As we start talking about changing leaves, it's good to note that fall colors are…
Sauk County offers excellent rail-to-trail bike routes, including the popular 400 State Trail and Great Sauk State Trail. That said, there are also some nice low traffic road routes as well. One of our favorite rides is Levee Road, a 9.8-mile stretch from County T just north of Baraboo to Highway 33 in Columbia County.
Designated as Rustic Road 49 by the Wisconsin DOT, this 20-mile out-and-back route traverses beautiful prairies, savannas, and marshlands along the Wisconsin River’s south shore. The Aldo Leopold Foundation has been instrumental in restoring much of the landscape, making it a haven for wildlife.
Sandhill Cranes and white-tailed deer are frequently spotted in the area, and the route offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over the river. Free parking is available at various gravel lots along the route, although there is no parking at either endpoint.
Levee Road passes through the Pine Island Wildlife Area, a 5,499-acre property encompassing diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, oak savannas, and wooded areas. 
The area is also a popular birding destination within the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area (IBA).
If you’re looking for a scenic, mostly flat, low-traffic bike route that immerses you in the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes this season, Levee Road is definitely worth exploring.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
Related Posts
