Mountain Bike Trail: Outer Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This is a Wisconsin DNR State Park - vehicle fees are required at the lots and trail passes are required of riders over 16 years of age. Daily and annual passes available with lower rates for Wisconsin residents.

This is a mountain bike trail that remains open during the non-winter/snow months at Peninsula since trail restrictions for skis only are imposed. The start here is from Lot 5 at the eastern entrance of the park, but one can also start at the western end as well as Lot 1. The trail for bikes is two way, since one-way indicators are for skiing, so this trail can also be ridden in the opposite direction.

Note: There's an additional leg in the southeastern quadrant that was avoided since it usually was/is more waterlogged than the route mapped here. If I remember correctly, the southern leg that heads south from the center might have been the roughest of the track (rocky inclines) - if indeed this is true and it's not for you, you could continue west and do that as an out-and-back.

Otherwise, it does smooth out as you reach the southwest end of the trails where things level and smooth out before you wind up on a bike-specific trail at the western end (where the Hemlock ski trail starts) and you'll see a bike trail sign pointing you to singletrack to the right. The singletrack finishes just past the junction with the paved path and then curves to the main track heading quickly to the center.

In this southwestern quadrant, there is a paved path that runs from the southeast to the northwest that you'll cross - an option if you want to just cut this leg short with some smooth riding. You'll also come across a connector that runs from south to north in this quadrant as well - but I do remember that being rocky and inclined after having ridden it twice during my mapping efforts.

Heading north from the center, there will be a descent (sign warns steep hill more for skiing), before you are soon introduced to another section of singletrack that diverges from the skiing trail. The singletrack wraps up when you begin to turn south back on the main trail to head to Lot 5.

As this trail remains open during non-winter seasons in all conditions, ride through the middle of any mud or water spots to avoid widening the trail. Otherwise walk or turn around.