool is a good attitude when everything goes sideways.

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👉 Download the Packing Checklist Here

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Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

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• Don’t over-plan. The point is the detour.
• Filter your water. Unless you’re into dysentery.
• Always bring one more snack than you think you’ll need.
• Talk to locals. The guy in the Packers hoodie knows things Google Maps doesn’t.
• Let it be hard. It’s supposed to be. That’s how it gets good.
• Download maps. Phone service is more suggestion than fact in these parts.
• Leave no trace. You’re a guest in the wild—act like it.
  
  

FAQ: What are the best bikepacking routes in Wisconsin?

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Depends on your vibe:

• For solitude: Northwoods Adventure Loop
• For beginners: Elroy-Sparta + Kickapoo
• For a wildcard ride: The Driftless Ramble
• For a weekend: Black River State Forest
• For full send off-grid magic: The Lil’ Drifty

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But honestly? The best route is the one you make your own.