If you’ve ever found yourself pedaling the Oak Leaf Trail, thinking, “You know what this could use more of? Boulders,” then mountain biking might be your next step. Natural-surface trails present their own challenges, from roots and rocks to sharp drop-offs, says Craig Ruhland of the nonprofit Metro Mountain Bikers, which maintains more than 30 miles of area trails. But don’t let them stop you; beginner-friendly trails abound.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
1. Hoyt Park
1800 N. SWAN BLVD., WAUWATOSA
This easy 2-mile route along the Menomonee River is “all sorts of fun,” says Ruhland. The loop is mostly single-track (meaning the trail is the width of the bike) and connected to the Oak Leaf Trail, so you can even bike there from just about anywhere in the Milwaukee area.
2. Heritage Trails County Park
4668 COUNTY HWY. E, SLINGER
A lovely mix of forests, prairie and rolling Kettle Moraine hills, Heritage Trails County Park offers trails of all difficulty levels. Beginners should get started on Fraggle Rocks, a flat 1-mile trail that also includes optional jumps, skinnies (narrow planks or logs you can ride over) and a rock garden, letting you test yourself if you feel your confidence growing.
3. Silver Lake Park
27000 85TH ST., SILVER LAKE
You’ll find 10 miles of single-track and multiuse hiking/biking trails in this 260-acre park. Beginner trails are clustered in the park’s northeast corner, and you can link Snowflake, Pines and Yeti for a satisfying 3-mile ride.
4. John Muir Trails/Emma Carlin Trails Connectors
N9097 COUNTY RD. H, WHITEWATER
Both trail systems are located within the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. While the bulk of them are rated intermediate, two connecting trails are beginner-friendly and together provide a vigorous 11-mile pedal through woods and meadows and across ridges with views of surrounding farmland. Before or after your ride, you can practice berms (banked turns) and ramps on John Muir’s Skills Course.
Have the right gear.While there are several categories of mountain bikes, a trail bike – the most common and versatile design – is the best option for beginners. Wear a mountain bike helmet, which offers more coverage on the back of your head. Other helpful, though optional, gear includes a hydration pack, mountain biking gloves, sunglasses or other eye protection, a first aid kit and basic repair items like a tire patch kit.
Do your homework. Before riding, check the trail’s length, grade and difficulty on the MTB Project, Trailforks or Trailbot website or app. The latter two are great for getting current trail conditions. Never ride wet trails.
Know the signs. Like ski slopes, easy trails are marked by green circles, intermediate by blue squares, and difficult by black diamonds.
Pre-ride, re-ride, free ride. On unfamiliar trails, go slow on your first ride to learn the obstacles. Then test out a medium speed on your second before letting it rip on your third.
Pick your line. When riding, keep your eyes on where you want to go and not on spots or obstacles you want to avoid. This will help keep you from veering off course.
