
Cheese Country Recreation Trail
A 47-mile gravel trail winding through Wisconsin's scenic countryside, connecting charming towns and offering a peaceful ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy solitude before crowds

Cheese Country Recreation Trail
Best Time
Enjoy solitude before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 47-mile gravel trail winding through Wisconsin's scenic countryside, connecting charming towns and offering a peaceful ride.
"Great trail to take the family. Slow paced, easy riding. Everyone we met was friendly!"

🎟️ Get Your Trail Pass
Purchase your trail pass at the Phillips 66 station before hitting the path. Essential for all users!
🚴 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Start your ride early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful scenery.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Countryside Views
Enjoy rolling hills and picturesque farmland on this 47-mile gravel and dirt path.

Charming Small Towns
Pass through quaint towns like Monroe and Mineral Point, perfect for a break or a bite.

Family-Friendly Riding
An easy, slow-paced trail ideal for families and casual riders of all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Pass Essentials
Best Riding Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Your Trail Pass
Purchase your trail pass at the Phillips 66 station before hitting the path. Essential for all users!
🚴 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Start your ride early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful scenery.
Visiting Wisconsin, cheese based question
👟 Suitable for All Wheels
While great for bikes, the gravel can be a bit loose. Road bikes might be challenging; consider hybrids or mountain bikes.
🚗 Parking & Access
Big parking lot available for loading/unloading. Bring ramps if you're not using a trailer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Your Trail Pass
Purchase your trail pass at the Phillips 66 station before hitting the path. Essential for all users!
🚴 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Start your ride early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful scenery.
👟 Suitable for All Wheels
While great for bikes, the gravel can be a bit loose. Road bikes might be challenging; consider hybrids or mountain bikes.
🚗 Parking & Access
Big parking lot available for loading/unloading. Bring ramps if you're not using a trailer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cheese Country Recreation Trail for its scenic beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and the charm of the small towns it passes through. The trail is noted as being well-maintained and enjoyable for casual riders. Some minor drawbacks include the gravel surface which can be challenging for road bikes and potential crowding on weekends.
"Great trail to take the family. Slow paced, easy riding. Most of all, everyone we met on the trail was friendly and courteous to other trail users. Highly recommend the trip!"
Steve Botsford
"Great gravel trail that runs through a few small country towns and a few campgrounds along the way. Trail runs 47 miles from Monroe to Mineral Point."
Cal Bouton
"Nice place to ride nice people very clean I’ll be. Back thank you"
Stuart Shower
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail runs 47 miles from Monroe to Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Access points are available in various towns along the route. The Phillips 66 station near the trail is a common starting point for parking and purchasing passes.
Yes, there's a large parking lot suitable for loading and unloading. If you're not using a trailer, ensure you bring ramps for easier vehicle access.
Absolutely! The trail passes through several small country towns and campgrounds, offering multiple access points for shorter rides or to explore specific areas.
The trail is well-defined and generally easy to follow. For longer rides, consider downloading a trail map or using a GPS app.
The trail itself passes through charming towns like Monroe and Mineral Point, which offer local shops and eateries. You can also explore the surrounding Wisconsin countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a trail pass is mandatory for all users. You can purchase these at the Phillips 66 station located about 1/8 mile from the trail entrance.
Pricing for trail passes can vary. It's best to check with the vendor at the Phillips 66 station for the most current rates.
The primary location mentioned for purchasing trail passes is the Phillips 66 gas station situated very close to the trail.
Information on different pass types (e.g., daily, annual) is not widely detailed, but it's advisable to inquire at the point of sale for options that best suit your visit duration.
Currently, online purchasing options for trail passes are not prominently advertised. It's recommended to plan on purchasing them in person before your ride.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is primarily a gravel path with sections of hard-packed dirt. Some areas might have a few inches of loose gravel, but it's generally manageable for most bikes.
Yes, it's a great trail for cycling, especially for hybrid or mountain bikes. The first 25 miles are noted as very flat and not technical.
On weekends, the trail can become quite busy, especially after 11 am. For a more solitary experience, aim for earlier in the day.
The trail passes through campgrounds and small towns, which may offer restroom facilities. It's wise to check specific locations or plan accordingly.
Expect scenic views of rolling hills, farmland, and the peaceful Wisconsin countryside. It's a relaxing and picturesque route.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find opportunities to stop and eat in the small towns along the 47-mile route, such as Monroe and Mineral Point.
While there aren't restaurants directly on the trail itself, the towns it passes through offer various dining options from casual cafes to local eateries.
Yes, packing a picnic is a great idea! There are likely scenic spots or designated areas in campgrounds or towns where you can stop and enjoy your meal.
Given the location, you can expect classic American fare and potentially local Wisconsin specialties. The Reddit tip mentions looking for cheese shops.
Larger towns like Monroe will likely have grocery stores where you can pick up picnic supplies before you start your ride.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks of the rolling hills and farmland, charming bridges, and the quaint architecture of the small towns you pass through.
The trail is generally flat and easy to ride, making it simple to pull over safely to capture photos of the scenery.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Keep an eye out for unique bridges, historical markers, and the distinct character of towns like Monroe and Mineral Point for memorable shots.
While UTVs can use the trail, some users have noted friction with snowmobile clubs. If you're on a UTV, be mindful of other trail users and any specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to purchase your trail pass before you begin, and consider an early start on weekends to ensure a less crowded and more enjoyable ride. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and take advantage of the scenic beauty for impromptu picnics. The friendly atmosphere on the trail also contributes to a positive family experience.
🚴 Casual Cyclists & Leisure Riders
Make sure to factor in stops at the charming towns like Monroe and Mineral Point. These offer perfect spots to grab a bite, enjoy a coffee, or simply rest and soak in the local atmosphere. Don't forget your trail pass and consider an early start to maximize your peaceful riding time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cheese Country Recreation Trail
Key towns along the route include Monroe and Mineral Point, offering convenient stopping points for refreshments, rest, or exploring local attractions. Campgrounds are also situated along the trail, providing options for longer stays. It's important to note that a trail pass is required for all users, which can typically be purchased at local vendors like the Phillips 66 station near the trail entrance.
While the trail is enjoyed by many, there have been discussions regarding its use by different vehicle types. Some users have expressed that the trail could be better utilized by UTVs for a larger portion of the year, though this has sometimes led to friction with other user groups like snowmobile clubs. Understanding these dynamics can help ensure a smoother experience for everyone on the trail.
Best Practices for Trail Users
When it comes to equipment, the trail's gravel surface is best suited for hybrid or mountain bikes. While road bikes can manage, the loose gravel might present a challenge. For those planning to transport their bikes, the trail offers a large parking lot with space for trailers, though you may need to bring ramps for easier vehicle access.
Finally, remember that the trail passes through charming small towns and rural landscapes. Be courteous to fellow trail users, observe posted speed limits, and take advantage of the towns for breaks, meals, or to sample local Wisconsin cheeses.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit