Wisconsin has launched Wisconsin Gravel, a statewide network of gravel cycling routes anchored by the Granite Belt in central Wisconsin, marking a coordinated effort to link rural roads, communities and recreational corridors into a single branded destination for cyclists.
Around the initiative is the Granite Belt, a riding region in Northcentral Wisconsin featuring more than 1,000 miles of red granite roads and 16 established routes spanning Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, and Shawano counties.
Designed to meet the growth of gravel cycling, now the fastest-growing segment of biking in the United States, the Wisconsin Gravel network transforms thousands of miles of rural roads into a unified, branded destination experience.
“This is about more than building trails—it’s about building a destination,” Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau, said in a press release.
“Wisconsin has always had the raw assets. What we’ve done is organize them into a system that makes it easy for riders from across the country to discover, explore, and basecamp their adventure here,” White added.
Early data from Zartico shows approximately 19% of users are traveling from more than 50 miles away, underscoring early traction as a visitor draw.
“Gravel riders are looking for authenticity, exploration, and connection to place,” said Bill Bertram, outdoor recreation advocate and project partner. “What Wisconsin has—especially in the Granite Belt—is something you simply can’t replicate. The quality of the riding surface, the variety of landscapes, and the welcoming communities make this a truly national-caliber destination.”
Rather than relying on newly built trail systems, Wisconsin Gravel utilizes existing public roadways to reduce development expenses while expanding accessibility and scalability. The effort extends across several regions, with 11 designated gravel areas planned statewide to form a network aimed at driving repeat visits and extended stays.
The routes are structured to offer more than cycling, directing riders through farms, forests, rivers, historic landmarks, and small-town settings that reflect the state’s character.
“We’re setting the table for something much bigger,” White said. “This is about positioning Wisconsin as one of the top gravel biking destinations in the United States—and giving people a reason to visit, stay longer, and come back again.”