An Award-winning bike friendly community
Whichever direction you want to head on your bike, the place to start is Fitchburg! Fitchburg has ideal access to some of Wisconsin’s finest bike trails and is home to three state trails and three local bike paths, all of which are detailed below. Fitchburg is the proud recipient of the Bicycle Friendly Community award, a national award program offered by the League of American Bicyclists, and is home to over 30 bike friendly businesses.
The Dawley Bike Hubis a great stop for those doing a park-and-ride, or cyclists that need a break. This rest stop has a repair station, parking, restrooms, shelter and water and you catch three state trails and three paths from here.
Get your free bike map and plan your next ride, whether it's across town, or across the county! You'll find many businesses are located near the trails, for when you need a break! Download the Fitchburg Bike Map, or get a
print copyby calling us at (608) 288-8284 or send us an email.
Bike Trails & paths in fitchburg
Fitchburg is home to several state trails and local paths. Cyclists over the age of 16 are required to carry a trail pass while using state trails.
Options for buying passes:
- WI DNR: MasterCard/Visa by phone at 608-266-2181
or Online. Passes purchased online will be mailed, so don't wait until the last minute to purchase them! (day and annual passes available) - Through the Wisconsin Bike Fed website
- Self-registration stations are available at:
Cap City Trail/Syene Rd,
Badger State Trail/Marketplace Dr
Purcell Rd/Badger State Trail (day and annual passes available)
Badger State Trail (State Trail Pass Required)
The Badger State Trail is a 40-mile trail extending from Fitchburg to the Illinois state line. This ride takes you through beautiful Wisconsin communities with scenery of bluffs, old train depots and miles of wildflowers. View a map of the Badger State Trail here.
Capital City State Trail (State Trail Pass Required)
As Fitchburg’s neighbor, Madison is just a trail away. The Capital City Trail is a paved trail and tours suburban and real Fitchburg as well as Madison. It links to urban Madison and takes you around lake Monona’s loop and beyond.
Cannonball Path (No Pass Required)
The Cannonball Path is a paved trail constructed on the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad corridor that runs from the Beltline to McKee Road, near the intersection of Verona Road. Construction of a bicycle overpass of the Beltline Highway was completed in 2013 and makes for easy crossing of the highway. This trail is a joint effort between the City of Fitchburg and the City of Madison. Click here to view a PDF of the Cannonball Path.
Military Ridge Path (Free path, No Pass Required)
This path is an extension of the Military Ridge State Trail that connects to the Badger State Trail, Capital City State Trail, Cannonball Path and Southwest Path near Fitchburg’s Arrowhead Park. A bridge over McKee Road to provides a convenient and safe crossing of this four lane divided roadway.
Military Ridge Trail (Pass Required)
41-mile packed gravel trail that travels through Dane and Iowa counties.
Video from Destination Madison and Phil Levin
Fitchburg Famous Bike Roundabout – the Velo UnderRound
The bike roundabout is a two-level interchange among five regional trails, serving Fitchburg, Madison, Verona, and locations throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The roundabout is the convergence of the Capital City State Trail, the Southwest Commuter Trail, Cannonball Path and Military Ridge Path and the Badger State Trail running overhead.
No bike? no problem!
BCycle has arrived in Fitchburg! The bike share program has stations throughout the City of Fitchburg, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels. Electric-assist bikes allow riders of any skill level to navigate hills and long distances with ease. And with convenient station locations, electric bikes are there when you need them and out of the way when you don’t.
Use the buttons below to find out how to use Bcycle, and see a map of all Fitchburg stations! Download the bcycle app for more information.
Mountain Biking in Fitchburg
Bikers can find some excellent mountain biking options at two recreation areas in the city. Quarry Ridge Recreation Area is home to 12 trails for all ability levels, from beginner to advanced. The trails, which total about 4 miles, were recently expanded and now include jumps, berms and wooden features. Quarry Ridge Recreation Area is a free park and can be accessed by bike from the Military Ridge State Trail or by car via a parking area on Fitchrona Road.
Seminole Mountain Bike Area offers 2 miles of riding on beginner to immediate trails located just a mile from Quarry Ridge. Use the Capital City Trail to access these trails. A shelter containing restrooms, water and a permanent bike pump are located on Seminole Highway. Seminole Mountain Bike Area is a popular trail system for fatbiking in the winter.
The Saris Trails are a small bike park located behind the Saris Equipment facility. Because the trails are on private property, you will need to sign a waiver before entering the trail system. By bicycle, the trails are conveniently located just off the Military Ridge bike path at Sprocket Drive between Seminole and Quarry Ridge. There’s an easy flow trail around the perimeter with a couple fun jump lines just off the trail head.