Touring - The Great River Road...

Has anyone ridden the Great River Road in Wisconsin from Prescott to Prairie du Chien? Some friends and I are planning a ride in Wisconsin and this looks like a good possibility. I've downloaded the map from the state's web site and have been looking it over. Seems like it would be a great ride.

Cheers,

CQ

I haven't, but I sure would like the link for the route!

here's the link to the web site where you can download the PDF.

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/bike-foot/grrmap.htm

CQ

Catfish would be the one to give you advice.He is from Ws and just rode that route at least he followed the Miss River on the Ws. side and passed through that later town you mention.Check out his current journal on the travelog section of this site detailing his ride on that section and perhaps if you asked a question there he could get back to you when he gets to a computer next.

Thanks, I'll do it.

CQ

Thanks for the link. Looks interesting.

Hi ctyler: I've ridden portions of it, and it is a great route. The Great River bike trail from Trempeleau to near Fountain City is very nice if you don't mind crushed limestone. Great views of the river. The other portion I've ridden is from Pepin to Prescott. Once you get beyond Diamond Bluff you get away from the river for a while and have a big climb out of the valley. The parts I've been on have a nice wide shoulder for the most part and are very nice. Lots of little towns to stop at for breaks also. The hop across the river to Red Wing is worth it too. Enjoy it if you go!

I've riden it, it's beautiful and a great route. Wide shoulders, light traffic, beautiful views. I highly recommend it.

Thnaks, I appreciate your comments.

Cheers,

CQ

hey thats a nice route. i rode up that river road and back many times. most of the road has a nice shoulder many towns with places to camp and eat and visit. i am from the town of Desoto ther eis a gasstation with coffee and a bar/ restraunt named the bright spot

i rode that rail to trails route from tremalo to la crosse once it s is nce but staying on hy 35 is nice too. enjoy the ride if you got any specific questions i can help you with just ask but i think you will find many here onthe forums will be of help also. praire diu chine is the oldest city in wisc and has a nice park to visit and explore also the big carbellos distributor is there
catfish

Thanks so much catfish. I'll be discussing the trip this weekend with a friend.

Cheers,

ctyler

forgot to tell you that just north of Desoto is Black Hawk park weather or not you camp there you can get a hot shower for 25 cents
c/f

Hi,

I'm presently riding the Grat River Road route in WI. Took a couple days to visit in Eau Claire and back to the river tomorrow. The route map is good but some info not up to date.

The is no camping in Prescott, the town itselt, they closed the park to camping, you have to go across the river ti Minn or about 13 miles north to state park.

Also not camping in Nelson, nearest is Alma, 8 miles south on trail or 3 miles or so across river(so I was told)

So the camping signs on the trail maps may not be accurate.

We had already pedaled 60 miles when we came in to Prescott from the north and found out not camping so we continued and slugged out 15 miles of some serious climbing before we had to stop. Camped out in a guys yard in Diamond Bluff, Taco and beer at the local bar.

The south and north ends of this route involve some steep climbing, even for my riding partner, usually zippy right up those puppies, but even he was complaining. So be prepared for a work out.

Dont let the hills detract from the scenery. It is thus far, outstanding, Lake Pepin is awesome. Makes me want to build a shanty boat and live on the river!

Stockholm has a great cafe right on the main road and it's an arts town(explore)!

There are campgrounds that are ot listed on the map, you have to ask.

FYI - Clerks in convenience stores have the least knowledge of there surrounds than any people group I have encountered (It's nation-wide). E Pluribus Unum!

If you have the time, the Sparta-elroy and the 400 trail is pretty great and you can connect, by trail from La Crosse to Sparta to get on it. Camping, ice cream, creepy tunnels and very friendly folks.

Chief Twonuneez

Thanks for the information. I'm hoping to do the ride next summer.

Cheers