Gravel Cycling Near Hayward & Cable

200+ miles of mapped gravel routes through quiet forest roads and rolling terrain in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

The Hayward/Cable area has become one of the top gravel riding destinations in the Midwest. The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) has mapped over 200 miles of gravel routes across Sawyer and Bayfield Counties, winding through the national forest, county forests, and quiet rural roads with minimal traffic. Whether you're looking for a quick 20-mile after-work ride or a multi-day bikepacking adventure, the network of forest roads here delivers.

Interactive Route Map

Explore CAMBA gravel routes across the Chequamegon region. Upload your own GPX files, view elevation profiles, and discover new rides.

Featured Routes

Tour de Chequamegon

~100-mile loop

The first Midwest bikepacking route featured on bikepacking.com. A multi-surface loop through waterfalls, forests, and small towns. Can be ridden as a single epic day or a weekend bikepacking trip. Starts from Cable or Telemark Village.

tourdechequamegon.com

CAMBA Gravel Routes

Various distances

CAMBA maintains a dedicated gravel map highlighting popular routes across all communities. Routes range from casual 20-mile loops to full-day adventures. Available for purchase at local bike shops and the Hayward Visitor Center, or online.

cambatrails.org/trails/gravel-riding

Events

Hungry Bear Gravel Race

May (Second Saturday)

Three distances to choose from: Hungry Bear 100 (100 miles), Snacking Bear 60 (60 miles), and the Climbing Cub for a shorter challenge. Hosted by New Moon Ski & Bike out of Hayward.

Tour de Chequamegon Weekend

Summer

A supported group ride of the full Tour de Chequamegon bikepacking loop, organized as a weekend experience with aid stations and camaraderie.

Good to Know

Cell Coverage

Cell service is limited on many forest roads. Download your maps and routes offline before heading out. The Trailforks app has a dedicated gravel map layer with downloadable GPX tracks.

Season

Gravel riding season runs April through November. Spring roads can be soft after snowmelt — mid-May through October is the sweet spot. Winter riders switch to fat biking on CAMBA's groomed winter trails.

Trail Pass

A CAMBA trail pass is required to ride the maintained trail system. Passes support trail building and maintenance. Available at local bike shops or online at cambatrails.org.

Road Conditions

Some routes, especially east of Drummond and north of Namakagon, may be affected by past storms. Check the USFS website or ask at a local bike shop for current road conditions before riding remote routes.

Resources

CAMBA

Official gravel maps, trail info, and pass purchasing.

cambatrails.org

New Moon Ski & Bike

Hayward

Bike sales, rentals, and service. Hosts the Hungry Bear gravel race.

715-634-8685newmoonski.com