Chippewa River State Trail - Image 1
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Chippewa River State Trail

Eau Claire, United States

A scenic 30-mile paved trail along the Chippewa River, perfect for biking, running, and enjoying nature's beauty.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Chippewa River State Trail - Image 1

Chippewa River State Trail

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 30-mile paved trail along the Chippewa River, perfect for biking, running, and enjoying nature's beauty. Instagram

"Discover picturesque river views and charming bridges on this extensive paved trail. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚴 Paved Path Ahead

The trail is paved from Old Abe trailhead to Cornell, suitable for road bikes.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Trail Connectivity

Connects to Red Cedar State Trail for extended biking adventures.

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic River Views

Scenic River Views

Along the entire trail

Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Chippewa River, perfect for a refreshing outdoor escape.

Instagram
Historic Bridges

Historic Bridges

Approximately 6 miles from Durand

Discover charming bridges offering unique perspectives and photo opportunities.

Instagram
Community Cleanup Efforts

Community Cleanup Efforts

Various points along the trail

Witness and participate in local efforts to keep this beautiful trail pristine.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Paving

Most of the Chippewa River State Trail is paved, making it ideal for road bikes and casual cycling. However, some sections might have minor maintenance issues, so be prepared for varied surfaces. Reddit

Trail Length & Connectivity

This extensive trail spans nearly 30 miles and connects to the Red Cedar State Trail, offering a vast network for longer adventures. Plan your route to maximize your exploration. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warm weather for biking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Clean up the Chippewa River State Trail with us 🫢 We had the sweetest sunny day cleaning up our pretty city, the special place we’re beyond lucky to call home πŸ₯² Love you forever & ever, EC! Trash pickers, gloves, and garbage bags so kindly provided by @ecparksandrec 🌳 @visiteauclaire β˜€οΈ β€’ β€’ β€’ β€’ #eauclaire #eauclairewi #communitycleanup #trashcleanup #eauclairewisconsin
allpawspetwashco
10 likes β€’ 458 views

🚴 Paved Path Ahead

The trail is paved from Old Abe trailhead to Cornell, suitable for road bikes. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Trail Connectivity

Connects to Red Cedar State Trail for extended biking adventures. Instagram

The Chippewa River State Trail starts in Chippewa Falls, WI and ends in Durand, WI. We started in Durand and about 6 miles in we came across this bridge with amazing views. #wisconsin #onlyinwisconsin #biketrail
avw.adventures
6 likes β€’ 185 views
We got a 15K run in mid road trip on the beautiful Chippewa River State Trail! This beauty runs nearly 30iles and continues by connecting to the Red Cedar State Trail. It's more than we can run in one go right now but I look forward to taking it by bike 🚲 #wisconsinstatetrails #wisconsinrailtrails #biketrail #running #runningreels #outwigo #scenicwisconsin
getoutglowup
46 likes β€’ 2.6K views

πŸ’§ Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially on longer rides. No water fountains noted. Instagram

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Comfortable Shoes

Ideal for biking, running, or walking. Instagram

reddit.com

Kayaking the Chippewa river

I just recently got into kayaking, and was wondering if anyone knows if the Chippewa river is navigable from Eau Claire to Lake Pepin? Are there any dams or major rapids? I looked on google but couldn't find too much info.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚴 Paved Path Ahead

The trail is paved from Old Abe trailhead to Cornell, suitable for road bikes. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Trail Connectivity

Connects to Red Cedar State Trail for extended biking adventures. Instagram

πŸ’§ Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially on longer rides. No water fountains noted. Instagram

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Comfortable Shoes

Ideal for biking, running, or walking. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Chippewa River State Trail for its beautiful river views and well-maintained paved surface, making it ideal for biking and running. Some note that amenities can be sparse, and occasional maintenance issues may arise on certain sections. InstagramReddit

What People Like

Scenic river views
Paved trail surface
Trail connectivity

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Occasional maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The Chippewa River State Trail has multiple access points. Popular starting points include trailheads in Chippewa Falls and Durand. You can also access it from the Old Abe Trailhead. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available at the main trailheads. It's advisable to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot. Instagram

Yes, the bike trail from the Old Abe trailhead to Cornell is paved, though maintenance can vary. It's suitable for road bikes with 28mm tires. Reddit

No, the Chippewa River State Trail is a recreational trail designed for non-motorized use like biking, running, and walking. Instagram

The trail stretches between Chippewa Falls and Durand, Wisconsin, offering a scenic route through the Wisconsin countryside. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no permit is required for the Chippewa River State Trail. It's a public state trail. Instagram

There are typically no entrance fees for using the Chippewa River State Trail. Instagram

State trails are generally open from dawn to dusk. Always check local advisories for any specific restrictions. Instagram

No, the trail is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Instagram

The trail is accessible year-round, but conditions can vary significantly with weather. Winter use may be limited to snowshoeing or cross-country skiing depending on snow cover. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is primarily paved, making it smooth for biking and running. Some sections may have minor wear and tear. Reddit

Absolutely! The paved surface and scenic views make it a great choice for a 15K run or longer. Instagram

Restroom availability can be limited. It's best to use facilities at trailheads or plan accordingly. Instagram

Dogs are generally allowed on state trails but must be leashed at all times. Please clean up after your pet. TikTok

Expect beautiful views of the Chippewa River, lush greenery, and charming bridges. Instagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Look for scenic river overlooks and the historic bridges for stunning photo opportunities. Instagram

It's best to stop at designated pull-offs or scenic spots to safely take photos while biking. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most beautiful and dramatic scenery. Instagram

The bridges along the trail offer unique architectural and scenic perspectives. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to state and federal regulations. Check with the Wisconsin DNR for specific rules before flying. Instagram

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