St Croix Gravel Challenge (75 miles)

A slightly more challenging ride than “Just the Loop,” but the views are worth the challenge if you are up to it. (less)

More of a challenge for mid-level road riders. (less)

For higher-end self-supporting riders... stretch yourselves to reach the southern-most bridge of our options via Afton and across from Minnesota to Wisconsin into Prescott. Visit the “Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center” with its phenomenal bluff overlook. Then, test your legs on the rolling Wisconsin hills up through River Falls, back alongside the flat trails alongside the St Croix River in Hudson, to prepare you for a 2-mile climb up scenic Trout Brook Road along the west boundary of Willow River State Park, then back to Houlton, and the steep descent into downtown Stillwater across the historic lift bridge. (less)

A mid-level family and group ride... 50% of which is on off-road blacktopped trails with no severe climbs, possibly suited for young teens and above. (less)

More of a challenge for mid-level road riders, and away from built-up areas... this ride starts out on the new St Croix River Crossing Loop trail, paralleling the St Croix River, crossing the new suspension bridge with its phenomenal view north towards downtown Stillwater, then into beautiful Wisconsin countryside. At the top of the gradual climb it picks up the east-bound portion of the St Croix Bike & Pedestrian Trail Coalition’s designated “Beyond the Loop” orange and purple trail, alongside the blufftop entry to Andersen Scout Camp, on towards the Bass Lake Waterfowl Production Area, Boardman (rest stop) and Willow River Wildlife Area, then a nice long gradual descent to prepare you for a 2-mile climb up scenic Trout Brook Road along the west boundary of Willow River State Park. Eventually you will reach the steep but scenic overlook and descent to cross the historic lift bridge back into downtown Stillwater. (less)

A family-friendly ride... intended for all ages and abilities to join in the fun. Ride south along the new St Croix River Crossing Loop Trail along the west shore of the St. Croix River, cross the new spectacular suspension bridge climbing , then return to downtown Stillwater over the pedestrian and bike only historic lift bridge. (less)