Experience Bayfield in a new way – on two wheels. The pavement and the dirt are calling.

Yes, Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Its hills are laced with historic fruit farms and orchards. And the New England-style “harbor town” remind you of a Hallmark movie. But a new scene is rising and May is the perfect time to beat the rush and busy parking lots.

Bayfield’s bike scene is a hidden gem. Its landscape mixes Lake Superior vistas and picturesque fruit farms. Hills for those needing a challenge and flat island landscapes for those looking for a more leisurely ride.

Bayfield boasts both road biking and mountain biking. Let us do some of the work for you and help you plan the best trip Bayfield can offer on two wheels.

Road Biking in Bayfield, WI

Imagine this. You arrive in town late in the afternoon. You park your car and check-in. Seagull Bay is the perfect hub to start your road biking adventures. Leave your car and forget it ALL weekend.

Change into your chamois and bike the county J loop. A little over 8 miles, it’s perfect for a late afternoon or evening ride. You climb into the orchard hills outside of Bayfield. Wind through apple and cherry orchards and berry farms with Apostle Island views.

Worried about the hills? What goes up must come down, after all. And no matter what way you go up you will come down and coast into town to settle in for the evening.

On day 2 we have a couple of rides to suggest.

The first is a ride around the Bayfield Peninsula. Head south on Highway 13 into Washburn. Take a right onto county C and pedal through Chequamegon National Forest. Halfway through you descend into the small fishing village of Cornucopia.

Stop for lunch and a latte before you start your second leg of the trip. After lunch, follow Lake Superior’s shoreline north on 13 into Red Cliff.

Immediately on the right-hand side in Red Cliff is the Copper Crow Distillery. They specialize in distilling whiskey and vodka, and their hand-mixed cocktails feature local ingredients. Don’t worry your almost back to Bayfield – so one or two signature drinks won’t hurt. 😉

If you’re eager to log miles on the saddle this ride is for you. You’ll finish the day with a little over 50 miles logged on Strava.

Looking for something more relaxed? Start your morning by riding to the Madeline Island Ferry. Take the 20-minute ride to Madeline Island where you find a flat and forgiving landscape.

Soak up the vibe and culture on the largest of the Apostle Islands where things move a little slower.

There’s a 6-mile ride from the ferry boat landing to Big Bay State Park. At Big Bay, you encounter one of the largest and most pristine Lake Superior beaches.

Don’t rush back too soon. Before you catch the ferry stop at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe. This bar has loads of personality and willl complete your island adventure. Like the name suggests it has burnt down twice – at least.

Make the most of your Bayfield cycling experience by checking out the link below for the North Coast Cycling Association. This bike club has worked hard with area governments and businesses to build infrastructure and events that support cycling.

Mt. Ashwabay CAMBA Trail Cluster in Bayfield

If dirt is more your style the Mt. Ashwabay CAMBA trail cluster will be the ticket. With nearly 20 miles of single track it has green, blue, and black trails that aim to please.

There are two trailheads to choose from. Mt. Ashwabay Trailhead is located at the top of Ski Hill Road. And Whiting Road Trailhead is a few miles down Whiting Road off of Highway 13.

After you arrive in town shuttle your bikes to the Mt. Ashwabay Trail Head. Climb to the top of Mt. Ashwabay and look over the Pikes Creek watershed, Lake Superior, and view a few of the 22 Apostle Islands. On a clear day, you can even see the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan.

On day 2 kick off your ride from the Whiting Road trailhead. Tsuga (pronounced SOO-GAH) Daddy is a crowd-pleaser. This 6-mile intermediate loop has it all. This flow trail features fun downhills, jump lines, and a few rock gardens in our beautiful Bayfield County forests.

Don’t worry if you’re looking for something a little shorter. You can easily access other trails from this trailhead.

Bike Rentals and Repairs in Bayfield WI

Want a biking adventure, but need a bike? No problem. Check out Howl Adventure Center south of town. They’ll take care of all your biking needs – from bike rentals to repairs, clothing, and accessories. You can rent road, mountain, and e-bikes to ride Bayfield in a style that suits you.

Need a post-ride brew? Bikes and beer are like peanut butter and jelly.

Adventure Club Brewing is Bayfield’s first microbrewery. Located next to Howl Adventure Center it’s the perfect place to celebrate your day in the saddle.

Park and Ride from Seagull Bay Lakeside Motel

Seagull Bay Lakeside Motel offers an ideal spot to park and ride all weekend long.

We offer traditional-style motel rooms with modern touches and old-school charm.

At night let Lake Superior be your sound machine as the waves crash on the shore below. In the morning watch the sunrise over Madeline Island as you sip your hot cup of coffee on your private balcony.

We provide all the comforts you need to rest and recoup for your next ride.

We make it easier for you to experience Bayfield in a way that only pavement or dirt can provide. A vacation on two wheels.

Come visit us and take advantage of our May Promo!

Stay 2 nights at Seagull Bay – A Lakeside Motel in May and receive 10% off! (excludes Memorial Day weekend, family units, and can’t be used in conjunction with other promotions)

Use promo code: MAMAS22

BOOK NOW before this promotion runs out on May 26th.

We are ready to greet you!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks

QUICK LINKS:

North Coast Cycling Association

CAMBA – Mt. Ashwabay Cluster Map

Howl Adventure Center

Adventure Club Brewing

Copper Crow Distillery