Wisconsin Gravel is a first-of-its-kind statewide network of gravel cycling routes connecting communities, landscapes and riders across the state.
At the heart is the Granite Belt, a premier riding region in north-central Wisconsin. This area features more than 1,000 miles of distinctive red granite roads and 16 established routes spanning Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, and Shawano counties.
Gravel cycling is the fastest-growing segment of biking in the United States. The Wisconsin Gravel network transforms thousands of miles of rural roads into a unified, branded destination experience.
“This is about more than building trails. It’s about building a destination,” said Tim White, Executive Director of Visit Wausau. “Wisconsin always has 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 base their adventure here.”
New Destination
Wisconsin Gravel connects existing rural infrastructure into a cohesive system. These include dairy roads, logging routes, rails-to-trails corridors and rustic roads. This system 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 that use 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. “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.”
Data Shows Demand
Early data from Zartico underscores the project’s potential impact. Analysis of trail usage shows that approximately 19 percent of users already are traveling from more than 50 miles away. This demonstrates strong early traction as a visitor draw.
Gravel cycling participation is surging nationwide. Riders are seeking less congested, more scenic alternatives to traditional road cycling. Wisconsin is uniquely positioned to lead in the Midwest and beyond.
“We’re setting the table for something much bigger,” White said. “This is about positioning Wisconsin as one of the top gravel biking destinations, and giving people a reason to visit, stay longer and come back.”
Unlike traditional trail systems, Wisconsin Gravel leverages existing public roads. This minimizes development costs while maximizing access and scalability. The initiative spans multiple regions. Eleven distinct gravel areas are planned across the state to encourage repeat visitation and longer stays.
Routes are designed not only for riding, but also for discovery. They take cyclists past farms, forests, rivers, historic sites and small-town experiences that define Wisconsin’s character.
Cyclists can explore routes, maps, and travel information at www.wisconsingravel.org
