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United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Wisconsin joins other US States with Gravel Cycling Network

Wisconsin joins other US States with Gravel Cycling Network

A new era of outdoor recreation is rolling into the national spotlight as Wisconsin unveils Wisconsin Gravel, a first-of-its-kind statewide network of gravel cycling routes connecting communities, landscapes and riders across the state, Visit Wausau announced this week.

Wisconsin joins other States with Gravel Cycling Network

At the heart of the initiative is the Granite Belt, a premier riding region in north central Wisconsin, featuring more than 1,000 miles of distinctive red granite roads and 16 established routes spanning Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade and Shawano counties.
 
“This is about more than building trails—it’s about building a destination,” said Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau, in a news release. “Wisconsin has always had the raw assets. What we’ve done is organize them into a system that makes it easy for riders from across the country to discover, explore and basecamp their adventure here.”
 
Wisconsin Gravel connects existing rural infrastructure—including dairy roads, logging routes, rails-to-trails corridors and rustic roads—into a cohesive system that promotes tourism, supports local economies and enhances access to outdoor recreation.
 
The Granite Belt alone offers riders a rare combination of:
 
- High-quality riding surfaces using compacted red granite
- Looped, mapped routes for all skill levels
- Trailhead communities with lodging, dining and amenities
- Integrated points of interest tied to local history and culture
 
“Gravel riders are looking for authenticity, exploration, and connection to place,” said Bill Bertram, outdoor recreation advocate and project partner, in the release. “What Wisconsin has—especially in the Granite Belt—is something you simply can’t replicate. The quality of the riding surface, the variety of landscapes, and the welcoming communities make this a truly national-caliber destination.”
 
The launch of Wisconsin Gravel coincides with expanded marketing efforts across the Midwest, partnerships with cycling organizations, and upcoming events tied to National Trails Day and Bike Month.

Organizers say this is just the beginning. 

Wausau is hosting this year’s Healthy Communities Summit April 23-24 put on by the Wisconsin Bike Fed and Wisconsin’s Office of Outdoor Rec. Featured keynotes are endurance icon Rebecca Rusch and author Carter Lavin. 
 
Trek is hosting a WORS event – Basecamp Bike Fest on June 13-14 with additional gravel races. Ironbull continues its popular Red Granite Grinder Races in October. 
 
“We’re setting the table for something much bigger,” White said. “This is about positioning Wisconsin as one of the top gravel biking destinations in the United States—and giving people a reason to visit, stay longer and come back again.”
 
For more information, please visit: https://wisconsingravel.org